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Using CHD Files with ePSXe: The Ultimate Guide

If you are looking to streamline your PlayStation 1 library, using CHD files is the best modern solution. While ePSXe has been the standard for PS1 emulation for years, setting it up with the newer CHD format requires specific steps.

Here is everything you need to know about running CHD files on ePSXe.

Part 7: The Future – Should You Switch to CHD for ePSXe?

Let’s be realistic. ePSXe has not seen a major stable update in years (the team has been silent on CHD front). The world of emulation is moving toward DuckStation and RetroArch. epsxe chd files

However, if you are a die-hard ePSXe fan for its specific GPU plugins (Pete’s OpenGL2, etc.), here is my recommendation:

1. Archive your collection as CHD. It is future-proof and verified by MAME databases.
2. Keep a small "Play" folder of BIN/CUE files for games you are actively playing on ePSXe.
3. Use a batch script to extract CHD to BIN/CUE on demand.

Performance & accuracy (if converted)

If you convert CHD → bin/cue and play on ePSXe: Using CHD Files with ePSXe: The Ultimate Guide

• Load times: Identical to bin/cue (ePSXe doesn’t benefit from compression at runtime)
• Audio: Works fine if cuesheet is correct
• Save states: Unaffected
• Cheats/compatibility: Same as bin/cue

What is a CHD File?

CHD (Compressed Hunks of Data) is a lossless compression format originally developed by MAME. For PlayStation games, it offers significant advantages over traditional file formats:

1. Space Saving: CHD files compress game data significantly, saving hard drive space without losing any game data.
2. Single File: Unlike BIN/CUE formats, which often split a game into multiple tracks (Track 1.bin, Track 2.bin, etc.), a CHD file condenses the entire game into one single file.
3. Lossless: The compression is mathematically identical to the original disc data, meaning no quality is lost.

Workaround 2: Conversion to ePSXe's Native Format (Best Method)

Since ePSXe reads standard .bin files perfectly, the best workflow is to keep your master library in CHD and extract on the fly (or convert temporarily) for ePSXe. However, that is tedious. The real trick is using a "Virtual Drive" or simply batch-converting CHD back to BIN/CUE only for ePSXe. Archive your collection as CHD

But there is a better way: Use a modern frontend. If you are absolutely married to ePSXe's specific GPU plugins (like Pete's OpenGL) that aren't available in other emulators, you should convert your CHD files to the PBP (PSP Eboot) format instead. ePSXe handles PBP files natively, and they are similarly compressed.

However, if you want CHD specifically:

The reality check: Most hardcore ePSXe users have switched to DuckStation for CHD support, then exported their GPU settings. But if you refuse to switch, you must decompress your CHDs.