HSP56 was common on Compaq Deskpro and Presario models (e.g., Presario 5000 series). HP still hosts a hidden archive.
Right-click the device and select Update Driver .
The HSP56 was primarily a Modem (dial-up internet), not a Sound Card. However, because it was a "Host Signal Processing" device, it used the computer's CPU to function.
Extremely limited. You may have to force-install a Windows XP driver using Compatibility Mode. hsp56 sound card driver link
If you are restoring an older computer or fixing a legacy audio system, you have likely encountered the HSP56 chipset. This hardware component was incredibly popular in computers built during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Finding a working today can be incredibly frustrating. This article will help you locate the safe software files you need to restore your vintage computer's sound. What is the HSP56 Chipset?
Disclaimer: Driver downloads from third-party sites should be scanned for viruses before installation. The links provided are for informational purposes based on available records. If you'd like, let me know: What you are using
If you cannot find a direct link, use the Hardware ID to pinpoint the exact driver vendor: Open . Right-click the missing audio device and select Properties . Go to the Details tab. Select Hardware Ids from the dropdown menu. HSP56 was common on Compaq Deskpro and Presario models (e
If you are restoring a retro gaming rig running Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows XP, locating a working HSP56 sound card driver link can be incredibly challenging. Because PC-Tel was acquired by Conexant long ago, official manufacturer repositories no longer exist.
If you are encountering issues, it is often due to the unique nature of "modem-sound" cards.
This is one of the most common versions found on PCI sound cards. You can often use the standard CMI8738 audio drivers for the sound portion of these cards. Find these on the C-Media Download Center The Retro Web PCtel (HSP56 MR) The HSP56 was primarily a Modem (dial-up internet),
This is the most common error with HSP56 chipsets. It usually means the driver version matches the modem side of the chip but not the audio side. Try downloading a C-Media CMI8738 driver instead, as many HSP56 audio systems used this exact logical layout. No Sound in DOS Games
Since official manufacturer websites are no longer maintained, driver files are now hosted on third-party archives. A few options are available, which, as of April 2026, remain functional starting points for your search.
The is typically part of a combined modem/audio chipset (often from PCTEL, C-Media, or SiS) that uses "Host Signal Processing" to handle audio and modem functions through the computer's CPU. Finding reliable links for these legacy drivers requires matching the specific manufacturer—such as Intel , SiS , or VIA —as the drivers are not interchangeable. Direct Download Links by Manufacturer