Version scope and comparison basis
Sources checked on:
PCPIN (PC-Pin): PCPIN Chat 3.1.5 from the chat_v315.zip package offered on SourceForge, README.txt and INSTALL.txt. This is not a blanket comparison with PCPIN 6.x or private modifications.
SPChat: Download version 1.0.7 for self-hosting. The linked product documentation and license form the basis for its details.
Unknown means that the checked sources do not establish the detail. It does not mean that a feature is absent. This documentation comparison contains no common performance or security tests.
Features and operation compared
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| Criterion | PCPIN (PC-Pin) | SPChat |
|---|---|---|
| License and usage rights | Unknown | Domain-bound single-site license; non-transferable [3] |
| Documented PHP requirement | PHP 4 in the README; PHP 8 compatibility: Unknown [2] | PHP 8.2 or newer [4] |
| Database / storage | MySQL; profiles and settings stored in the database [2] | MySQL or MariaDB, InnoDB and utf8mb4 [4] |
| Text message transport | Browser refresh according to the README [2] | SSE; HTTP polling fallback [5] |
| Rooms | Permanent admin rooms and temporary user-created rooms [2] | Permanent and temporary rooms, optional passwords [5] |
| Private messages | Private messages in separate pop-up windows [2] | Inbox and dockable chat windows; controlled by group permissions [5] |
| Moderation | Ignore feature and admin interface; further tools: Unknown [2] | Kick, ban, IP bans, word filter and audit log [5] |
| Customization | Unknown | Custom CSS and optional JavaScript in the admin panel [3] |
| Website integration | Unknown | Widgets and optional WEB-PHP CMS module [6][7] |
Which PCPIN version is covered?
PCPIN is also searched as PC-Pin. The accessible original archive contains version 3.1.5. Its README lists profiles, user-created rooms and private messages. It specifies PHP 4 and MySQL, along with browser frames and JavaScript.
These statements apply to 3.1.5. Current licensing, PHP 8 compatibility and the features of later PCPIN releases are Unknown from the original sources checked here. Missing documentation is not proof that a feature is absent.
Before switching from PC-Pin
Identify your chat version first. A locally modified PCPIN 6.x installation cannot be assessed using the 3.1.5 README. Record the rooms, profiles, permissions and integrations you actually use.
SPChat also offers permanent and temporary rooms and private messages. Its interface and data structures differ. Try the live demo and plan a separate test installation. Transferring your PCPIN data requires a review of the database and password formats.
SPChat Download costs
SPChat Download costs €99.99* once, including one year of update access. Update access can then be renewed optionally for €39* per year. The installed version remains usable. Your own hosting and its costs are separate. There are no artificial user or room limits; server resources determine capacity. See the pricing page for details.
Sources and limitations
Sources relate to the scope stated above. Historical documentation does not confirm current PHP compatibility. Later versions and private modifications may differ.