Post Your Retro Gaming PC Build Thread

[MonsterMawd]

Hi guys, I cleared this post with admin, _Johnny5

I have I've started a Retro PC build series on my YT

I'm planning 2 -3 more videos and asking for photos of PC builds from 1995 - 2005. (for photo montages at end of videos)

I will include at least one of your photos and credit your ars screen name in the video. (or real name, just tell me what you prefer)

Photos can be taken today, but All hardware must be from 1995 - 2005 era, including the case.

here's ep 1

[video="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYDM7CQQ4wE&t=4s"][/video]

 

[MonsterMawd]

y2k_se's retro setup

Inwin A500 Case
ASUS P2B v1.12 Motherboard
Intel Pentium III 1 GHz Coppermine CPU SL4KL
256 MB PC133 RAM
80 GB Western Digital IDE (one of the 7200RPM 8MB cache versions)
32x HP 9100-series CDRW
12x Creative DVD-ROM
Matrox G400
2x VooDoo 2 12 MB
Creative AWE 64 Value
Linksys PCI NIC

 

[MonsterMawd]

whoisit's Lian Li Aluminum case (forget the model)
Asus A7N8X nForce 2 motherboard
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (yay Barton core)
Creative Audigy 2 soundcard (that motherboard didn't come with the awesome nForce2 soundstorm codec

 

[MonsterMawd]

y2k_se's PC system

Inwin A500 Case
ASUS P2B v1.12 Motherboard
Intel Pentium III 1 GHz Coppermine CPU SL4KL
256 MB PC133 RAM
80 GB Western Digital IDE (one of the 7200RPM 8MB cache versions)
32x HP 9100-series CDRW
12x Creative DVD-ROM
Matrox G400
2x VooDoo 2 12 MB
Creative AWE 64 Value
Linksys PCI NIC

 

[MonsterMawd]

FYI guys, In my next episode, I share this awesome find on Ebay, (New in Box) Chenbro Workstation Case from 2004 for $49.95 Shipped!

I have no doubt they will sell out quickly, once my ep3 gets published, either friday or this monday, depending on my time to get the editing finished.

Your retro build photos will be featured in ep4. I will share that episode link here, once it's published.

 

[MonsterMawd]

My SR209 workstation from 2004 arrived, and WOW! that "New Box smell" brings back so many memories. I forgot about the great features Chenbro offered!

$49.95 Shipped!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-Chenbro-SR209-White-ATX-Tower-Chassis-Server-Workstation/142627851418?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649


Flashback Smiles!
*overall construction, fit and finish of everything is excellent
*120mm exhaust for 2004 was a big deal.
*kensington side panel lock
*locking front bezel
*front bezel quick release latch!
*tool-less fan holders
*optional hot swap HD bay

Flashback Frowns!
*No access to back of motherboard. The Top and right sides are ONE panel (non-removable). This may explain the warehouse full of new SR209s from 2004.
*No filters. (Recalling why Jim Hanson from Coolcases sold thousands of fan filters during this era)

Obviously the smiles outweighed the frowns, but I still haven't decided if I want to do full-on retro gaming pc build or use modern hardware, or cannibalize it's bezel for another "retro-look" project with the Fractal Design S2. In any case it was only $50 for a friday night flashback experience.

 

[MonsterMawd]

Lots of options if you don't mind picking up a power drill and have arsenal of hole saw attachments with an arbor.

Easiest to most time consuming air cool mods for the Chenbro SR209

1. Swap to higher CFM 120mm exhaust fan
*120mm Scythe Gentle Typhoon, https://www.coolerguys.com/products/gentletyphoon-120mm-silent-case-fan-series-d1225c12b-1450-1850-2150-and-4250-rpm
*Fractal design Venturi HP, https://www.amazon.com/Fractal-Design-Venturi-HP-14-FD-FAN-VENT-HP14-PWM-BK/dp/B00VYEI17U
*Corsair SP fans, https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181027

2. Add 120mm or 140mm fan to floor, and raise chassis with large feet
3. Add 1 or 2 80/92mm fans to right side panel, toward front, ala Jim Hanson at Coolcases style
4. Add exhaust fan(s) to left access panel (not my fav option, must disconnect fan wires for access)

(Note: Your PSU intake fan in the SR209 fan will also help with cooling, as warm air exists thru the PSU as well)