So, you want to recreate an authentic retro gaming experience for PC; How difficult is it? Well, while building a modern computer can be complicated, rebuilding a machine from 25 years ago can be even more complicated.
Fortunately, we’ve put together a quick guide to get you started in your search for vintage games. Although it’s worth noting that old parts aren’t always cheap, so keep this in mind as you explore the world of used computer parts.
Let’s start this guide by deciding which era of PC we want to copy. While this may seem like a difficult decision to make, the best way to do it is to think about the type of games you really want to play.
For example, if you really want to play early 3D platformers like Tomb Raider, you’ll be able to use the game’s recommended system requirements to narrow down your options.
With that in mind, if we wanted a computer that could run Lara’s first flight, we’d need to build with an SVGA video card and a Pentium 60MHz processor.
Should you build a retro gaming PC?
Now, I know what you’re thinking; Why should you build an old computer?
Well, while many classic titles from the ’90s and early 2000s are available on Steam and GOG, there’s no guarantee that the experience will be smooth on a modern device.
So, if you are looking for a reliable PC experience, your best bet is to use devices belonging to your desired era of your choice.
Ultimately, this is what will help you decide exactly which PC specs you should build and what kind of nostalgic experience you aim to hone.
what to buy
Classic graphics and primitive processors
As you might expect, there are a huge number of graphics cards on the second hand market. Fear not, however, for this particular design we’ll be looking at early VGA cards with 3D capability specifically, which should narrow our options.
If you had a gaming PC in the ’90s, you probably remember cards like 3dfx’s Voodoo series, which dominated the market for a while.
However, there were other options from the likes of ATI and Nvidia. Therefore, you should be able to find a card template that fits both your technical needs and budget requirements.
Of course, your device to progress will need some brains as well as gaming power. Therefore, you will need a processor source that matches the specifications of your device.
Since your design will likely be from the late ’90s/early 2000s, you’ll probably want to choose something like the Intel Pentium 2, which is capable of speeds up to 450MHz. Trust us it was pretty cool in the ’90s.
Of course, the next item on our old agenda is memory. Don’t worry, fortunately RAM hasn’t changed much since the golden age of computer gaming.
Basically, you’ll want to fill the motherboard’s DIMM slots with 512MB of PC100 RAM. Why 512MB? While you’ll likely get away with using more, classic operating systems like Windows 98 are a bit moody.
Operating systems, drives, and audio devices
Speaking of operating systems, you’ll need one! While we explicitly mentioned Windows 98 above, you can also opt for the likes of Windows XP, which should still be compatible with both Windows and DOS games.
If you are installing a physical copy of Windows, you will also need a suitable optical drive. By installing the Floppy/CD/DVD drive, you will be able to install any version of Windows you have chosen and any actual PC games.
As for what you are going to install Windows on, you can try to get an old IDE hard drive that is typical of what will be used at the time. However, we highly recommend using an adapter that allows you to use a compact flash card instead.
Not only will it be faster and quieter, but it will also save you from trying to find a working drive from somewhere. It’s harder than you think!
PC audio capabilities are something we take for granted these days. However, for this version you will need a dedicated sound card source. weird right?
Well, maybe not. A good sound card will breathe life into your video games, whether it’s early 3D games or DOS classics.
Displays and accessories
Now that we have the main components of the method, let’s talk about the accessories. For starters, you’ll want to have a screen.
While, in theory, you could use a modern VGA-compatible monitor, you might want to consider an older CRT display, you know, just to maintain a certain level of legacy authenticity.
Ironically aside, there is something magical about how the CRT handles old resolution, graphics, and color palettes, so getting one is well worth it.
Once you’ve decided on the screen, now is the time to choose the time capsule shell. While picking a case is usually first on any hardware builder’s agenda, leaving it until the end can prevent many headaches.
From an aesthetic point of view, it allows you to choose a case that matches your CRT monitor, whether you’re going for a classic beige color or a sleek mid-2000s black pallet.
More importantly, choosing a case last also allows you to plan in terms of space. After all, you’ll want to make sure that whatever case you choose has enough room for all those cool old components.
Well, let’s wrap up our shopping list with some possibilities and endings. Since most CRT monitors lack audio output, we’ll need a nifty pair of two-way speakers.
Of course, most speakers are compatible with even the oldest sound cards because they usually come with 3.5mm output jacks.
However, if you want to achieve the ultimate beige computer setup of the ’90s, you may want to take a trip to eBay in search of a vintage set. I mean, who wouldn’t want weirdly shaped speakers surrounding you on your desk?
Anyway, all you need now is a PS/2 compatible keyboard and mouse, and we’re ready to piece this old PC puzzle together.
How do you build?
Assemble your dream retro machine
Before we start piecing together our remnants of old games, there’s another component essential to the entire architecture – the motherboard.
In fact, just like with modern computers, you’ll have to make sure you choose the parts based on your motherboard’s compatibility. By making sure your board matches the processor socket type (say, the 440BX chipset) and has enough PCI slots, you should be able to avoid any mid-build tearing.
If you use this guide as a craft step-by-step instruction, you will likely be sitting in front of a bunch of old computer components. If so, here are some steps that should help you get everything up and running.
what are you expecting
performance expectations
If you have based your old PC on a particular game, you should be able to enjoy the smooth performance and gameplay. You may find that games run better on this older device, thanks to the increased compatibility.
For example, the classic 3D Edios software, The Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, has many issues when running on a modern Windows 10 machine. However, if it’s running on a system with the recommended original requirements, it’s likely to be The result is a vastly superior experience.
However, having access to a specific set of recommended specs is something of an Achilles heel, especially when it comes to playing a wide variety of titles.
After all, Moore’s Law is a big thing, and there’s a reason why our technology has upgraded since the 1990s. However, if you pay attention to the minimum spec requirements and choose games from the same era as the assembled computer, you should be able to get the most out of your old hardware.