Retro Gaming PC Packs Modern Power in Beige 1998 Case

Maingear just turned the clock back to 1998 with a gaming PC that looks straight out of your childhood bedroom, complete with a beige tower and turbo button that actually works.

The Retro98 looks like it belongs next to a dial-up modem and a Phantom Menace poster. But pop open the case and you'll find bleeding-edge tech that can handle any modern game you throw at it. The hand-built tower even includes throwback details like an LED fan-speed display, a power-lockout key, and front ports hidden behind the company logo.

Don't let the retro exterior fool you. The top-tier model packs a Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor, GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB of storage. Maingear describes their maxed-out version as "unapologetically overkill," featuring open-loop liquid cooling that would make any 1998 computer builder jealous.

The company is only making 38 of these machines total: 32 standard builds and six premium "Alpha" units. Once they're gone, Maingear says they won't produce more. Pricing starts at $2,499 for the base model and climbs to $9,799 for the fully loaded Alpha version with liquid cooling.

Why This Inspires

This project shows how creativity and nostalgia can merge with cutting-edge technology. Maingear didn't just slap modern parts in an old case. They thoughtfully recreated the details that made 90s computers special, from working turbo buttons to hidden I/O ports, proving that innovation doesn't always mean leaving the past behind.

For tech enthusiasts who can't justify the premium price, there's hope. The build uses a SilverStone FLP02 case that anyone can purchase separately. DIY builders can create their own nostalgia trip without the designer price tag.

The Retro98 proves that sometimes looking backward helps us appreciate how far we've come.