Maingear, a high-end gaming PC builder, is tapping into the surging ’90s nostalgia trend with its new Retro98 PC. The machine combines a deliberately outdated aesthetic with state-of-the-art components, offering a unique blend of retro appeal and modern performance.
A Throwback to the Turbo Era
The Retro98’s design explicitly evokes the look of PCs from the late 1990s, complete with a beige chassis. Notably, it includes a “Turbo” button, a callback to the era when users could manually overclock their systems. However, instead of boosting CPU frequency, this button simply activates maximum cooling – a playful nod to the original function without actually altering performance. This detail underscores the machine’s intention as a tribute rather than a true revival of older tech.
Modern Specs in a Retro Package
Beneath the retro exterior, the Retro98 packs powerful hardware. Options include Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series graphics cards, ranging from the RTX 5070 to the RTX 5090, paired with either Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen 9 processors. Storage is handled by fast 1TB or 2TB NvMe SSDs, and the system runs on Windows 11. This combination means that while the case looks like it’s from the ’90s, the internal components are firmly in the present.
Limited Edition and Pricing
Maingear is producing only 32 units of the Retro98, making it a highly exclusive offering. The pricing varies based on the configuration:
- Retro98 5070: $2,499 (Intel Core Ultra 7 265K)
- Retro98 5080: $3,499 (AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D)
- Retro98 5090: $4,999 (AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D)
- Retro98α: $9,799 (AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D)
The Appeal of Nostalgia
The Retro98 taps into the growing trend of reviving ’90s aesthetics in tech. This revival reflects a broader cultural interest in past eras, including music, fashion, and gaming. For some, the beige color and “Turbo” button represent a time when PC modding and overclocking were more accessible and experimental, driving early innovation in the enthusiast community.
The Retro98 is more than just a PC; it’s a statement piece for those who remember or appreciate the aesthetic of late-1990s hardware.
The chassis used in the Retro98, the Silverstone FLP02, is available separately for $299 for those who want to recreate the look on their own builds.
The Retro98 is a niche product that combines nostalgia with high-end performance, catering to enthusiasts and collectors willing to pay a premium for a unique piece of PC history.
