First post, by Nick4
I’ve got my first computer in late 1997. It was 486DX2 machine with insane 20 Mb of RAM and 512 Mb HDD. And my dream machine at that time was Pentium 200 MMX, but I never got it. So I decided to make my dream come true 20 years later =)
I wanted period correct performance, but also I wanted “like new” appearance and comfort to use machine. So it is not 100% period correct build, uses some compromises and newer hardware, but looks new and retro at same time=)
System specs:
CPU: Intel Pentium MMX 200 MHz
MB: Asus TXP4 Motherboard
RAM: 32 Mb
Video: S3 Virge DX + Diamond Monster 3D 3Dfx Voodoo 4mb
Audio: Creative SoundBlaster AWE64 ISA
HDD: 4 Gb CompactFlash (CF to IDE Adapter)
Network: Realtek RTL8029(AS) PCI
CD: Asus CD-S520/A5
FDD: NEC 3,5"
PSU: Chieftec GPA-350S ATX
Case: InWin V-551 mATX
Case & PSU:
New old stock InWin V-551 mATX case. I think it is 2003-2005, so it would be better for PIII-PIV build, but it is the best what i could find new. Still looks pretty retro=)
This case doesn`t have mounting holes for baby-AT motherboard, so i had to do it myself.
Manage cables like it is 1997!
Also no i/o shield and only 4 extension slots.
Asus TXP4 have both AT and ATX connectors, so i`ve got new Chieftec GPA-350S ATX PSU. The stock fan was too loud and i replaced it with Scythe Slip Stream 120 mm 800 rpm fan.
CPU Cooler
Got this cooler new old stock. This is some generic socket 7 cooler. The stock fan was too loud, replaced it with Scythe Mini Kaze 50 mm, but it is loud too. Looking for a solution.
Storage
Got Asus CD-S520/A5 CD-ROM, NEC FDD and mobile rack, all new old stock. All 2004. Mobile rack adds some retro touch, i think=)
I use CF to IDE Adapter with 4 GB CompactFlash card in mobile rack. So i have easy access to CF at front of the case and adapter does not occupy extension slot.
Mouse
Microsoft OEM Mouse PS/2 with ball, new old stock.
Keyboard
BTC 5140 DIN keyboard. Got it in very nasty condition. Couple hours of cleaning/washing and it is much better. Plastic is biege, but i think it is original color, cause it is the same inside.
I like the layout of this keyboard, but want to replace it with Microsoft Natural Keyboard, when i find one new or in excellent condition.
Monitor
Nec MultiSync LCD 1770NX. This is 2005 monitor. Not new, but in excellent condition. Of course, i`d like to get CRT monitor, but i don`t have room for it. And period correct LCD monitors are crap=)
In 2005 it costed $550, now i`ve got it for 15 bucks in thrift shop=)
Final look
It took 6 months to find all hardware and build this machine. I like retro look and feel, also i like new old stock hardware i used.
The speakers is Yamaha NX-50. This is modern speakers, but looks pretty oldschool and sounds great=)
What i want to do next:
— Replace S3 Virge with some real GPU=) Diamond Monster 3D card was added
— Get Microsoft Natural Keyboard Done
— Make the CPU cooler silent Done
— DIY i/o shield
— Get period correct speakers Done
— Replace black VGA and power cables with grey ones
PS. Sorry for my english, it is not my native language=)