Could you share some more details what the "correct era" is and what you want to do with the computer. Getting a mid 2000xp system will be simple. Building a 286 with new old stock will cost you a fortune if you even find the parts at all....

Aui wrote on 2024-02-21, 13:19:

Could you share some more details what the "correct era" is and what you want to do with the computer. Getting a mid 2000xp system will be simple. Building a 286 with new old stock will cost you a fortune if you even find the parts at all....

Yeah should have elaborated. My first PC was in 1997 and came with Windows 95 - it was a Packard Bell with a Pentium II (Slot 1 if I remember correctly). The second one was in the early 2000s (Pentium III?) and came with Windows XP. It'll mostly be for tinkering with and playing with old software - nothing serious.

It definitely doesn't need to be a newly-built one with new old stock - that was just an idea, but I'm more than happy with an old PC that has been reconditioned to replace caps, remove corrosion etc to make it fit for use without having to delve into electronics. At that point, I'm happy to source extra parts I might like to add, like specific sound cards, drives etc but I don't want to spend loads of time making it even start.

I see. I dont know if such business exist in the UK. You can sometimes find "refurbished" PCs online but those are usually much more recent models. It is also difficult to offer it as a business (Do you pay someone who unsucessfully tried to get a CD drive open and close properly for 2 hours ?). However, I would also like to disperse your reluctance to try some hardware tinkering:

1) Leaking batteries - for the period you are looking at - 90% of the batteries are coin cells. Changing those is as easy as turning on the water tap and they usually dont leak anyway. Preferentially look for ATX style computers (AT models are still around at that time, and are more likely to contain a Dallas RTC+Battery which you want to avoid)
2) Capacitors - its not as bad as "the internet" makes you think. There were certain models which were prone to this problem - in that case you will see it right away - and should stay away. Most of the boards should be fine (and will even work with fault ones ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g-qSdMIFFQ ). I have attched two pictures from 2 slightly older (than in the video) Dell PII and PIII. On both boards the capacitors look like new - no problem.
3) Retrobrighting - is a pure cosmetic thing and not necessary. Some specific modells dont yellow at all - some do - and you can just judge yourself if you like it or not. Also - at least for your second model - the world has moved on to black plastic or alumina - so no brighting needed.

The question then is - where to get such a machine. In my opinion there are still plenty of them around (I kow some asking prices at ebay make you think otherwise). If you have a recylce center around or some educational institutes, small businesses or schools etc - chances are high they still have some of these machines in the basement or attic. If the computer looks reasonabley good and well looked after - chances are also high it will still work. Otherwise - just buy one where the seller at least demonstrates that it boots up to the "no OS found". The price may be a bit higher - but it will be most likely less than getting it refurbished by a professional.

Thank you - indeed it is reassuring to know that the capacitor issue probably isn't as bad as I thought. I have in all likelihood read too much about people who have spent hours desoldering and replacing all the caps on their retro motherboard! As for batteries, I always remember the batteries I saw being coin cells but again read about these soldered-in Dallas ones and wondered whether it was something I'd have to play with for a while to remove and replace.

This has given me a bit more confidence to look into my first retro build - so thank you again.