Intel486dx33 wrote on 2022-06-26, 09:37:Retro computer enthusiast is suppose to be about “research and experiencing the past to know the future”.
Its NOT about exploiti […]
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Retro computer enthusiast is suppose to be about “research and experiencing the past to know the future”.
Its NOT about exploiting the purchase value of the hardware.
Its about the software and games.
The hardware is not relevant. The hardware is just about “Speed and Performance” of the software.
And driver compatibility.
The hardware should be transparent to the user of the computer.
That was the mindset of Apple and IBM. To make the computer “EASY” to use.
You don’t have to be a computer engineer to use a computer.
When I build a computer I put “Compatibility FIRST” and Performance last.
Although you do want good performance compatibility is more important.
You want your hardware to work and be compatible with the software and games you are going to run.
In retro computers its NOT about SPEED but about compatibility.
Some DOS games run better SLOW and others need more boost for better frame rates.
Most 8bit and 16bit sound cards perform fine at slow speeds but 32 bit and 64 bit sound cards may require a Pentium class CPU.
So Ideally, for best DOS game play compatibility and performance you want a First gen. Pentium 75 thru 233 or AMD K6-2 or K6-3 CPU.
Of which can be slowed down to 386 and 486 speeds by disabling cache in bios.
So you really don’t need those old 486 and older computers for good DOS game play.
Sure but some people like older period correct stuff , I've got a nice 233MMX swiss army DOS pc with a bajilion cards to cover a bunch of stuff, but who am I to tell other people that prefer a 386 or 486 that they're wrong.
I don't think people being attached to a certain generation of PC is wrong , If anything id say the hardware is moreso the crux of everything, since if you want ease of use you could just use emulation through PCEM or DOSBOX or ScummVM if hardware isn't an issue.
And you seem to be contradicting yourself afterwards with the whole speed is the problem child and not compatibility thing since the problem -is- compatibility , more so than even performance to a huge fault.
See the issue is people want compatibility to run 3dfx glide games or have sound blaster pro compatibility or Roland mt32 support. And sellers know this so they jack up the prices knowing they can squeeze a desperate person who wants a experience real MPU 401 interface with a real MT32 , they want to make you crawl so you can have a taste of that retro dopamine hit.
The compatible stuff is usually what gets pay gated baring rare exceptions like S3 Trio cards being so abundant that prices are still nice and low. The more niche it gets the worse the price becomes , if say you want an Adlib Gold to experience Dune "as intended" you need to spend unfathomable amounts.
Ditto for the gravis ultrasound.
So you can build a much faster computer no problem , hell even a socket 370 with ISA slots, but the further you move away the more compatibility bites you in the arse and again people know this so that's where the silly prices begin to take hold , supply and demand.
I don't think people should be crucified just because they think a Tandy 1000 is quaint. Ideally all this old crap shouldn't cost extreme amounts and everyone should be able to enjoy what they pick and choose but unfortunately that's not how the market works.
Thankfully Vogons has dedicated people who want to reverse engineer everything so at least people have other options as compatible hardware gets more expensive.