TinPlat wrote on 2026-06-04, 13:38:

This is a very impressive and highly organized collection. The idea to build a "pseudo 386" PC by underclocking a Pentium MMX and disabling its caches is quite clever. It's a great way to get that kind of performance without rare vintage hardware.

Thanks. I can't claim credit for that idea. I stole it from PhilsComputerLab.

geordiepingu wrote on 2026-06-04, 13:49:

I like the idea of the cupboard, but I could imagine the monitor, keyboard, and mouse placement would mean it's perhaps not as enjoyable for long-session use. Have you thought about breaking out the I/O+Screen to a separate desk? I only say this as I have spent a load of effort to try and reuse my existing standing desk for all of my machines, to try and maintain a small footprint and also still have all the ergonomic things that allow me to enjoy using a computer.

Following vicariously. As much as I suggest an external desk, I think an internal tray at the same height as my real desk would be a great place to store my Compaq Portable so it is usable... Inspiring me to think about one in my new home office, I'd like the idea of having the machines on roller sliders so they are easy to pull out and mend (or in my likely case - reset the CMOS when I've overclocked a bit too far...!)

Really looking forward to seeing the end product

Thanks! Yes, I have tried to consider ergonomics. The pull out drawer is the same height as my desk. The top of the monitor will be about the same height as my eyes. Will find out later how it is in reality.

Next to the cupboard there is boxed area in the room, as stairs come up underneath:

I removed boxing with the intention of building my modern gaming PC into it, and having a sit/stand desk to the side:

This is the layout of the whole office. Very small, as you see:

Thisis a cool project. To fit 8 computers in a small space and have them all ready to go without having to switch cables on e verything. I am trying to accomplish a similar thing with 6 computers. but Im using a desk , I just a KVM and i want to network them all as well, so while everything is set up for the moment, i just need to set up the kvm next so that i can easily switch what computer i use depending on what games I want to play

Law212 wrote on 2026-06-04, 18:01:

Thisis a cool project. To fit 8 computers in a small space and have them all ready to go without having to switch cables on e verything. I am trying to accomplish a similar thing with 6 computers. but Im using a desk , I just a KVM and i want to network them all as well, so while everything is set up for the moment, i just need to set up the kvm next so that i can easily switch what computer i use depending on what games I want to play

That's the dream! Good luck with your project. The main issues I think will be managing the cabling and managing the heat.

RetroPCCupboard wrote on 2026-06-04, 18:20:

Law212 wrote on 2026-06-04, 18:01:

Thisis a cool project. To fit 8 computers in a small space and have them all ready to go without having to switch cables on e verything. I am trying to accomplish a similar thing with 6 computers. but Im using a desk , I just a KVM and i want to network them all as well, so while everything is set up for the moment, i just need to set up the kvm next so that i can easily switch what computer i use depending on what games I want to play

That's the dream! Good luck with your project. The main issues I think will be managing the cabling and managing the heat.

yeah cabling you nee to put some thought into, maybe some properly placed holes in there to run cables behind the unit. and evne some cutouts for fans to remove heat from inside without their own power unit?

Law212 wrote on 2026-06-04, 18:31:

yeah cabling you nee to put some thought into, maybe some properly placed holes in there to run cables behind the unit. and evne some cutouts for fans to remove heat from inside without their own power unit?

Maybe. I have a vague idea what I want to do. But first thing is to mount the KVM and power strip.

Well, im sure many others including myself look forward to seeing the end result. Good luck!

This makes a hell of a load of sense when put in the context of the room, I really like it!

Looking forward to seeing how you deal with the heat, loads of opportunities to flow it to the other parts of the house and reduce the heating bill when you’re compiling something, or fragging in UT99 😁