plasticfactory wrote on 2026-07-01, 19:02:

I am also looking for exactly this:
https://shop.rabbitholecomputing.com/products … a-pci-hard-card

Does anyone else make something like this, or am I stuck with cables? I really like that its all integral.

You can get IDE Disk on Module devices (DOMs). Basically like a CF card that plugs straight into IDE port. Capacities tend to be smaller than 128Gb though. Oh, and be careful, as there are both 40 pin and 44pin ones. The 44pin ones are for laptops.

They do need a power connector though:

Or, you can can get CF adapters that plug straight into IDE port (again, they need power cable):

https://ebay.io/m/rDV8dr

Thanks for all the help everyone. Now for a softball:

Can someone recommend PS2 adapters for use with my modern wireless mouse/keyboard? I'm looking for the obvious -- minimal input lag with seemless connectivity (if that exists).

I'm also looking for some period specific mouse/keyboard combos. What would the discerning PC gamer be using at the time? Just Microsoft peripherals (thats what I would have been using)?

You are where I was about 14 years ago. My target capacities have matured and I happen to be looking to ditch my AWE64 Gold and Voodoo 2 SLI (Diamond Monster 12MBx2). Neither are bad choices for their purpose and I have no regrets picking them up: it is more a matter of what I was looking to cover while keeping everything in one case.

I happen to be tackling the hard drive alternative question myself right now as I know mine will not last forever. When it comes to peripherals, unless you are referring to game controllers (i.e. Microsoft Sidewinder) the Windows 98-era difference between USB & PS/2 is pretty much moot which is why I opted for the latter...besides, I like actually using those PS/2 ports that came free with my motherboard. If you wish to use USB peripherals there is nothing against that either: adapters are cheap online or in a vintage computer parts store, typically come in those pretty code colors, and sacrifice little to no capability (caveat: use a proper retro mouse so you know it speaks PS/2 as well as USB; not an issue for keyboards since they HAVE to work for the computer to function regardless of connection protocol).

plasticfactory wrote on 2026-07-07, 17:34:

Thanks for all the help everyone. Now for a softball:

Can someone recommend PS2 adapters for use with my modern wireless mouse/keyboard? I'm looking for the obvious -- minimal input lag with seemless connectivity (if that exists).

I'm also looking for some period specific mouse/keyboard combos. What would the discerning PC gamer be using at the time? Just Microsoft peripherals (thats what I would have been using)?

Your modern mouse won't support a passive USB to PS/2 adapter. That's not a problem for Win98. Just plug it into USB port. But if you want to use it in DOS you will need an active adapter. Some KVMs can do it. I think the Picogus card can be used also. It I haven't tried it.

Thanks, I wound up just going with a Unicom KB and NOS Intellimouse Optical -- PS2 KB, and a passive adapter should be fine for the mouse. I'll dig around for good active adapters for modern stuff (well, I guess the Unicom is "modern")

Finally time to put this together. I'm already gearing up for an XP build!