I'm guessing you'll probably want to look at two machines for such a broad range - I'd assume the later years (like 1998) will be best served by a Pentium 2/3 with a Voodoo3 or TNT2/GeForce running Windows 98 (I'm assuming you want to play games with 3D and the like), while the earlier years will probably get on better with something more like a 486 running DOS.

Welcome aboard!

Sounds like a nice Windows 95 machine would suit your wishes. You will get great DOS compatibility with the OS and also support for the mid to late nineties games that came after Windows became more mainstream.

There will be plenty of options for your build specs, and you are in the right place to get advice. Just for fun, here is a link to a video that will give you a peak back into the past and the possibilities for your future build.

http://youtu.be/XsZFdFbSzdA

I'd say to get a Pentium 133Mhz to a Pentium MMX 233Mhz machine with about 64MB of ram and a Sound Blaster AWE64, and maybe a 1.5-3GB HDD (preferably Western Digital). Windows 95 is a good OS with these machines.

as far as DOS goes, those computers can pretty much play everything except the most demanding games like Redneck Rampage Rides again, but who cares about that game when you can play Duke 3D.

That utterly depends on whatever makes you satisfied. However, a simple start for a self-built PC is Pentium II or III - these CPUs are cartridge-based and easy to manipulate. Or, you can buy yourself some complete OEM PC, Pentium or Pentium II/III based, they are generally easier to work with than earlier machines.

Be aware that some later Pentium III motherboards lack ISA slots, that won't suit you if you want sound in DOS games.

Tr3vor42532 wrote:

Redneck Rampage Rides again, but who cares about that game

I'm gettin' drunk with or without you!

Figuring what sort of system to have in mind is easy but finding everything and get a system working is different. I suggest that you start hunting for parts and existing systems, I don't know how the situation is in your country but start hitting pc shops as well flee markets.

Look around in PL for an OEM Pentium machine (75 to 233). Good luck! For the later period games look for a heavy Pentium 2 or regular Pentium 3. 😀

I started with AMD K6. Id suggest something that can run the video and audio hardware you're interested into at start 😀

Thx guys for advice, so i try to collect and mayby some day...

Sounds like a super 7 system would fit this perfectly. A K6-2+ or K6-III perhaps, to have a bit of horsepower for those late 90's games.
Parts are usually easy to find and not too pricey.

If you're just getting into the retro gaming / system building hobby, my suggestion would be to find a complete, working OEM system from whatever period you're most interested in (sounds like that would be Pentium II or III). This should allow you start playing games very quickly, and it would be fairly straightforward to buy parts for your system and upgrade it to the hilt.

Once you're comfortable working with the OEM system, you might start shopping for choice components so you can build a system from scratch. This process can be rewarding, but it can also be a major hassle. If you want to overclock or do other fancy stuff, you have to do it. If you just want to play games, though, OEM will generally be good enough.

Lots of different opinions around here as usual! I'd recommend a Windows 98 PIII machine with at least 1 ISA slot. It'll cover just about everything and they're easy to find.

You should start with 440BX and Pentium III (Katmai would be sufficient) combo, just like other folks suggested. And very easy to find at Polish auction website.