A Retro-Inspired Gaming Powerhouse

A Nostalgic Journey into the World of Retro Gaming

For years, I've been writing about personal computers, but I haven't built or bought a new one in nearly a decade. The reason? I don’t play graphically demanding games as much as I used to. However, Maingear's new Retro95 gaming PC has me considering breaking that streak.

This unique machine is a throwback to an era when I was more into playing demanding games. The Retro95 looks like it runs Windows 95, not Windows 11. It's housed inside the SilverStone FLP01—a retro-style PC case that started as an April Fool's joke but became a real product last year. Despite its ancient appearance, the Retro95 is more powerful than any computer in my apartment. It features an Nvidia RTX 5080 graphics card, current-gen chips from AMD or Intel, and up to 96GB of memory and 8TB of storage. This machine is the definition of a sleeper build, and it even runs Microsoft's most up-to-date operating system.

The Look That Speaks Volumes

What really draws me in is the look of the Retro95. The case is the exact right shade of beige to trigger nostalgia, and it comes with Noctua's old-school style fans to complete the disguise. You can place it either horizontally or vertically, and no matter the orientation, there are delightful rounded feet for your PC to rest on. Overall, this computer feels like an antidote to all the rainbow lighting and edgy graphics that tend to adorn modern gaming PCs—things that appeal to me less now that I'm older.

Functional Nostalgia

One of the best parts of the Retro95 is the inclusion of floppy drives. There are two mock floppy drives on the front of the case, but they're not just for show. The lower one houses your USB ports, while the upper one contains a functional DVD drive. Although physical PC media is mostly obsolete these days, including a way to use discs ensures the Retro95 will be able to run your retro software, not just look like it can.

Price and Availability

The price is reasonable, too, but there’s a catch. Starting at $1,599, the Retro95 is priced around the level of other prebuilt gaming PCs with an RTX 5080 inside. So you get the added retro flair at no additional cost. Unfortunately, Maingear is only making a limited number of these. The company hasn't specified how many Retro95 units it will sell, but according to a press release, "Once they're gone, it's game over," with "No reruns" and "No second chances" on the company's website.

Accessories Required

Another point to consider is that you’ll have to provide your own accessories. While Maingear's marketing material shows the Retro95 under a bulky old CRT monitor and decked out with an old-school speaker and mouse/keyboard setup, buying the PC will only get you the tower itself. It would take a lot of effort and cost for Maingear to sell this kind of retro gear alongside its new computer. As a result, you might find yourself spending time on eBay if you want to complete the PC's look.

Final Thoughts

If you're a fan of retro aesthetics and want a powerful gaming PC with a nostalgic twist, the Maingear Retro95 could be the perfect choice. However, it's important to note the limited availability and the need for additional accessories. For those who value both performance and style, the Retro95 offers a unique blend of past and present that's hard to find elsewhere.