The PC of my childhood DREAMS! - Retro98

Quick Overview

The Main Gear Retro98 PC delivers on its nostalgic aesthetic, successfully blending retro styling with modern high-end components like the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and RTX 5070, resulting in excellent 1440p gaming performance, although its high price point and loud turbo mode are minor drawbacks.

Key Points: The SilverStone FLP02 case is retro-inspired, featuring three 5.25" expansion bays and a beige aesthetic, priced at $249.99. The base configuration (Retro98 5070) costs $2,499 and includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU. Benchmarked performance at 1440p with the RTX 5070 yielded strong results, such as 110 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra Preset, DLSS/FSR off) and 122 FPS in Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra Settings, Vulkan). The case includes modern features like a front panel with USB Type-C, USB 3.0, and a combo audio jack, despite the 5.25" drive bays. The system's cooling fans ramp up significantly in Turbo mode (as indicated by the front panel display showing 'HH'), making the PC noticeably louder during high-load scenarios. The high-end configuration (Retro98a) costs $9,799, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and an RTX 5090, and includes custom liquid cooling with 'ketchup and mustard' cable extensions. The CPU runs cool, idling at 26°C and peaking around 33°C in the tests shown, indicating effective cooling from the MAINGEAR Epic 360 AIO.

Context: The video features a hands-on unboxing and initial impressions of the Main Gear Retro98 PC, a custom-built computer designed to evoke the aesthetic of late 1990s beige computer towers while housing modern, high-performance hardware. The presenter compares the base model's $2,499 price and specifications against higher-tier, much more expensive options like the $9,799 Retro98a, focusing on the case design, included accessories, and initial performance metrics.

Detailed Analysis

The video is a review and initial look at the Main Gear Retro98 PC, a custom-built computer housed in a Silverstone FLP02 case that mimics the look of late 90s beige towers. The presenter unboxes the unit, noting the case itself costs $249.99 and features three 5.25" bays and modern front I/O (USB-C, USB 3.0, combo audio jack). The base model reviewed is the Retro98 5070, priced at $2,499, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and an RTX 5070. The presenter shows that the internal components are neatly managed, including the MAINGEAR Epic 360 AIO cooler, and the system performed well in benchmarks, achieving 110 FPS average in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p on Ultra settings (RT off). CPU temperatures remained low (idle 26°C, load 33°C). A notable feature is the front panel display showing CPU temp and having physical Lock, Reset, and Turbo buttons. The Turbo button significantly increases fan speed, leading to louder operation. The higher-end Retro98a configuration costs $9,799 with an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, RTX 5090, and custom liquid cooling with distinctively colored cables. The presenter concludes that while the case is expensive, the overall package offers a unique aesthetic with modern performance, making it a potentially worthwhile purchase for those seeking nostalgia.