# The PC of my childhood DREAMS! - Retro98 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g8owH9jt0w Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/3g8owH9jt0w Generated: 2026-03-03T21:06:35.01+00:00 --- ## 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. ![Screenshot at 00:13: The presenter reveals the Main Gear Retro98 PC inside its large cardboard shipping box, noting that the retro-inspired tower chassis is a new product from Main Gear that brings back the beige era aesthetic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3g8owH9jt0w/00-00-13.jpg) **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. ### Unboxing & Case Features - SilverStone FLP02 case features retro beige styling and three 5.25" expansion bays - Includes modern front I/O (USB-C, USB 3.0, combo audio jack) - Side panels remove easily using thumbscrews - Back panel shows vertical GPU mount slots and good cable management with rubber grommets. ### Component Overview (Retro98 5070) - Features Intel Core Ultra 7 265K CPU and RTX 5070 GPU - 32GB of DDR5-6000MT/s RAM - 4TB Kingston Fury Renegade Gen 5 NVMe SSD - MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi Motherboard - MSI 360mm AIO liquid cooler (MAINGEAR Epic 360). ### Controls and Thermals - Front panel includes Power, Lock, Reset, Turbo buttons, and a digital temperature display (showing 26°C idle, 33°C load) - Turbo button causes fans to ramp up significantly, making the system loud, but the CPU/GPU temperatures remain low (GPU max 75°C, CPU max 62°C in F1 24). ### Performance Benchmarks (1440p, No RT) - Cyberpunk 2077 hits 110 FPS average - F1 24 hits 149 FPS average. Performance is strong, meeting or exceeding rated specs. ### Pricing and Value - Base Retro98 5070 costs $2,499, which is considered reasonable considering current high SSD/RAM prices - Top-tier Retro98a costs $9,799 with Ryzen 9 9950X3D and RTX 5090. ### Conclusion - The PC is a unique, high-quality, hand-built system that successfully mixes retro looks with modern power, though the noise in Turbo mode and high price are factors to consider. ![Screenshot at 00:05: The presenter gestures toward the large, beige cardboard box labeled 'FLP02' from SilverStone, introducing the retro-inspired tower chassis.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3g8owH9jt0w/00-00-05.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:32: The PC unit is pulled from the heavy styrofoam packaging, showing its beige, vertically oriented design.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3g8owH9jt0w/00-00-32.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:41: The presenter opens the front panel door, revealing the internal drive bays and the front control panel with Power, Lock, Reset, Turbo buttons, and a digital display.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3g8owH9jt0w/00-00-41.jpg) ![Screenshot at 07:21: The open case reveals the modern internals, including an MSI motherboard with RGB RAM, an AIO cooler with a glowing logo, and a blacked-out graphics card \(RTX 5070\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3g8owH9jt0w/00-07-21.jpg) ![Screenshot at 11:51: The monitor displays the Windows desktop with the MAINGEAR 98 logo wallpaper, confirming the system booted successfully.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/3g8owH9jt0w/00-11-51.jpg)