MAINGEAR revives 1990s PC design with Retro98 gaming desktop

MAINGEAR has introduced the Retro98, a limited-edition desktop PC that blends the visual style of late-1990s computers with modern, high-end gaming hardware. Housed in a beige tower inspired by classic office PCs, the system is aimed at buyers who want contemporary performance without the typical aggressive gaming aesthetics.

The Retro98 is positioned as both a nostalgic product and a premium gaming machine. While its exterior mirrors the look of older desktops, the internals are built around the latest components, including Nvidia’s RTX 5000 series graphics cards and AMD’s newest Ryzen processors. MAINGEAR is presenting the system as a “sleeper” PC, one that looks modest on the outside but delivers cutting-edge performance.

Prices for the Retro98 start at US$2,499 for a configuration equipped with an RTX 5070 graphics card. The prices rise to US$3,499 for the RTX 5080 and US$4,999 for the RTX 5090. At the top of the range is the Retro98 Alpha, priced at US$9,799, which combines an RTX 5090 with an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor, 64GB of DDR5 memory and a 4TB solid-state drive.

Modern hardware hidden behind a retro shell

Despite its old-school appearance, the Retro98 is built around current-generation components. MAINGEAR has standardised much of the core hardware across the main range, using the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and 32GB of DDR5 memory in all non-Alpha models. This approach maintains consistent performance while allowing buyers to choose from different graphics and storage options.

The RTX 5070 version comes with a 2TB SSD, while the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 models include a larger 4TB SSD. This increase in storage is designed for players with extensive game libraries, which can quickly fill up space on modern systems. All models are intended to deliver strong performance for high-resolution gaming and demanding creative workloads.

Attention to detail is a key part of Retro98’s appeal. The front panel includes a working turbo button, a feature common on PCs in the 1990s that once allowed users to adjust processor speeds for compatibility. While largely symbolic today, its inclusion reinforces the system’s retro theme. The overall chassis design is deliberately understated, avoiding glass panels and RGB lighting in favour of a more authentic period look.

The Alpha edition targets collectors and enthusiasts

The Retro98 Alpha is positioned as the most exclusive and visually striking version of the system. In addition to the more powerful Ryzen 9 9950X3D processor and increased memory, it features custom water cooling. MAINGEAR has incorporated a 5.25-inch bay reservoir, a nod to older PC designs, along with braided cables styled to match the retro aesthetic.

This model is clearly intended as a showcase piece rather than a purely cost-effective upgrade. While the performance gains over the standard RTX 5090 configuration are relatively modest, the Alpha focuses on presentation, rarity and craftsmanship. MAINGEAR is producing only six Alpha units, compared with 32 standard Retro98 systems, making it the rarest option in the lineup.

The steep price difference between the standard RTX 5090 model and the Alpha highlights the premium attached to exclusivity. Buyers are paying not just for additional hardware, but for a distinctive build designed to stand out at events or in collections. For many, the appeal will lie in owning one of a minimal number of machines rather than in raw performance alone.

Limited availability and unanswered questions

MAINGEAR has capped the Retro98’s total production at 38 units, reinforcing its status as a scarcity-driven product. The company has described the systems as “Quickship”, but has not provided specific shipping dates or confirmed regional availability. This lack of detail could be a concern for buyers hoping to receive a system within a particular timeframe.

Potential customers are therefore faced with two main decisions: timing and tier selection. Those drawn primarily to the retro look and modern gaming performance may find the standard models offer a more straightforward value proposition. The Alpha, while visually impressive, demands a significant premium and may be harder to secure given its limited run.

With only a small number of units available, the Retro98 is unlikely to remain on sale for long. For enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of nostalgia and modern technology, the system represents a rare opportunity. However, the limited information around delivery means interested buyers may need to act quickly while accepting a degree of uncertainty.