MAINGEAR has launched its Retro98 gaming PCs, a limited-edition lineup that marries the raw, utilitarian charm of late-90s gaming setups with today’s most demanding hardware. Designed to evoke the nostalgia of LAN parties and midnight upgrades, these systems are far from relics—they’re built for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on performance.
At first glance, the Retro98 resembles a throwback to the beige towers of the past, complete with a SilverStone FLP02 case and a front panel that hides modern I/O behind a polished MAINGEAR logo. But peel back the exterior, and you’ll find configurations packed with the latest AMD Ryzen 9 9850X3D (and even the 9950X3D in the top-tier model), NVIDIA’s RTX 5090, and custom liquid-cooling loops that would make even the most hardcore overclockers nod in approval.
The Retro98 isn’t just about looks—it’s a celebration of build quality. Each system is hand-assembled in New Jersey, with attention to detail that includes ketchup-and-mustard sleeved cables, anti-kink tubing, and a pump/reservoir combo housed in the 5.25-inch drive bay. Even the front panel features a turbo button and an LED fan speed display, nodding to the tactile controls of yesteryear.
The Retro98 line comes in four distinct configurations, each tailored to different performance needs and budgets
- Retro98 | 5070 ($2,499)
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
- GPU: GeForce RTX 5070
- Cooling: MAINGEAR EPIC 360mm AIO
- RAM: 32GB Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 6000MT/s CL32
- Storage: 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
- Motherboard: MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi
- PSU: MSI 650W 80+ Gold
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Retro98 | 5080 ($3,499)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- GPU: GeForce RTX 5080
- Cooling: MAINGEAR EPIC 360mm AIO
- RAM: 32GB Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 6000MT/s CL32
- Storage: 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
- Motherboard: MSI X870E Gaming Plus WiFi
- PSU: MSI 850W 80+ Gold
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Retro98 | 5090 ($4,999)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
- GPU: GeForce RTX 5090
- Cooling: MAINGEAR EPIC 360mm AIO
- RAM: 32GB Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 6000MT/s CL32
- Storage: 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
- Motherboard: MSI X870E Gaming Plus WiFi
- PSU: MSI 1250W 80+ Gold
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Retro98α - Open Loop ($9,799)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- GPU: GeForce RTX 5090
- Cooling: Custom Alphacool open loop (360mm + 240mm radiators, 6x Chrome Apex Stealth fans)
- RAM: 64GB Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 6000MT/s CL32
- Storage: 4TB Kingston FURY Renegade NVMe Gen5 SSD
- Motherboard: ASRock PG X870E Nova WiFi
- PSU: XPG Fusion 1600W Titanium
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
The Retro98 | 5070 serves as an entry point for those who want a taste of the retro aesthetic without sacrificing modern performance, while the 5080 and 5090 models cater to hardcore gamers and content creators demanding the best in CPU and GPU power. The crown jewel, however, is the Retro98α, an open-loop liquid-cooled beast that leaves no stone unturned—64GB of DDR5, a 4TB Gen5 SSD, and a 1600W PSU ensure it can handle anything thrown at it.
Each configuration is built with longevity in mind, featuring reinforced components, high-efficiency power supplies, and cooling solutions that prioritize both performance and silence. The Retro98 series isn’t just a product; it’s an experience, blending the thrill of customization with the reliability of handcrafted engineering.
With only 32 units available (plus six alpha models), the Retro98 is a limited run—once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. For those who want a piece of gaming history with modern muscle, these systems arrive exclusively through MAINGEAR’s website, starting at $2,499.
