Building a Computer in the 90s (2019)
21 hours ago
- #retro-computing
- #PC-building
- #1990s-tech
- Building a computer in the 90s was an adventure, with each build presenting unique challenges.
- In 1996, a friend wanted a modern computer for photography work, requiring careful planning and budgeting.
- Purchased a rugged IBM 5170 case for $10, a bargain compared to new cases of the time.
- Motherboards were often bought from ads in magazines like Computer Shopper or local dealers.
- Information on parts was scarce, making it hard to distinguish quality components.
- Parts were collected opportunistically, with friends helping to find discounts on necessary components.
- Avoided high-markup stores and unreliable clone shops, preferring reputable dealers.
- A day-long shopping trip was planned to gather remaining parts, involving multiple stores.
- Unexpected issues arose, such as incompatible case hardware and a wrong keyboard connector.
- After overcoming challenges, the computer was successfully built and operated, albeit too fast for some games.
- Modern computer building is simpler, with more integrated components and easier access to parts.