Pentium I - RetroRunner

A journey back in time with the power of the Pentium 1 MMX.

About RetroRunner:

RetroRunner isn't just a machine; it's a tribute to the era of early personal computing. This computer boasts specifications that once powered some of the best gaming and software experiences of the mid-'90s. Whether it's playing classic DOS games or tinkering with Windows 95, RetroRunner is sure to provide a genuine nostalgic trip.

My Journey with RetroRunner:

I stumbled upon this vintage gem on Facebook Marketplace, which, to my surprise, came bundled with a CRT monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The price? A total steal at $150 USD in September 2023.

Upon receipt, I could tell that RetroRunner had seen better days. The layers of dust and grime spoke volumes about its long journey through time. An initial power-up attempt was in vain—RetroRunner refused to post. The seller had hinted at a faulty PSU, so I promptly ordered a replacement.

While waiting for the new PSU, I embarked on the task of restoring this vintage warrior to its former glory. A detailed disassembly was in order: every component, every board, and every card. After the initial wipe down, I turned my attention to the yellowed peripherals and case. Enter the retrobrite process.

Armed with 12% Hydrogen Peroxide from Amazon, plastic containers, and trusty plastic wrap, I initiated my very first retrobriting session. Using natural sunlight as my UV source, I let RetroRunner's components bask for 4-6 hours. The results? Astonishingly better than I had anticipated.

With a rejuvenated case, my focus shifted to the internals. The motherboard and expansion cards underwent a thorough cleaning. While I was at it, I also decided to max out the memory, fitting in 4 sticks of 64MB EDO RAM. The drives—a CD-ROM, a 3.5" floppy, and an internal Zip drive—found their way back into their slots. For the OS, I opted for an IDE to CF card adapter paired with a 4GB drive running Windows 95.

My vision for RetroRunner is clear: a dedicated machine for DOS and nostalgic Windows gaming. A throwback to simpler times, and a testament to the golden age of personal computing.

Upcoming Upgrades:

• Network Card: NETGEAR FA310TX 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet

Resources

• https://theretroweb.com/motherboards/s/micronics-m55hi-plus-09-00273-xx

Starting configuration

• Processor: Intel Pentium w/MMX 233Mhz
• Motherboard: M55HI-PLUS
• Memory: 32MB (2 x MT8D432M-5X Micron 16MB Simm EDO Memory)
• Storage: 2559.8 MB - Western Digital Caviar 32500
• Graphics: Stealth 3D 2000 v2.03 Diamond (1996 Edition)
• Sound: Creative Labs Model No CT1920 - AWE32 Upgrade
• Power supply: 300 WATT PSU
• Operating system: Windows 95