Built a Retro 2008 Gaming PC — with a modern twist
Posted by FablePixels@reddit | retrobattlestations | View on Reddit | 43 comments
Hi everyone,
Wanted to share a build I just finished — a retro-inspired gaming PC based around a Core 2 Duo setup from 2008, but with some modern touches like a new case, SSD, and quiet fans.
Key Specs:
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
• Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L
• GPU: Gigabyte GeForce 9600 GT
• RAM: 4 GB DDR2 Patriot
• Storage: 120 GB SSD + 500 GB HDD
• PSU: BeQuiet System Power 10 450W
• Case: Segotep Synrad 1
• Cooling: Arctic fans + Silentium Spartan HE924
The idea was to keep the performance and feel of a 2008 mid-range rig while improving airflow, noise, and stability with modern parts. No RGB, just clean, efficient, and fun to build!
🔗 If you're curious to see how it came together, I put together a short video here:
Retro 2008 Gaming PC — Reborn with Modern Parts
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Criss_Crossx@reddit
I would love to revive my 2006-ish system like this! Never figured out how to work around the software issues like game verification though. I still have all of my game discs.
That system started with an e6400 and moved to a q6600 late in life. Still have the Apevia case too.
TygerTung@reddit
What sort of over clock did you get out of your e8400? Mine sits nicely at 3.6 GHz. If I go faster, the FSB goes too high and the Hard drive doesn't like it and won't boot.
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
This build is actually still a work in progress for my channel - system testing and overclocking are still ahead. Thanks a lot for the heads-up about what happens at 3.6 GHz, that’s super helpful. I’ll definitely be exploring what clocks keep things reasonably cool and stable. I’ll be sharing more about it on the channel soon, and I can also drop an update here later if you're curious!
TygerTung@reddit
Your motherboard might be better and have a PCI bus clock divider. Mine is a bit more low end so all these buses connected to the FSB are affected by that speed.
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I was able to push it to 4.45 GHz. If you’re curious, the exact configuration is shown in the latest video on my channel.
TygerTung@reddit
Thanks, just watched both videos. You might find the graphics card a bit of a bottle neck. I've got an AMD Radeon HD 7850 in mine which is a fairly good pairing. CPU bound on Crysis though, but still can run max settings at a fairly good framerate. Crysis 2 as well.
Throwaythisacco@reddit
heYY!! I have that motherboard!!
just wanted to point it out. even the same rev
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Hey, that’s awesome! Q6700 paired with an 8800 GT is a solid combo - such a great balance for a retro setup. Cool to hear you’ve got the same board too, even down to the revision!
Throwaythisacco@reddit
yeah, but it's not terribly realistic imo, if you had a Q6700 at this point you probably could afford an 8800 GTX, or a 9800 GTX.
officialigamer@reddit
The 9800 gtx+ only requires a single 6pin. And if you are looking to save some money, look for a gts 250, they are litterally just rebranded 9800 gtx+'s
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Some 9800 GTX+ cards actually came with dual 6-pins like the Asus Dark Knight edition, for example. But I totally agree: if you’re not set on the 9000-series branding, the GTS 250 is often the better choice
66659hi@reddit
I wouldn't build a 2008 retro desktop without a dvd drive tbh
officialigamer@reddit
I dont people here will ever think core 2 series will ever be retro.
Definitely is to me though. As my first high end build was a q9300 and a 9800 gtx! In fact this build i moved to 8GB ram all the way back in 2008, wasnt particularly common yet
Currently running a q9650 and a 9800 gtx+ in one of my builds
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Absolutely, I agree. Core 2 might not feel retro to many yet, but it really depends on personal perspective and what your first PC was. Sentiment definitely changes over time. For example, Pentium 4 wasn’t exactly loved back then, but nowadays it has a certain nostalgic charm that many appreciate more than before.
officialigamer@reddit
I see your e8400 and 9600gt and raise you a Q9650 and 9800 GTX+
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Oh yeah, that would’ve been an absolute high-end dream build back then!
FAMICOMASTER@reddit
I don't know if I'd call a Vista era machine retro. What's the modern twist? I remember reading about a very similar machine in PC Magazine around that time.
Super_Stable1193@reddit
Isnt the 80486 retro?
TriggerHydrant@reddit
2008 is retro I’m basically a grandpa now
bio4m@reddit
2008 is retro now ???? Damn I feel old 😭
useittilitbreaks@reddit
2008 is 17 years ago.
1991 was 17 years "ago" in 2008.
Yes, 2008 was a while ago.
SCHRUNDEN@reddit
PCI-e GPU, an SSD... damn
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Absolutely! It doesn’t sound super retro at first, and that was kind of the idea behind the build: to blend the past with the present. But things like the AlCu Zalman cooler and those classic colorful Gigabyte boards definitely bring that retro vibe
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Yeah, it really hits you when you stop and think that it's almost 20 years ago already… Feels like just yesterday we were living it
Divergent5623@reddit
Very nice low power, low noise system. Windows XP I'm assuming?
Fancy_Spring6481@reddit
A gamer in 2008 would be running vista for dx10.
stormythecatxoxo@reddit
I ran WinXP x64 on a SLI rig back then with 8GB RAM and 2x 8800 GTs. Good times. Makes more than up for the lack of DX10
KrocCamen@reddit
Unfortunately true, but at least Win 7 would arrive in a year and all would be well; for a while
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Yes, haven’t installed the system just yet, but it’s definitely being built with Windows XP in mind.
Thanks so much for the comment - you're exactly right, it can run nice and quiet, or a bit louder when the fans are pushed to max. I’ll definitely be measuring power consumption soon, both at idle and under load.
typicalspy@reddit
Coming soon .. retro computer from 2024 🤣🤣🤣
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Haha, for sure, 2024 will be retro to someone one day!
hs_doubbing@reddit
That’s awesome!
I’ve been considering doing a “reverse sleeper” for fun, maybe a little earlier than this, with some modern case that’s just a glass box. Imagine looking inside the glass and seeing a brightly-colored early 2000s Soyo Dragon board…
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Thanks a lot! That really does sound like a fun and nostalgic build! Those early 2000s boards had so much character. I’d be excited to see how it turns out if you go for it!
Snoo21074@reddit
Yeah that’s rad as hell.
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Thanks a lot! Glad you liked it ;)
Baconmaster2890@reddit
clean
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
100%, thanks! :)
Solaris_XP@reddit
That is a nice-looking case. Looks like an efficient use of space.
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Yes, exactly! It’s a budget case, so I had to add a front dust filter myself and choose the fans. But in the end, it turned out to be a really compact and practical setup. It fits several SSDs/HDDs and even full ATX boards comfortably, which is super handy. Thanks!
-Outrageous-Vanilla-@reddit
Nice
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
Thanks! :)
Tyr_Kukulkan@reddit
That Zalman GPU cooler is perfection.
FablePixels@reddit (OP)
I totally agree!