As much as older computers represent obsolete tech destined for an inevitable junk pile, they're worth so much more to us than just that. Whether it's a system we grew up with or just a machine that fed us news and entertainment for years, we form connections with our computers and it's not easy to let them go. Fortunately, if you’re a fan of retro gaming, you might not have to.
With the right approach and a little work, it's possible to turn an aging computer into a capable classic gaming machine. On this page, we'll look at what you can expect from a machine you've replaced within the last couple of years, and the basic steps to follow to get it in order. Grab your screwdrivers, and let's get going.
What Kind of Gaming Can I Expect?
Retro games are usually defined as those at least 15-20 years old. This means you can expect to play titles released in and around 2009/2003. Titles like Left 4 Dead 2, Half-Life 2, and Portal all find themselves in the latter part of this era, with thousands of older classic releases going back decades beyond this point.
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Retro gaming also includes a huge number of emulated titles, where you can expect anything from the sixth generation of consoles and before to be reliably playable. This means Xbox, PS2, GameCube, and any systems leading up to this point should be available to run at full speed and without performance issues.
While we can't expect retro systems to run modern games, we could make some exceptions for lighter browser-based titles. The standouts here have to be those from modern online casinos, which offer highly optimized games that run well even on dated platforms. Real-money online casinos like Lukki and Casimba don't require much more than an internet connection and a modern browser for players to get started. Whether collecting bonuses the free spins and deposit matches or playing, this is the upper tier of what you can expect from a retro machine.
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| How to Turn an Old PC into a Retro Gaming Machine |
Getting the System in Order
Step One: Physical Cleaning
The first step to getting your retro computer in order is to give it a physical cleaning. Dust will eventually clog every computer, which blocks fans and degrades performance. If the computer is facing you, the left side of the case is usually the one to remove to open the system to air. Take it into a dry and open area and use compressed air to blow out the fluff. You can also use a vacuum if you’re careful, just be sure not to spin the fans no matter what approach you use.
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Step Two: Data Cleaning
Once the computer is physically clean, you’ll need to take care of the storage. Many computers can have dozens of programs and a huge amount of data installed on them over time, which is then forgotten about. This can significantly increase boot time, and slow down older mechanical hard drives.
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Before getting rid of anything, be sure to check the device for old and useful files that you might still want or need. After this, you can either format the computer and reinstall the Windows version you had installed, or manually remove data, programs, and unnecessary startup processes. Downloadable programs like the free version of CCleaner can help here.
Step Three: Updating
Whether you've formatted or cleaned out old data and startup processes manually, you'll then need to update your computer's drivers. These can increase stability and performance, to help you get everything you can from an older system. Free tools like Driver Booster are the best way to update these drivers. Once everything is updated, uninstall the driver updater program, and any other programs you installed on the way, and restart.
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Step Four: Gaming
Once you're ready to game, the final step is to find the games you want to play. ROM sites and emulators will help you play old console and handheld games, and DOSBox can help with older MS-DOS games. Many older popular titles will also have new ports and front-ends to get them working on newer hardware, which is a godsend for titles like the original Dooms.
Our final piece of advice is to make sure you have the right peripherals for maximizing your gaming experience. A controller from a modern Xbox or PS4 can do wonders for old console gaming, and a newer 1080p screen can be a huge step up from what older computers shipped with. Most of all, remember to jump back into the games you played but never beat in the past, to see how well your modern skills measure up.
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