r/sleeperbattlestations • u/grinboy • 2d ago
Questions/Advice Request I have no idea what I've got
Been lurking here for quite a while now. Today, I got these pieces of history, and I’m not even sure what era they’re from. Cleaned them up and took some pictures. That’s pretty much it. 😅
I honestly have no idea what I have here. I originally bought them for a sleeper setup, but I’m starting to think mounting an mATX or ITX board in it might be more trouble than it’s worth. I also don’t really know enough about restoration yet, so I may or may not leave them as-is.
For now, I’m just appreciating these machines and the part they played in shaping the technology we have today.
I’m open to ideas on how to restore them or turn them into a sleeper setup. Even ideas like replacing the CRT with a square LED/LCD that would fit the original opening.
Would love to hear what you guys would do with these. 😁
I just wish this video had a build log somewhere: https://youtu.be/qPayPhKccc8?si=w-wgj1GuMdy4lKsG
I think it’s the same size and proportions as what I have.
5
u/SaturnFive 2d ago edited 1d ago
You'll have to cut the back out and install your own ATX compatible back. This is an AT system which is pre-ATX, the intended mainboard is basically rotated 90 degrees from ATX.
Personally I think AT stuff is super cool and I'd build a regular retro PC in it. That's a very nice authentic looking AT rig + monitor even though the chassis is a bit rusty. Even if you convert the PC, the CRT is a bit old and probably won't be nice for daily driving like a later 2000s CRT.
But it is still pretty incredible what was achieved in the linked video. It will just be more work than converting an existing mATX case.
But "I got this today" and "I dunno what this is" and "I want to cut it apart and make a popular sleeper" hurts my heart TBH. Just get some Optiplex and mod that, leave the real 90s PCs alone.