retro computing Archives

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Someone defied the odds and got this vintage Windows OS running natively in HD on AM5 hardware

YouTuber Omores has run Windows 95 natively on the Ryzen 9 9900X CPU, following a previous experiment with Windows 98. To install Windows 95 on an AM5 system, he used a PCI-to-SATA card with an onboard BIOS due to compatibility issues with modern storage controllers. Booting from an NVMe SSD was possible with a partition size under 8.4GB. Windows 95 recognized only up to 62 MB of RAM, but Omores expanded this limit to 1.7 GB using an update to HIMEM and the PATCHMEM patch. He tested the Nvidia GeForce 7900 GS and Quadro FX 4500 GPUs, successfully installing an unofficial Nvidia 82.69 driver for full HD resolution. However, the Nvidia Control Panel did not launch due to its dependency on Internet Explorer 6, and graphical glitches occurred when opening DOS windows. Core functionalities like sound, networking, storage, and display output worked effectively on the AM5 system.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

It wasn’t supposed to work, but someone booted this retro Windows OS on one of 2025’s fastest CPUs

A YouTuber named Omores successfully booted Windows 98 on a Ryzen 9900X CPU. This required various modifications, including BIOS tweaks, using a PCI SATA card to bypass modern SATA controllers, and employing a PCIe-to-PCI adapter. Additional adjustments involved disabling ACPI and using a Gen 5 NVMe SSD with a partition limited to 8.5 GB. The project demonstrated the capabilities of the vintage operating system, with successful benchmark results using retro graphics cards like the GeForce 7900 GS and ATI X700LE.

Winsage

August 1, 2025

It wasn’t supposed to work, but someone made a forgotten Windows version boot from an NVMe

Windows 2000 can run on modern hardware using a setup that includes a Gigabyte H410 H V2 motherboard, a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and a Super GPU from 2006. The Universal NT Installer, a Linux-based tool, allows for the installation of Windows NT versions, including Windows 2000. The system can boot from an NVMe SSD and recognizes all 12 CPU cores, achieving transfer speeds of 2500MB/s. However, there are challenges such as inconsistent HDMI audio support and some USB 3 drives not functioning properly.

Winsage

July 14, 2025

Windows 7 runs natively on the Steam Deck — desktop OS enthusiast aims to push beyond portrait mode-only limit

Bob Pony revealed on Twitter/X that Windows 7 can run natively on the Steam Deck. The Windows 7 interface appears in portrait mode due to compatibility issues with the Steam Deck's Van Gogh APU, which requires drivers for Windows 10 and 11. Pony has hinted at testing Temple OS next, and previously showcased Windows 8.1 on the Steam Deck. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are considered retro, with Windows 10 expected to join them soon. Valve may launch SteamOS for desktops in 2025, coinciding with the retirement of Windows 10.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

While tinkering with an old typewriter, this gamer managed to build a real gaming PC capable of running Minecraft.

A gamer transformed an old typewriter into a fully functional gaming PC capable of running Minecraft. The project involved using an H110 motherboard, an Intel i5-6600 processor, a 4GB DDR4 memory module, a GT635 graphics card, a 240GB SATA SSD, a 200W SFX power supply, and a WiFi card. The components were integrated into the typewriter's chassis using hot glue, and the original keyboard was modernized with an Arduino Leonardo microcontroller to make it compatible with PCs. The project received positive feedback on Reddit, highlighting its creativity and eco-friendly approach.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Someone made ‘Windows’ for the Game Boy Color, and you can buy it

The Game Boy Color, launched in 1998, features a project called GBS Windows that mimics Windows 3.1, developed using GB Studio. This homage is available as a physical cartridge from an Etsy shop named RubenRetro, complete with a retail box that combines Game Boy and Windows 3.1 designs. The cartridge offers applications like Minesweeper, a game called “Cannon,” a MIDI piano, a media player, and a Paint program for pixel art. It includes a faux BIOS screen showing the “American Megatrain” text and the Game Boy Color's eight kilobytes of memory. The initial stock sold out quickly, but new retro boxes and accessories will be produced regularly. The package is priced around USD, with varying shipping costs from Spain.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

CrystalMark Retro 2.0.0 brings retro benchmarking to systems from Windows 95 to Windows 11

Crystal Dew World has released version 2.0.0 of its benchmarking tool, CrystalMark Retro, which now supports Windows 95, 98, and Me systems, in addition to Windows XP and later versions. The update was developed in response to user feedback and includes a new benchmark score comparison site, crystalmarkdb.com/retro. Users can benchmark a variety of systems, from vintage Windows versions to modern ones, including Windows 11 and various server editions. Windows NT 3.51 and its successors are also supported with a necessary patch.

Winsage

March 5, 2025

Nintendo GameCube modified to run PowerPC Windows NT and Doom

A new build of Windows NT for PowerPC, named Entii for WorkCubes, has been optimized for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles, available on GitHub. This build theoretically supports the Wii U but does not utilize its additional PowerPC cores or enhanced GPU capabilities. YouTuber @emukid_id has showcased the installation and functionality of this build, including a gameplay session of The Ultimate Doom at a low resolution. The build supports various peripherals, including a GameCube controller with a keyboard, and utilizes the standard USB ports on the Wii and Wii U for expanded input options. However, online functionalities are limited, and compatibility with modern web pages is poor. The GameCube has 24MB of system RAM, while the Wii has a CPU-overclocked architecture and upgraded GPU. Future support for NT 3.5 on the Wii U could enhance the experience by utilizing its 1GB of RAM and triple CPU cores.

Winsage

February 5, 2025

Someone ported Discord to Windows 95, because why wouldn’t you

Users of Windows 95 can now access Discord Messenger through a new client developed by @iProgramInCpp, which also supports Windows XP. While Discord no longer supports older operating systems, this client allows users to engage with the platform, albeit with limited functionality, missing features like emojis and Slash Commands. The developer is working on enhancing the application, but using this unofficial software may pose risks, including potential account bans, although no such reports have been made yet. The client is available for download on GitHub.