Compute!'s Gazette Magazine

Retro Shopper

Volume 1 – Issue 5 – November, 2025

The following is a web-formatted version of the Retro Shopper article from Volume 1, Issue 5 of COMPUTE!’s Gazette

Subscribe to COMPUTE!’s Gazette Magazine for the full experience!

🛍️ Retro Shopper

8-Bit Buyers Guide for the Holiday Season

The holidays are coming, and for many of us, the season evokes a specific kind of magic. It’s not just the smell of pine or the sound of sleigh bells; it’s the electric hum of a power supply, the soft glow of a CRT monitor, and the familiar clack of a spring-loaded keyboard. It’s the memory of tearing open a box to reveal a Commodore 64, a Tandy Color Computer, or an Atari 800XL. That was the 8-bit era.

A time of loading games from cassette tapes, typing in BASIC programs from a magazine, and feeling like you were on the absolute cutting edge of the future.

You might think that world of chunky beige boxes and 8-bit sprites has vanished, replaced by sleek consoles and photorealistic graphics. But look closer. That ghost in the machine is more alive than ever. A vibrant, global community of hobbyists, tinkerers, and collectors has kept the 8-bit spirit burning bright. And this holiday season, the market is overflowing with gifts for the retro enthusiast in your life (even if that enthusiast is you).

This isn’t just about hunting for dusty relics on eBay. We’re talking about brand-new hardware, pixel-perfect replicas, and modern marvels that breathe new life into original machines.

So, get ready to set your wayback machine. We’re stocking your holiday wish list with the best of the old and the new. It’s time to shop like it’s 1985. READY.

🖥️ Amiga

Complete Systems: The New Generation

Move beyond upgrades with complete, newly manufactured Amiga-compatible computers. These systems represent the pinnacle of modern retro-computing, offering a sustainable and powerful future for the platform, independent of aging original hardware.

  • THEA500 Mini: A compact reimagining of the Amiga 500 home computer, featuring perfect emulation of not only the original A500 but also the Advanced Graphics Architecture (AGA) of the A1200. (https://retrogames.biz/products/thea500-mini/)
  • Apollo V4+ Standalone System: A compact, low-power computer featuring the blazingly fast Apollo 68080 FPGA core and next-generation SuperAGA chipset. (www.apollo-computer.com)
  • Apollo A6000 Next-Generation Computer: The powerful Apollo V4+ platform housed in a stunning new case inspired by the classic Amiga 600 wedge design. (www.a6000.net)

Core Upgrades: Accelerators & Memory

Unleash the true potential of your classic Amiga with essential performance upgrades. This section covers the heart of the modern Amiga experience: powerful CPU accelerators and crucial memory expansions for running today’s demanding software.

CPU Accelerator Cards

Experience a monumental speed boost with a modern accelerator. The market offers two distinct philosophies: architecturally pure FPGA-based 68k cores for authentic enhancement, and pragmatic ARM-based emulation for raw, brute-force speed.

  • Vampire 1200 V2 Accelerator Board: Upgrade your Amiga 1200 with a powerful FPGA-based 68080 core for incredible speed and 100% compatibility. (www.amiga-shop.net)
  • Vampire 500/600 Accelerator Board: Breathe new life into your A500 or A600 with the legendary Vampire FPGA accelerator, featuring a next-generation 68080 CPU. (www.apollo-computer.com)
  • PiStorm32 Lite for Amiga 1200: Utilize a Raspberry Pi to give your Amiga 1200 unprecedented processing power for modern applications and gaming. (www.amigakit.amiga.store)
  • Individual Computers ACA1234 Accelerator: A robust and reliable 68030-based accelerator card for your Amiga 1200, offering a significant and stable performance boost. (www.icomp.de)
  • Individual Computers ACA500plus Expansion: An all-in-one expansion for the Amiga 500, featuring acceleration, memory, and dual Compact Flash slots for storage. (www.icomp.de)

Memory Expansions

Expand your Amiga’s capabilities with more RAM. More memory is essential for running WHDLoad games, modern applications, and a more responsive Workbench experience.

  • Amiga 1200 8MB Fast RAM Expansion: An affordable and high-quality 8MB Fast RAM memory expansion, essential for WHDLoad gaming and advanced multitasking on your A1200. (www.amigakit.amiga.store)
  • Amiga 600 1MB Chip RAM Expansion: Boost your Amiga 600’s graphics memory with this simple trapdoor expansion, perfect for improving compatibility with classic games. (www.amigakit.amiga.store)
  • BigRamPlus 256MB Zorro III Card: Add a massive 256MB of Fast RAM to your big-box Amiga with this powerful Zorro III expansion card. (www.icomp.de)
  • A604n Chip Memory Expansion: Upgrade your Amiga 600’s Chip RAM and add a host of new expansion ports for further upgrades. (www.icomp.de)

Visual Enhancements: Graphics & Video

Connect your classic computer to a modern high-definition display. These solutions range from simple adapters that clean up the native signal to powerful all-in-one graphics cards that provide a complete desktop experience.

  • Indivision AGA MK3 Flicker-Fixer: The ultimate flicker-fixer for A1200/A4000, offering pixel-perfect digital video output via HDMI for a stunningly sharp display. (www.icomp.de)
  • Indivision ECS V4 Flicker-Fixer: Connect your classic OCS/ECS Amigas (A500, A600, A2000) to modern displays with this advanced internal scandoubler solution. (www.icomp.de)
  • MNT ZZ9000 Multifunction Card: A powerhouse for Zorro-equipped Amigas, providing RTG graphics up to 1080p, Ethernet, USB, and a built-in scandoubler. (shop.mntre.com)
  • ZZ9000AX Amiga Audio Expansion: Add high-quality audio input and output capabilities to your MNT ZZ9000 card for a complete multimedia experience. (shop.mntre.com)

Modern Storage Solutions

Replace your aging, unreliable mechanical drives with silent, fast, and robust solid-state storage. These solutions have fundamentally shifted the Amiga experience to a digital, file-based paradigm.

  • A1200/A600 Buffered CF-IDE Adapter: Easily connect a Compact Flash card as a hard drive, with buffering for improved signal stability and data transfers. (www.amigastore.eu)
  • Internal 44-pin SD Card IDE Adapter: Use a modern SD card as a silent, low-power, and reliable hard drive replacement in your Amiga 1200 or 600. (www.amigakit.amiga.store)
  • PCMCIA Compact Flash Card Adapter: Transfer files easily between your PC and Amiga 600/1200 using the convenient PCMCIA slot and a standard CF card. (www.retroready.one)
  • ZuluSCSI RP2040 SD Adapter: Replace your old, loud SCSI hard drives with a modern, silent SD card solution for SCSI-equipped Amiga models. (www.amigakit.amiga.store)
  • Amiga Gotek Floppy Drive Emulator: The essential floppy drive replacement for any Amiga, allowing you to load ADF disk images directly from a USB stick. (www.retro32.com)
  • External Gotek Drive with OLED: An external version of the popular Gotek drive, featuring an OLED screen for easy file selection without modifying your case. (www.retro32.com)

Getting Connected: Networking Adapters

Bring your Amiga online. The community has engineered a diverse range of inventive solutions to connect every Amiga model to the modern internet, creatively repurposing legacy ports for today’s demands.

  • X-Surf 100 Zorro Ethernet Card: Add 100 Mbit Ethernet to your big-box Amiga with this high-performance Zorro II/III network card for fast transfers. (www.amigastore.com)
  • Plipbox Parallel Port Ethernet Adapter: The easiest way to get any Amiga online. This adapter plugs into the parallel port for universal network access. (www.retrorewind.ca)
  • PCMCIA Wireless Wi-Fi Card: Add 802.11b wireless networking to your Amiga 1200 or 600 using the PCMCIA slot for a clean, integrated solution. (www.amigakit.amiga.store)
  • PicoWyfy Internal Wi-Fi Adapter: An innovative internal Wi-Fi solution that connects to the Amiga’s clock port for a completely hidden networking upgrade. (www.amiga.erkan.se)
  • Wodem Serial Port Wi-Fi Adapter: Connect any Amiga to your Wi-Fi network through the serial port with this versatile and easy-to-configure modem. (www.amiga-shop.net)

Peripherals, Cases & Power

Complete your restoration with high-quality replacement parts that honor the classic aesthetic while providing modern reliability. The market has matured to offer a premium retro experience, treating the Amiga as a cherished collector’s item.

  • New A1200 Injection-Molded Case: A brand new, UV-resistant case for your Amiga 1200, featuring metal inserts and available in multiple stunning colors. (www.a1200.net)
  • New A500 Injection-Molded Case: Give your Amiga 500 a fresh start with a beautiful new case, enhanced with extra vents and modern hardware mounts. (www.a1200.net)
  • Checkmate 1500 Plus Desktop Case: House your A500, A600, or A1200 motherboard in this gorgeous, A3000-inspired desktop case for the ultimate custom build. (www.checkmate1500plus.com)
  • A1200 Mechanical Keyboard: Upgrade your typing experience with a brand new mechanical keyboard designed to fit perfectly in your Amiga 1200 case. (www.amigastore.eu)
  • Amiga Mechanical Keyboard (Mitsumi-Hybrid): A new mechanical keyboard featuring custom switches compatible with original Amiga keycaps for an authentic feel and modern reliability. (www.a1200.net)
  • Wireless Amiga Tank Mouse: The classic tank mouse reborn. A wireless optical mouse with Bluetooth and a touch-scroll panel for modern convenience. (www.ultimatemister.com)
  • TheMOUSE USB Optical Tank Mouse: An authentic, wired USB replica of the Amiga tank mouse, perfect for TheA500 Mini or any Amiga with a USB adapter. (www.amiga-shop.net)
  • Modern Optical Mouse with Adapter: A comfortable, modern optical mouse bundled with a true USB to 9-pin adapter for precise control on any Amiga. (www.ebay.com/str/retrobargains)
  • Amiga PSU with OLED Display: A modern, stabilized replacement power supply featuring a digital OLED screen to monitor voltages and protect your computer. (www.keelog.com)
  • Modernized Amiga Power Supply: An original Amiga PSU case retrofitted with a brand new, reliable switching power supply for authentic looks and modern safety. (www.bonuslifecomputers.com)

🕹️ Atari

System Overhauls & Modern Replicas

For the enthusiast seeking the ultimate upgrade, the path leads beyond simple modifications to a complete system overhaul. This can mean replacing the entire original motherboard with a modern marvel that integrates decades of community enhancements onto a single board, or opting for a sleek, convenient emulation-based console that captures the spirit of the original in a modern form factor.

  • 1088XEL Mini-ITX Atari Motherboard: A new motherboard for your custom-built Atari, using original chips and integrating popular community hardware upgrades. (https://ataribits.weebly.com/)
  • 576NUC+ Miniature Atari Motherboard: The smallest-ever Atari 8-bit motherboard, this 4.5-inch square board is packed with modern, built-in upgrades. (https://ataribits.weebly.com/)
  • 1088XLD Floppy Drive Computer System: A powerful and unique motherboard designed to fit inside an original Atari 1050 floppy drive case. (https://ataribits.weebly.com/)
  • Atari 400 Mini Replica Console: A half-sized, official replica of the Atari 400 that plays built-in games and your own ROMs. (https://atari.com/products/atari-400-mini-1)

Storage, Networking & Connectivity

The days of brittle, failure-prone floppy disks and cassette tapes are over. Modern solid-state solutions have revolutionized how Atari users store and load software. These devices not only hold the entire software library on a single, tiny SD card but can also connect the 40-year-old computer to the modern internet, opening up a new world of possibilities.

Video & Audio Enhancements

One of the greatest hurdles in using vintage computers is achieving a clean, stable picture on a modern television. A new generation of internal video upgrades, high-quality cables, and external converters has solved this problem, allowing these classic machines to look better than ever on today’s displays.

Modern Input Devices & Controllers

The original Atari CX40 joystick is an icon of industrial design, but modern gaming and productivity demand more versatility. Today’s market offers everything from faithful recreations of classic controllers to innovative adapters that bring the precision of modern keyboards and mice to the 8-bit world.

Essential System Accessories

Keeping a 40-year-old computer in prime working condition requires replacing components that are known to fail with age. Modern, high-quality replacements for power supplies and connectors are not just recommended; they are essential for the long-term health and safety of your vintage hardware.

C= Commodore

Complete Systems & Motherboards

This category features complete, newly manufactured computers and the core motherboards needed to build them. These products offer the authentic Commodore experience using modern, reliable components, often with enhanced features like digital video output and USB connectivity.

  • Official Commodore 64 Ultimate: A brand new, hardware-based C64 featuring an updated FPGA motherboard that replicates the original, not emulation. Available in BASIC Beige, RGB Starlight Edition, or Gold Founders Edition. (https://www.commodore.net)
  • Custom Built Ultimate 64 in Plexilaser Case: A one-of-a-kind, custom-built C64 featuring the Ultimate64 motherboard housed in a stunning transparent Plexilaser case. (https://www.ami64.com)
  • Ultimate-64 Elite-II Motherboard: A full, modern C64 motherboard replacement with HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports, forming the heart of any new build. (https://ultimate64.com)
  • uLightBox64 Modern C64 Motherboard: A modern C64 motherboard featuring 34 programmable RGB LEDS that can be controlled by software or SID music. (https://www.commodore-news.com)
  • EVO64 C64 Replica Motherboard: A high-quality replica motherboard for the Commodore C64, perfect for building a new system or repairing an original. (https://www.commodore-news.com)

Storage Solutions

The development of modern storage solutions has been a primary catalyst for the explosion of new software. These devices replace aging and unreliable floppy disks and cassette tapes with fast, high-capacity SD cards and flash memory, making it trivial to access vast libraries of classic and new programs. This availability of easy storage enables the creation of new software, which in turn creates demand for these hardware devices, forming a powerful, self-sustaining cycle of innovation.

  • Kung Fu Flash 2 Multi-Function Cartridge: A powerful cartridge for C64/128 that can load games and programs from a microSD card almost instantly. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • Ultimate-II+L Cartridge with WiFi: A versatile cartridge emulating floppy drives and tape drives, with an included WiFi module for network connectivity. (https://ultimate64.com)
  • User-port SD2IEC with 8GB SD Card: A premium SD2IEC device that plugs into the user port, emulating a 1541 disk drive with an included SD card. (https://www.ami64.com)
  • Pi1541 Interface Cable: A short serial interface cable designed specifically for connecting a C64 or C128 to a Raspberry Pi-based Pi1541 drive emulator. (https://coolnovelties.co.uk)
  • uCassette MP3 Commodore 64 Interface: A modern Datasette replacement that allows you to load and save programs from any MP3 player via a USB interface. (https://www.ami64.com)
  • C64 FreeLoad Cartridge: A cartridge designed to give your 1541, SD2IEC, or Pi1541 a significant speed boost for faster loading times. (https://retrorewind.ca)

Power & System Components

With original hardware now over four decades old, reliability has become a paramount concern. The original “brick” power supplies are notoriously prone to failure, often sending lethal voltages into the computer’s delicate chips. Consequently, a significant portion of the modern hardware market is driven by the need to future-proof these classic machines. New power supplies with modern safety features, replacement chips for aging components, and advanced diagnostic tools are essential for preserving these computers for decades to come.

  • Custom Commodore Power Supplies by Ray Carlsen: Protect your vintage computer! Get a reliable, heavy-duty power supply built by long-time Commodore technician Ray Carlsen. Models for: C64, C128, VIC-20, Plus/4, Amiga, and external drives. Built-in overvolt protection, stable power, and durable construction. Custom cables and connectors available. Contact Ray Carlsen at rcarlsen@tds.net to order.
  • C64/128 PSU Modern Black Replacement Power Supply: A high-quality, modern replacement PSU for C64/VIC-20 with stabilized voltage, over-current protection, and a cool-running design. (https://www.keelog.com)
  • Commodore C64 PSU (NEW) by RetroPassion: A modern, lightweight power supply for C64 and VIC-20, featuring multiple protections, a power switch, and status LED. (https://www.retropassion.co.uk)
  • C64 SKS64 Switchless Kernal Switcher: Load your C64 with up to 8 different Kernal ROMs without needing to install switches or swap chips. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • C64 ROM Replacement Chips: Brand new replacement ROM chips (BASIC, Kernal, Character) to repair or restore your aging Commodore 64 motherboard. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • Versa64Cart 6-in-1 Diagnostic Tool: A multi-function cartridge for C64/128 with Dead Test, diagnostic tools, and utilities for the 1541 disk drive. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/195604520369)
  • Commodore 128 Diagnostic Cartridge & Harness: A complete set for diagnosing and testing all components of the Commodore 128, including ports and chips. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/286141648874)

Peripherals & Connectivity

This category includes a wide range of devices that expand the input, output, and networking capabilities of the C64 and C128, bridging the gap between 1980s technology and modern standards.

  • C64/C128 WiFi Modem: Connect your Commodore 64 or 128 to the internet and BBSs with this user-port WiFi modem. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • C64 A/V Adaptor Breakout Box: The ultimate A/V output solution for the C64, providing clean and sharp video and audio signals. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • C64/Amiga Genesis Joypad Adaptor: Use the classic Sega Genesis/Megadrive controller on your Commodore 64 or Amiga with this simple plug-in adapter. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • Keyrah V3 USB Keyboard Adapter: Connect an original C64 or Amiga keyboard to a modern PC, Mac, or Raspberry Pi via USB. (https://www.retropassion.co.uk)
  • C64/C128 IEC Serial Cable: A brand new, high-quality serial cable for connecting your disk drive or printer to your Commodore computer. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • XM1541 Multitask Data Transfer Cable: Connect a Commodore 5.25″ floppy drive to a PC’s parallel port to transfer disk images and files. (https://coolnovelties.co.uk)

Cases & Aesthetics

For enthusiasts looking to restore a yellowed, damaged case or create a completely custom machine, a variety of brand-new cases and aesthetic components are now available.

  • Commodore C64/64C Case: A stunning, brand new case for housing a C64 or C64C motherboard for a unique, modern look. Available in transparent, black, or colors in multiple styles. (https://www.retropassion.co.uk)
  • C64c Key Mount Kit: An essential stainless steel bracket kit for mounting a C64 keyboard inside a new or original C64c case. (https://www.retropassion.co.uk)
  • C64 Stubby Cartridge Case: A 3D-printed case to protect your C64/C128 “stubby” style cartridges from electrostatic discharge and physical damage. (https://retrorewind.ca)
  • CBMSTUFF.com: An online store specializing in modern hardware and components for classic Commodore computers. They offer WiFi modems (like the WiModem), motherboard remakes (ICS64S), disk archiving tools (SuperCard Pro), keycaps, and more for Commodore 8-bit computers.

📻 Tandy

Power Supplies

One of the most common points of failure for any vintage computer is the power supply, and the TRS-80 line is no exception. The original units often contained RIFA-branded filter capacitors that are notorious for failing spectacularly with a loud pop and a plume of acrid smoke. Replacing the original power supply with a modern, high-quality unit is one of the most important steps an owner can take to ensure the long-term reliability and safety of their machine.

  • Modern Power Supply for Model III/4/4P: A direct replacement for the two original 35-watt units, using a modern Mean Well supply for safety and reliability. (jaynewirth.wixsite.com/newsoft)
  • Model I Heavy-Duty Power Supply Kit: A complete kit with cables for project builders who need a robust power solution for their Model I system. (www.ebay.com/str/trs80universe)

Memory & ROM Expansion

The upgrades available for the Color Computer are truly transformative. While the CoCo 3 was originally designed to support up to 512 KB of RAM, modern solutions offer 2 MB, 4 MB, or even more. This is not just a quantitative increase; it is a qualitative leap that fundamentally changes the machine’s ability to run the memory-intensive OS-9 operating system, unlocking its true multitasking potential. Perhaps most remarkably, new hardware now exists to back-port the CoCo 3’s advanced memory management unit (MMU) to the older CoCo 1 and 2 models, a feat that revolutionizes the capabilities of the entire product line.

  • Cloud-9 TRIAD+ 512K-2MB SRAM Upgrade: A low-power static RAM upgrade for the CoCo 3, providing up to 2 MB of memory for OS-9 and other applications. (www.cloud9tech.com)
  • RETRO Innovations CocoMEM 4MB+ Upgrade: A no-solder memory expansion for the CoCo 3 that plugs into the GIME socket, offering 4 MB or more of RAM. (www.go4retro.com/products/cocomem/)
  • RETRO Innovations CocoMEM Jr. for CoCo 1/2: A groundbreaking board that adds a CoCo 3-compatible MMU and up to 2 MB of RAM to a CoCo 1 or 2. (www.go4retro.com/products/cocomem-jr/)
  • REX# ROM/RAM Expansion Module: This module allows your Model 100/102 to access multiple banks of RAM and load several option ROMs at once. (www.club100.org)
  • RAM+ Memory Expansion for Model 100: Add four switchable 32K banks of RAM to your Model 100, dramatically increasing its storage for files and programs. (www.soigeneris.com/ram-for-trs-80-model-100)
  • Full Replacement Keyboard for Model III: A brand-new, full mechanical keyboard designed by Jay Crutti, offering a superior typing experience for your Model III. (www.jaycrutti.com/hardware-projects/tandy-trs-80-replacement-keyboards)
  • Replacement Model III/4 Badges and Feet: High-quality reproduction badges and modern rubber bumper feet to complete the physical restoration of your machine. (jaynewirth.wixsite.com/newsoft)
  • Model I Lowercase Modification Kit: A classic upgrade now available as a new kit, allowing your original TRS-80 Model I to display lowercase characters. (www.ebay.com/str/trs80universe)
  • KeyFix3 “Clicky” Keyboard Replacement: A modern keyboard replacement for the CoCo 3 that provides a satisfying, tactile, “clicky” typing experience. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkZ25P1k-nE)
  • CoCo 1 & 2 Capacitor Replacement Kits: Complete capacitor replacement kits to perform essential maintenance and ensure the long-term health of your CoCo’s motherboard. (www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/store/#!/COCO/c/28313043)
  • Model 100/102 Parts: New replacement LCD Zebra Strips and NiMh memory backup batteries to keep your classic portable running like new. (www.soigeneris.com/ram-for-trs-80-model-100)

Solid-State Storage (SD Card & CompactFlash)

The move from fragile and capacity-limited magnetic media to solid-state storage is one of the most transformative upgrades available. These products eliminate the reliability issues of aging floppy drives and tapes, providing access to vast libraries of software on a single, durable SD card or USB stick.

  • FreHD Hard Drive Emulator for TRS-80: Use a standard SD card to emulate a TRS-80 hard drive, providing massive, reliable storage for all your files. (www.ebay.com/str/trs80universe)
  • Model I Hard Drive Adapter Board: An essential adapter board from Ian Mavric to connect a FreHD or real hard drive to a Model I. Contact Ian at ianm@trs-80.com.
  • Quinnterface 32K Interface for Model I: Allows the use of the FreHD hard drive emulator on a base-model TRS-80 Model 1 without an Expansion Interface. (www.ebay.com/str/trs80universe)
  • HxC/Gotek Floppy Drive Emulator: Replace a physical 34-pin floppy drive with a modern emulator that reads and writes disk images from an SD card. (www.trs-80.com/wordpress/repairs/modern-replacement/)
  • Catweasel Floppy Controller for PC: A PCI card for modern PCs that can read and write actual TRS-80 floppy disks for data archival. (www.trs-80.com/wordpress/repairs/modern-replacement/)
  • CoCo SDC Floppy Drive Emulator: The standard for loading CoCo software, this external cartridge uses an SD card to emulate floppy drives. (retrorewind.ca/coco-sdc)
  • Cloud-9 SuperIDE Storage Interface: An internal board for the CoCo that adds support for IDE hard drives and CompactFlash cards for mass storage. (www.cloud9tech.com)
  • Universal Backpack SD Card Drive: A remarkable SD card-based “disk drive” for your Model 100-series portable that runs from a single AA battery. (www.soigeneris.com/ram-for-trs-80-model-100)

Video & Display

Connecting a 40-year-old computer designed for a monochrome CRT to a modern digital display presents a challenge. The following solutions range from simple cable adapters to complete CRT replacement kits, allowing you to see your classic computer in a whole new light.

⌨️ PC XT/286/386/486

Storage Controllers & Emulators

Perhaps no category of vintage hardware is more prone to the ravages of time than magnetic storage. The delicate mechanics of MFM, RLL, and early IDE hard drives, combined with the inevitable degradation of floppy disk media, present the single greatest obstacle to enjoying these classic machines. The demand for a solution to this problem has spurred some of the most critical and widely adopted innovations in the retro hardware scene. These products are not merely upgrades; for many systems, they are essential life-support, replacing failing mechanical components with silent, reliable, and convenient solid-state alternatives. This allows for the easy transfer of software from modern computers and ensures that these vintage systems can continue to boot up and be used for decades to come.

Power Supply Solutions

The original power supply unit (PSU) in a vintage computer is a ticking time bomb. After 30 to 40 years, electrolytic capacitors age, dry out, and fail, posing a significant risk of catastrophic damage to the motherboard and expansion cards. Furthermore, these old linear designs are inefficient, generating excess heat and electrical noise. The products in this category are focused on risk mitigation and future-proofing. They enable the use of modern, high-efficiency, and rigorously safety-tested ATX power supplies in older AT-style cases. This is a foundational upgrade that enhances not only the reliability and longevity of a vintage machine but also its safety….

Modern Motherboards & New-Retro Systems

This category represents the most ambitious frontier of the retro computing movement…. While many enthusiasts focus on preserving and enhancing original hardware, another contingent seeks to perfectly recreate the experience of a bygone era using entirely new, reliable components. These projects are not clones but thoughtful reimaginings, blending the architectural principles of the past with the manufacturing precision of the present. …[T]hese new motherboards and complete systems suggests that “retro computing” is an expanding concept….

  • ITX-Llama Modern Retro Motherboard: A modern ITX motherboard for the ultimate Windows 98 build, featuring a Vortex86 SOC, AGP slot, and legacy ports. (https://retrodreams.ca/)
  • NuXT MicroATX XT Motherboard: An open-source, newly designed PC/XT compatible motherboard in a modern MicroATX form factor with integrated SVGA and CF storage. (https://github.com/monotech/NuXT)

The Senses – Modern Audio & Video

Connecting a vintage computer to the modern world involves translating its digital reality into signals our senses can perceive. This section is dedicated to the expansion cards that bridge this gap for sight and sound. The innovations here are particularly remarkable, tackling the significant technical challenge of making the video output of early PCs compatible with today’s displays and faithfully recreating the iconic soundtracks of the DOS era. These products often rely on modern Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to perform real-time hardware emulation….

Reaching Out – Connectivity & Interfacing

A vintage computer in isolation is a historical artifact; a connected one is a usable tool. The hardware in this section is designed to break these classic machines out of their isolation, connecting them to modern networks… and to modern peripherals…. These products bridge the significant usability gap between the 1980s and today….

🚀 Neo Retro

The New Wave of Retro Computing: More Than Just Nostalgia

A vibrant and unexpected renaissance is underway…. Far from the relentless pursuit of more gigahertz and terabytes, a growing community… is looking backward to move forward. They are creating a new generation of “retro” computers—machines that embody the spirit of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras… but are built for the 21st century. This movement is driven by more than simple nostalgia; it is a direct response to the increasing complexity and opacity of modern technology. At its heart is a quest to reclaim a sense of ownership and understanding over the machines we use every day.

  • MEGA65: The Commodore 65 That Never Was: An open-source FPGA recreation of the mythical C65. Experience blistering speed with high C64 compatibility in a beautiful retro case. (mega65.org)
  • ZX Spectrum Next: Reimagined Sinclair Power: A stunning evolution of the beloved “Speccy,” featuring modern video output, expanded memory, and accelerated speed via FPGA hardware. (specnext.com)
  • Vampire V4+ Standalone: An Amiga Reborn: A high-performance, FPGA-based Amiga compatible system with a blazingly fast 68080 CPU, modern connectivity, and HD graphics output. (apollo-computer.com)
  • Colour Maximite 2: Modern BASIC Simplicity: A fun, accessible computer inspired by the 80s. Boots instantly to BASIC, supports modern peripherals, and runs programs incredibly fast. (geoffg.net/maximite.html)
  • Commander X16: The 8-Bit Guy’s Dream Computer: A modern 8-bit computer with a real 65C02 CPU, powerful graphics/sound, and C64 KERNAL compatibility. Perfect for developers. (commanderx16.com)
  • Foenix F256 & A2560 Series: 16-Bit Retro Power: A family of powerful retro systems featuring real 65C816/65C02 CPUs and custom FPGA co-processors for impressive audio-visual capabilities. (c256foenix.com)
  • Agon Light 2: The Fastest Z80 Microcomputer: An open-source 8-bit computer featuring a fast eZ80 CPU and an ESP32 co-processor. Boots instantly into a powerful BBC BASIC. (agonconsole8.github.io/agon-docs/)
  • Neo6502: A Modern 6502 Open-Source Board: A compact, open-source 6502-based computer with an RP2040 co-processor, providing modern HDMI video and USB connectivity for your projects. (neo6502.com)
  • Zeal 8-bit Computer: A True Z80 Homebrew System: A true Z80-based computer with modern features like an MMU, Flash storage, and its own custom operating system. (zeal8bit.com)
  • X65: A 65C816 Computer for Creativity: A powerful, open-source 65C816-based computer with 16MB of flat RAM, a custom video chip, FM synthesis, and modern I/O. (x65.zone)
  • Cerberus 2100: The Dual-CPU Educational Platform: An incredible educational platform with both Z80 and 6502 CPUs. Its CPLD-based hardware is reconfigurable for ultimate experimentation. (thebyteattic.com/p/cerberus-2100.html)
  • RC2014 Expansion Modules: Unlock the full potential of your RC2014 with a massive range of expansion modules for storage, memory, I/O, and more. (rc2014.co.uk)
  • MicroBeast: A Self-Contained Z80 Kit: A complete Z80 computer kit running CP/M. Features an integrated keyboard and display in a clever, foldable all-in-one design. (feertech.com/microbeast/)
  • MiSTer FPGA: The All-in-One Retro Powerhouse: The ultimate open-source FPGA platform. Accurately recreates dozens of classic computers, consoles, and arcade machines on one modular hardware setup. (mister-devel.github.io/MkDocs_MiSTer/)
  • RC2014: The Modular Z80 Computer Kit: The quintessential Z80 homebrew kit. Its modular backplane design allows for endless customization and expansion. Learn computing from the ground up! (rc2014.co.uk)
  • CPUville Z80 Kits: Classic Ciarcia-Inspired Designs: Educational kits based on Steve Ciarcia’s legendary designs. Build a simple Z80 computer and learn how every component works together. (cpuville.com/Kits/Z80-kits-home.html)
  • Ben Eater’s 8-bit Breadboard Computer: The ultimate educational project. Build a working 8-bit computer on breadboards from fundamental logic gates. No soldering required. (eater.net/8bit/kits)
  • Lazer3D Commander X16 Case: Give your Commander X16 developer board a professional and stylish home with this officially supported, custom-designed mini desktop case. (lazer3d.com/product/commander-x16-m-case/)
  • MiSTer Addons & Cases: Everything you need to turn your DE10-Nano into a full MiSTer system: RAM, USB hubs, I/O boards, and cases. (www.google.com/search?q=misteraddons.com)

Compute’s Gazette Magazine

Leave a Reply