Strange Labs Computers

Introduction

Sometimes you don’t want to play a modern game. Every generation has its “Golden Era”, partly from nostalgia for a time when you were younger, freer, and enjoying life more, but partly because things were objectively better in some ways. In gaming, there was a notable decade or so spanning the late 1990s to early 2000s (extending into the early 2010s). This was an era when developers couldn’t simply throw more money and computing power at problems; they had to invent creative solutions. Silent Hill (released 1999), for example, wanted to provide cutting edge graphics, but in doing so needed to drastically reduce draw distance to maintain playability. The developers solution was the introduction of the famous fog: a technical workaround that became one of the most terrifying atmospheric elements in gaming history.

What made this era truly exceptional was how games prioritized rich storytelling and single-player experiences. The Elder Scrolls series exemplifies this: both Oblivion and Skyrim created vast worlds filled with hundreds of hours of quests and stories to discover. Half-Life and its sequel redefined narrative in first-person games, delivering their stories without ever breaking immersion. These weren’t just games; they were complete worlds to lose yourself in.

This period also represents the golden age of modding, with titles like Unreal Tournament 2004 and Skyrim building incredible modding communities that extended their lifespans enormously through independent creativity. Games shipped as finished products rather than platforms for endless microtransactions, which often end in “pay to win” experiences. For example, The Sims and GTA: San Andreas delivered everything the developers created in self contained packages and expansions, often with beautiful physical extras like maps, guides and keepsakes that made ownership special.

At Strange Labs Computers, we build retro gaming rigs that capture this special period when triple A developers operated with an almost indie-like spirit despite growing success, taking creative risks that might not make it past today’s focus groups. Our custom Windows 7 machines let you experience the perfect balance these games struck: visually impressive enough to realize developers’ visions while remaining accessible and mod-friendly. Whether you’re exploring the rich narrative of Skyrim, experiencing the strategic depth of Age of Mythology, or diving into the immersive simulation of SimCity 4, these carefully crafted PCs preserve an important piece of gaming history.

Our Build Process: Crafting the Perfect Retro Gaming Experience

Step 1: The Build

Our process begins with carefully sourcing quality second-hand components that provide the ideal balance of performance for these classic titles. While the components are pre-owned, they undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process:

Component Restoration - Each component is thoroughly cleaned of dust and other blemishes, and inspected for any signs of wear.
Thermal Renewal - CPUs receive modern, high-quality thermal paste to ensure optimal heat transfer and cooling efficiency.
Professional Assembly - We build these retro PCs with the same exacting standards as our modern systems. This includes: - Meticulous cable management for optimal airflow and aesthetic appeal - Strategic component placement for thermal efficiency - Careful consideration of case airflow dynamics - Attention to visual aesthetics, both internal and external
Component Testing - Each system undergoes stress testing to ensure stability and reliability under gaming conditions

The result is a carefully balanced system that provides authentic period-appropriate performance while maintaining reliability and visual appeal.

Step 2: Windows 7 Installation

Windows 7 offers the perfect environment for these classic games. It is modern enough to run practically anything from this era without compatibility issues, yet free from the bloat and forced updates of newer Windows versions.

Clean OS Installation - We start with a fresh Windows 7 installation
Administrator Setup - We create a clean administrator account for easy access.
Proper Licensing - Each system receives a legitimate Windows key.
Driver Installation - We install all necessary drivers.
System Updates - Multiple rounds of Windows updates ensure security and stability.

Step 3: Essential Software Installation

From our dedicated resources, we install a carefully selected suite of utilities:

Security Essentials - Basic protection without resource-heavy scanning.
VLC - The ultimate media player for all your video needs.
7zip - Essential file compression and extraction.
WinCDEmu - For mounting disc images without physical media.
HWInfo - To monitor system performance.
Rainmeter + Custom Skin - For that perfect nostalgic desktop experience.
Component-Specific Utilities - Tailored to each build’s unique hardware.

Step 4: Game Installation

The heart of our offering, a curated collection of some of the greatest PC games ever created:

Strategy Classics: Age of Mythology, SimCity 4 Deluxe, Warzone 2100
RPG Epics: Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Neverwinter Nights Enhanced
FPS Legends: Half-Life + DLC, Half-Life 2 + DLC, Unreal Tournament 2004 Collection
Simulation Gems: The Sims Complete Collection
Unique Experiences: Uplink, GTA: San Andreas, Luanti

Each game is installed with all necessary dependencies including Visual C++ redistributables and DirectX runtimes to ensure smooth operation.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before completion, each system undergoes a thorough cleanup:

Removal of all installation files and temporary data
Clearing of setup use history
Setup of a custom Rainmeter skin for that perfect retro aesthetic

The result is a plug-and-play gaming time machine, ready to transport you back to gaming’s golden age the moment you press the power button all for typically sub-£300

Results

If you want to purchase one of these PCs, or want one custom made for you, please contact us at sales@strangelabs.io, or using the form here.