RetroN 77 Review: A Blast from the Past for Modern Gamers

Alienware's Retron 77, a modern twist on vintage Apple aesthetic, has been making waves in the retro computing scene. With its sleek design reminiscent of the Apple IIe and Macintosh Plus, is it more than just a pretty face? Let's dive into our comprehensive Retron 77 review to find out.

Released in early 2021, the Retron 77 is a gaming PC encapsulated in a replica 1970s desktop chassis. Alienware, known for their high-performance gaming rigs, has outdone themselves by combining nostalgic form with cutting-edge function. But does this blend resonate, or is it merely a gimmick?

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Design and Build Quality

The Retron 77's design is nothing short of commendable. It's a perfect replica of the classic Apple computers, right down to the rainbow Apple logo and the unlikely yet endearing combination of colors. It's not just about aesthetics; the build quality is robust, with a sturdy metal case that feels substantial.

a remote control sitting on top of a wooden table next to a cell phone and earbuds

Connectivity ports are modernized, aligning with today's standards. You'll find USB-A and USB-C ports, a DisplayPort, Ethernet, and even a slot for SDXC cards. The only minor letdown is the lack of an HDMI port, but in fairness, this is a minor oversight in an otherwise stellar design.

Display and Accessories

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The Retron 77 comes with a 27-inch IPS display that's stunning in its own right. With a resolution of 1440p and a refresh rate of 165Hz, it offers exceptional clarity and responsiveness. The monitor has a dedicated bracket that clips onto the top of the case, echoing the setup of vintage desktops.

Multicolored, stripy cables and a classic membrane keyboard further add to the retro vibe. The keyboard, though functional, might not appeal to everyone; some may prefer a mechanical keyboard for its tactile feedback. Nevertheless, it's a thoughtful inclusion that rounds off the Retron 77's unboxing experience.

Performance: Under the Hood

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Underneath its vintage exterior lies a beast of a machine. The Retron 77 is armed with an Intel Core i9-10800k processor, 16GB RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. This ensures smooth sailing for even the most demanding games and applications.

The system's performance is backed by a 1TB NVMe SSD, which provides swift boot and load times. The TLC NAND flash helps preserve the SSD's performance over time, ensuring it stays fast even after years of use. With this kind of firepower, you'd be hard-pressed to find a game that this machine can't handle.

Software and Gaming Experience

Alienware's Command Center software is intuitive and feature-rich. You can tweak overclocking settings, manage RGB lighting, adjust fan speeds, and much more. It's highly customizable, allowing users to create different profiles for different games or applications.

The Retron 77's gaming experience is exceptional. The high-refresh-rate display makes fast-paced games like Fortnite and Cyberpunk 2077 feel smooth and responsive. The SSD's speed ensures quick loading times, minimizing downtime between gaming sessions.

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Audio Experience

The speakers, tucked away in the monitor's stand, deliver surprisingly good audio. They're not top-of-the-line, but they're more than adequate for gaming and casual listening. For a more immersive experience, you can connect a gaming headset or external speakers.

Alienware's Sound Center software lets you fine-tune the audio output. It offers several equalizer presets and even includes a "voice morph" feature that can make your voice sound like a robot or an alien - a fun, albeit niche, feature.

Thermals and Noise

The Retron 77's thermal performance is impressive. Even under heavy load, temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees Celsius. The system's fans are well-designed, ensuring that noise is minimal, even at higher speeds. You might feel compelled to turn them up a notch just to appreciate the nostalgic whirring sound.

The keyboard is particularly clever in its design. The layout is broadly based on the original Apple IIe keyboard, but with modernized keycaps and backlighting. It's a great example of how to stay true to a design's heritage while making practical improvements.

Value for Money and Verdict

The Retron 77's price tag is nothing short of premium. Prices start at around $2,500, which is a significant investment. But considering the performance, design, and build quality, it feels more justified than many other high-end gaming PCs.

The Retron 77 is more than just a gimmick; it's a love letter to retro computing. It combines high performance with a unique design that's both nostalgic and functional. It's not perfect - no machine is - but it's a compelling blend of old and new that's hard to resist. If you've got the budget and a soft spot for vintage aesthetics, the Retron 77 is a dream machine.

But the Retron 77 isn't just about the past. It's a testament to how far we've come in the world of computing. From chunky keyboards and monochrome screens to high-refresh-rate displays and powerful CPUs, it's an exciting time to be a gaming enthusiast or retro tech appreciator. Here's to the future of nostalgia!