Thermaltake is taking a trip down memory lane at CES 2026 with the official unveiling of its Retro Series. This new collection—comprising two chassis and a specialized liquid cooler—blends the beige-era aesthetic of 90s computing with the high-performance demands of modern PC enthusiasts.
The series focuses on “retro-futurism,” offering soft tones and vintage textures without sacrificing contemporary features like hidden-connector motherboard support and high-refresh LCD displays.
Table of Contents:
Retro Aesthetics, Modern Internals
Thermaltake introduced two distinct cases designed to accommodate different build scales while maintaining that classic workstation vibe.
Retro 260 TG (Micro-ATX)
Designed for fans of compact, classic micro desktops, the 260 TG offers a nostalgia-heavy front I/O layout but supports modern hardware configurations.
- Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX (including hidden-connector models).
- Cooling: Space for up to nine 120 mm fans and a 280 mm top-mounted radiator.
- Customization: Fully compatible with Thermaltake’s 6-inch LCD Screen Kit for displaying system stats or retro pixel art.
Retro 360 TG (Mid-Tower)
The 360 TG scales up the design, drawing inspiration from early-90s workstations to provide a larger canvas for enthusiasts.
- Motherboard Support: ATX (including hidden-connector models).
- Cooling: Massive airflow potential with support for up to twelve 120 mm fans and 360 mm radiators on the top or side.
- I/O Connectivity: Includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.0, and HD Audio.
Retro Ultra AIO: The “CRT” Liquid Cooler
The standout of the collection is the Retro Ultra ARGB Sync AIO Liquid Cooler, available in 240 mm and 360 mm variants. It bridges the gap between old and new with a unique pump head design.
- Mini-CRT Pump Head: The centerpiece is a 3.6-inch TFT LCD display styled to look like a miniature vintage monitor. Through the TT RGB PLUS 3.0 software, users can display nostalgic animations, classic OS screensavers, or real-time temperatures.
- Single-Frame Fans: The cooler uses a new unified fan design that simplifies cable management and provides consistent static pressure.
- Maintenance Friendly: A new four-screw fan removal system makes cleaning dust or swapping fans much faster than traditional mounting methods.
Blending Eras
The Retro Series isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a functional nod to the history of home computing. By integrating support for hidden-connector motherboards and advanced LCD monitoring, Thermaltake is ensuring that users don’t have to choose between a “cozy” vintage setup and peak performance.
“Instead of simply recreating the past, the Retro Series focuses on delivering a unique desk presence and a sense of character that stands out in today’s setups.”
