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A vintage NEC ProSpeed 286 has been turned into a usable retrocomputing machine by keeping its case and keyboard while replacing its original computing core and passive-matrix screen. A Raspberry Pi inside the laptop runs DOS emulation; the original keyboard connects through a PS/2-to-USB adapter, and a modern display of the same dimensions takes the place of the old LCD. It is a restomod, not a restoration of the laptop’s original electronics. Hackaday’s October 9, 2026, project feature describes the conversion.
What changed—and what stayed
The project began as an attempt by Cory Whitesell to repair his old NEC ProSpeed 286. When those efforts failed, he repurposed the laptop as a retro battlestation instead. Its recognizable exterior and original keyboard remain, but the core electronics and display no longer provide the computing experience.
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| Part | What the build does | What is reported |
|---|---|---|
| Case | Retained | The Pi fits inside without gutting the laptop. |
| Computing core | Replaced with a Raspberry Pi | The Pi model, memory, operating system, and emulation software are not stated in the project feature. |
| Power | Original power supply remains intact; Pi power comes from the original hard drive’s Molex connector | Voltage conversion, current limits, and protection details are not stated. |
| Keyboard | Original keyboard retained | A PS/2-to-USB adapter connects it to the modern computer. |
| Display | Original passive-matrix LCD replaced | The replacement is a modern screen of the same dimensions; its model, interface, resolution, and mounting method are not stated. |
The result preserves the laptop’s physical character and selected interfaces without preserving its original computing hardware. That distinction matters: the report establishes that the Pi runs DOS emulation, but it does not provide benchmarks or a tested software list, so it cannot establish how fast or how broadly compatible the setup is.
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Modern compute inside the original case
The Raspberry Pi supplies the computing capability the aging laptop could no longer provide. It fits in the existing case, and the reported build does not require removing the entire interior. The project feature does not identify the Pi model or explain how its software is configured, so those details should not be assumed when using this build as a guide.
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- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Power from the hard-drive connector
The Pi draws power from the laptop’s original hard-drive Molex connector, while the original power supply is left intact. The feature does not describe any voltage conversion, current limits, or protection circuit. Those electrical details are essential for anyone attempting a similar conversion; the reported connection alone is not a complete wiring specification.
Original keyboard, modern connection
The NEC keyboard remains in use through a PS/2-to-USB adapter. The feature does not identify the adapter or document compatibility testing, so it confirms the approach used in this machine, not that every PS/2 keyboard or adapter combination will behave identically.
Rank #2
- Fully assembled for plug-and-play operation
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM
- 256 GB PCIe Pi NVMe SSD (Pre-loaded with Pi 64-Bit OS)
- M.2 HAT+
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Pi 5
A replacement screen in the old display’s dimensions
The passive-matrix LCD is replaced by a modern screen with the same dimensions. No panel model, resolution, interface, or mounting method is given. Matching the physical size is therefore the only specific display criterion established by the report; it does not establish that any same-size panel will fit or connect without additional work.
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Why this is a restomod, not an original-hardware restoration
A restoration would aim to bring the NEC’s original electronics and display back to working order. This project instead retains the exterior and keyboard while substituting modern computing and display hardware. The trade-off is straightforward: it changes the machine’s internals to make a practical retro interface around current electronics, rather than demonstrating that the original 286 system has been repaired.
Rank #3
- Pi5 8GB Pack: RasTech Pi 5 8GB kit includes 1 x Pi5 8GB board ,1 x 64GB Card, 2 x Card Readers,1 x Active Cooler,1 x Case for Pi5, 2 x 4K Micro HD Out Cable,1 x GaN 27W 5A USB-C Power supply,1 x Screwdriver and 1 x instructions.
- Pi5 8GB Board: The Pi5 board is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz and an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, which delivers a significant increase in graphics performance. Dual HD Out 4Kp60 display outputs and a built-in dual 4-channel MIPI camera/display transceiver provide state-of-the-art camera support. The Pi 5 offers a 2-3 times increase in CPU performance compare to Pi4.
- Important Graphics Features: Equipped with an 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU and providing better graphics performance, suitable for multimedia applications,gaming,and graphics intensive tasks.Provides 1 UART interface,1 card slot that supports high-speed operation, 2 USB. 3 0.5 ports that support synchronous 0Gbps operation,2 USB 2.0 port ports,2 4Kp60 display outputs that support HDR.Built-in dedicated dual 4-channel 1Gbps MIPI DSI/CSI connectors,triple the total bandwidth.
- Cooling Kit for Pi 5: Compatible with Active Cooler for Raspberry Pi5, It can provide Pi 5 board with better cooling effect in using. The Case can accurately access usb-c power jack,Micro HD Out ports, usb ports, Ethernet jack, card slot, power button, 4-lane MIPI DSI/CSI connectors and so on, and it also supports installation of cooling fan.
- 64GB Card Kit and GaN 27W USB-C Power Supply: With extra 64GB card to store more files and card readers for multiple medium, keep better performance for Raspberry Pi 5, 27W USB C Power Supply is Compatible with Pi5 8GB, offers a variety of output voltage options, including 5.1V at 5A, 9.0V at 3.0A, 12.0V at 2.25A, and 15.0V at 1.8A, providing for different device requirements.
That approach fits the Modern Retro category in Hackaday’s 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge, which includes emulations, work-alikes, and modern electronics inside retro interfaces. The project also has a preservation angle because it keeps the old laptop’s form and keyboard in service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the project does—and does not—establish
- Established: the case houses a Raspberry Pi; the original keyboard is used via PS/2-to-USB; the original passive-matrix screen is replaced by a same-dimension modern screen; and the Pi provides DOS emulation.
- Not established: the exact Pi and display models, operating system, emulation software, electrical conversion and protection details, performance, compatibility range, repair cost, and reversibility of the modifications.
Hackaday’s feature mentions a more powerful single-board computer or a compact phone in the drive bay as possible ideas for a future revision. These are suggestions, not upgrades tested in the reported build.
Rank #4
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- [ADVANCED COOLING SYSTEM] - Engineered for high-performance builds, Pironman 5-MAX features a powerful tower cooler, one PWM fan, and dual RGB fans for enhanced airflow. The dual transparent panel design improves ventilation while showcasing vibrant RGB lighting. Ideal for cooling both the Raspberry Pi 5 and dual NVMe SSDs or AI accelerators like Hailo-8L, it ensures stable operation under heavy workloads with low noise and long-term durability
- [SMART OLED DISPLAY WITH VIBRATION WAKE-UP] - Pironman 5-MAX features a 0.96" OLED screen that delivers real-time system insights including CPU usage, memory, temperature, IP address, and disk status. With customizable display options and auto sleep mode, the screen can be instantly reactivated by a light tap thanks to the built-in vibration sensor—offering a smarter and more interactive experience
- [ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY] - Pironman 5-MAX empowers your Raspberry Pi 5 with advanced features like safe shutdown via a metal power button, customizable RGB lighting, dual full-size HDMI ports, vibration-triggered OLED wake-up, and an external GPIO extender. It also includes RTC battery support for timekeeping and seamless Home Assistant integration. With detailed guides, online tutorials, and full technical support from SunFounder, setup and use are effortless and worry-free
2026 Hackaday Retrocomputing Challenge details
Hackaday announced the 2026 challenge on August 18, 2026, inviting participants to document retrocomputing projects. Its contest page lists the event window as August 18 through October 27, 2026, and says entries must be about retrocomputing, documented, and submitted with agreement for the design to be published on Hackaday. The announcement describes three favorite projects receiving a $150 DigiKey gift certificate each.
The announced honorable-mention categories are Old Iron, Modern Retro, Retro-Modern, and Coding Like It’s 1999. The page says rules and categories may change and judges’ decisions are final. Because the listed deadline is October 27, 2026, check the official contest page for current status and rules if reading this after that date. Elliot Williams wrote in the announcement, “Now’s the chance to put your retrocomputer project up for all to see.”
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