Vintage computer enthusiasts have built a vibrant online community. Below is a mix of active forums, marketplaces, archives, and technical resources that focus on 1980s and 1990s computers. These sites are great for researching historical info, getting repair help, or buying/selling vintage hardware and software.
Table of Contents
Forums & Collector Communities
1. Vintage Computer Federation (VCFed) Forums
- One of the largest general vintage computing forums.
- Covers all makes/models, including discussions on collecting, restoring, and trading.
- Includes a marketplace for vintage gear sales and swaps.
- Visit: vcfed.org/forum
2. Reddit – r/VintageComputing
- Popular Reddit community where collectors share projects and discuss finds.
- Great for discovering vintage hardware deals and auctions.
- Visit: reddit.com/r/VintageComputing
3. VOGONS (Very Old Games On New Systems)
- Focuses on retro PC hardware and DOS/Windows gaming.
- Excellent resource for troubleshooting vintage IBM-compatible PCs and sound cards.
- Visit: vogons.org
4. AtariAge (Classic Computing)
- While known for Atari consoles, it also has active discussions on classic computers (Apple II, Commodore 64, Amiga, etc.).
- Marketplace section for buying/selling vintage hardware.
- Visit: atariage.com/forums
5. Lemon64 (For Commodore 64 Fans)
- A well-known community for C64 enthusiasts.
- Includes game reviews, hardware mod discussions, and an active forum.
- Visit: lemon64.com
6. 68k Macintosh Liberation Army (68kMLA)
- Dedicated to preserving and restoring classic Apple Macintosh computers.
- Covers repairs, software sourcing, and keeping old Macs operational.
- Visit: 68kmla.org
Marketplaces for Vintage Hardware & Software
7. eBay
- The largest marketplace for vintage computers and software.
- Ideal for finding rare retro models and accessories.
- Visit: ebay.com
8. Vintage Computer Federation Marketplace
- Community-driven alternative to eBay with more reasonable prices.
- No seller fees and trusted among collectors.
- Visit: vcfed.org/forum
9. Amibay
- No-fee marketplace for Amiga, Commodore, Atari, and retro computers.
- Community-driven with fair pricing and trustworthy sellers.
- Visit: amibay.com
10. SellMyRetro
- Dedicated retro computer marketplace for Sinclair, Commodore, Amiga, and more.
- Features vintage hardware, software, and replica parts.
- Visit: sellmyretro.com
11. Goodwill Auctions (ShopGoodwill)
- Online thrift store auctions with vintage computers and accessories.
- Potential for great deals, but items are often sold as-is.
- Visit: shopgoodwill.com
12. GovDeals (Surplus Auctions)
- Government surplus site with bulk sales of vintage tech from universities and offices.
- Best for advanced collectors willing to buy and refurbish in bulk.
- Visit: govdeals.com
Historical Archives & Technical Resources
13. Bitsavers (Massive Online Archive)
- Scans of computer manuals, schematics, and software documentation.
- One of the best resources for repairing and researching vintage systems.
- Visit: bitsavers.org
14. Internet Archive (Archive.org)
- Hosts vintage computer magazines, software, and manuals.
- Features playable emulated games and scanned historical documents.
- Visit: archive.org
15. The Computer Archive
- Repository of scanned computer catalogs, manuals, and literature from the 70s–90s.
- Great for finding rare documentation for restoration projects.
- Visit: thecomputerarchive.com
16. Old-Computer.com
- Features technical specs, restoration guides, and collector insights.
- Covers a wide range of 1980s and 1990s computers.
- Visit: old-computers.com
17. MinusZeroDegrees (IBM PC Focused)
- Best resource for IBM 5150 PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.
- Includes troubleshooting guides, error codes, and motherboard settings.
- Visit: minuszerodegrees.net
18. EEVblog Vintage Computing Forum
- Forum for discussing vintage computer repairs and hardware restorations.
- Experienced electronics hobbyists share troubleshooting tips and DIY guides.
- Visit: eevblog.com/forum
Final Thoughts
Using these resources, vintage computer collectors can research historical information, get technical support for restorations, and find like-minded enthusiasts to buy, sell, or simply chat with. Whether you’re reviving an old Commodore 64, upgrading a ’90s 486 PC, or hunting down rare software, these websites will help you navigate the retro computing hobby.
💾 Happy collecting!