Retro computing aesthetics continue to gain popularity among PC enthusiasts seeking nostalgia with modern functionality. Following the success of last year's beige FLP01 case, SilverStone is expanding its retro-inspired lineup with a new offering that combines vintage design with contemporary hardware compatibility.
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| SilverStone FLP02 retro tower case showcasing its vintage design reminiscent of the 1980s computing era |
A Tower of Nostalgia
SilverStone's newly revealed FLP02 tower case pays homage to the computing era of the late 1980s and early 1990s, when Intel 386 and 486 processors dominated the market. Showcased at Computex 2025 in Taipei, this beige mid-tower design captures the essence of vintage computing while accommodating modern hardware needs. The case represents SilverStone's commitment to the sleeper PC aesthetic—computers that appear modest on the outside but pack powerful components within.
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| A vintage computer server design, reflecting the computing aesthetics of the late 1980s and early 1990s, similar to the inspiration behind the SilverStone FLP02 case |
Modern Hardware Support Behind the Beige Facade
Despite its retro appearance, the FLP02 is thoroughly modern in its capabilities. The case supports ATX, micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards and can accommodate high-end components including large modern GPUs and liquid cooling solutions with radiators up to 360mm. SilverStone has thoughtfully included a GPU support bracket to prevent sagging of heavy modern graphics cards, maintaining the internal integrity of builds while preserving the external vintage aesthetic.
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| The interior of the SilverStone FLP02 retro tower case, highlighting its compatibility with modern hardware components like high-end graphics cards |
Functional Retro Elements
What sets the FLP02 apart from simple beige box replicas is SilverStone's clever repurposing of classic PC case elements. The front panel features functional power, reset, and turbo buttons alongside a key lock—all staples of late 80s computing. However, these elements have been given modern functionality: the turbo button now toggles through fan speeds, with the selected mode displayed on a red segmented display reminiscent of the MHz indicators on vintage systems. The key lock actually disables the power button, just as it did on systems from that era.
Hidden Modern Connectivity
SilverStone has elegantly balanced retro aesthetics with modern needs by hiding contemporary I/O ports beneath a magnetic flap on the case fascia. This stealth panel conceals a USB Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, and a combo audio jack—essential connections for today's peripherals that would otherwise disrupt the vintage look.
Rare 5.25-inch Bays for Enthusiasts
In a nod to PC enthusiasts and tinkerers, the FLP02 includes three 5.25-inch external drive bays—a feature increasingly rare in modern case designs. These bays come with dummy floppy covers to maintain the retro appearance when not in use, but can accommodate optical drives, removable media solutions, or additional front-mounted I/O for those who need them.
Cooling Options
The cooling system is thoroughly modern, with support for up to two 120mm fans in the front, a single 120mm or 140mm fan in the rear, and either three 120mm or two 140mm fans on top. The top mounting points can also accommodate radiators for liquid cooling setups, providing ample thermal management options for high-performance components.
Availability and Pricing
SilverStone plans to release the FLP02 in the third or fourth quarter of 2025, with a US price point of USD $220. While this pricing positions it in the premium case segment, SilverStone noted they've been overwhelmed by demand for the previous FLP01 model and intends to manufacture the FLP02 in larger quantities to meet anticipated interest.
Learning from Past Success
The genesis of SilverStone's retro case line is itself an interesting story—the original concept began as an April Fools' joke posted on social media in 2023. The overwhelmingly positive response prompted SilverStone to turn the joke into a real product, resulting in the FLP01. The unexpected demand for that model has clearly influenced the company's approach to the FLP02, with plans for increased production to avoid supply shortages.