3.4 KiB
GameCathode — From Trash to Treasure
A discarded CRT television transformed into a self-contained retro emulation powerhouse — built entirely from recycled hardware.
Live: gamecathode.jrodriiguezg.link
Docs: gamecathode.readthedocs.io
GitHub: jrodriiguezg/GameCathode
Overview
GameCathode is a hardware maker project that gives a second life to a Minerva MT 5511 CRT television found at a workshop cleanup. It was gutted and retrofitted with a complete salvaged PC, delivering pure analog video output directly to the original CRT tube — zero input lag, pixel-perfect retro aesthetics, no new parts purchased.
Key Stats
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Recycled Components | 7 |
| Hardware Origin | 100% salvaged |
| New Parts Purchased | 0 |
| Build Stages | 6 |
Bill of Materials
| Role | Component | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Display Enclosure | Minerva MT 5511 CRT | Workshop salvage |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 (1st Gen) | Salvaged desktop |
| Memory | 8 GB DDR3 RAM | Salvaged desktop |
| Graphics (AV Out) | Nvidia GeForce 7300 256MB | Salvaged desktop |
| Storage | 500 GB HDD | Salvaged desktop |
| Power Delivery | Modified 300W PSU | Salvaged & modified |
| Networking | D-Link WiFi Card | Salvaged desktop |
The Nvidia GeForce 7300 was chosen specifically for its native AV output — no HDMI converters, no digital artifacts, pure analog signal to the CRT phosphors.
Build Journey
| Stage | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 01 — Planning | ✅ Completed | Architecture design, component sourcing, feasibility study |
| 02 — Disassembly | ✅ Completed | CRT discharge, internal gutting, component salvage |
| 03 — Modification | ✅ Completed | Chassis fabrication, PSU modification, airflow design |
| 04 — Assembly | ✅ Completed | Component install, cable management, GPU configuration |
| 05 — Testing | ✅ Completed | Thermal testing, emulator benchmarks, video calibration |
| 06 — Completion | ✅ Completed | Deployed, production ready, zero waste |
Project Highlights
1. Pure CRT Experience
No digital-to-analog HDMI lag. The system outputs a native analog signal via the Nvidia GeForce 7300 for pixel-perfect retro aesthetics. Every scanline, every phosphor glow — exactly as developers intended.
2. Heavy Emulation
The Intel i7 provides enough overhead to comfortably emulate demanding systems like GameCube via Dolphin. Titles that would choke a Raspberry Pi run without breaking a sweat.
3. 100% Recycled
Every component was pulled from obsolete hardware destined for landfill. Proof that obsolete tech still holds immense value when reimagined.
Supported Software
- RetroArch — Multi-system emulator front-end
- Dolphin — GameCube/Wii emulator
- Any x86-compatible emulator
Documentation
Full build documentation including technical details, wiring, and disassembly notes available at:
📖 gamecathode.readthedocs.io
Author
Juan Raul Rodriguez Gil — Maker, SysAdmin & Tech Enthusiast
jrodriiguezg.link | GitHub
© 2026 Juan Raul Rodriguez Gil