> I know I spent at least $3,500 on hardware for that system, probably over $4,000.
> Then if you adjust the value of those dollars from 1990 [...] it would probably
> be close to equal with $5,500 2017 dollars.

5500 USD today were inflation-adjusted 2960 USD in 1990. 3500 USD in 1990 had the buying power of today's 6500 USD.