IBM PCs

"Setting the Standards for the IT Industry"

In August 1981, IBM introduced its first microcomputer -the IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC). This launch marked a turning point in computing history, establishing the foundation for the modern PC architecture. Featuring an open hardware design and running Microsoft’s PC-DOS, the IBM PC quickly became the benchmark for compatibility.

By 1984, IBM followed up with the significantly upgraded IBM AT, powered by Intel’s 80286 processor and featuring a new 16-bit AT bus, cementing IBM’s influence in the emerging personal computer market.

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)

By the early 1980s, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) was already a dominant force in enterprise computing, supplying mainframes to large corporations and governments worldwide. Its System/360, introduced in 1965, had revolutionized the industry and led the mainframe market well into the late 1970s.

International Business Machines Corporation innovations include:

Magnetic tape drives, floppy disk drives, and hard disk drives
Random Access Memory (RAM)
The SQL programming language

IBM Sales Figures

Table: Early series of IBM Personal Computers (Prices adjusted to inflation -2023)

IBM Personal Computers

In the early 80s, IBM moved quickly to enter the fast-growing $15 billion personal computing space, projected to grow by 30–40% annually. IBM even considered acquiring Atari, but later decided to create an independent internal team to develop its PC. In just 40 days, IBM engineers designed the motherboard, and within four months, a prototype was operational. The result: over 750,000 IBM PCs sold by 1983, far exceeding expectations. By mid-1982, the first PC clones began to appear—something IBM hadn’t anticipated.

IBM PC Specifications (1981):

Price: $1,565 (approx. $4,980 today)
CPU: Intel 8088 at 4.77 MHz
RAM: 128 KB – 640 KB
Graphics: CGA adapter
Keyboard: 83-key
Storage: 5.25'' FDD (360 KB)
Expansion: 8-bit ISA cards

Operating System of the IBM PC

Although IBM considered multiple OS options, it ultimately chose PC-DOS 1.0, developed by Microsoft, as the default operating system for its PC.

PC DOS version 1.00

IBM 5170

IBM AT (1984 – Model 5170)

In 1987, IBM built a powerful upgrade based on the 16-bit 80286 processor:

PC-DOS 3.0 with networking support
Support for MDA, CGA, EGA, and PGA graphics
Standard 20 MB hard disk
1.2 MB 5.25" floppy drive
16-bit AT (ISA) bus, backward-compatible
512 KB RAM -Up to 16 MB
Real-time clock and AT-style keyboard
Optional 80287 math coprocessor

Its popularity drove the clone market, inspiring systems like the Compaq Deskpro, HP Vectra, and Tandy 3000.

» Here is the full review of the BM AT 5170

IBM PCjr (PC JUNIOR 1984-1985)

Aimed at home users, the PCjr introduced enhanced multimedia features but limited performance:

Price: $1,269 (about $3,700 today)
CPU: 8088 @ 4.77 MHz
RAM: 128 KB
Storage: 5.25'' (360 KB) floppy drive
Graphics: 320×200 resolution, 16 colors
Sound: TI SN76496 chip
Infrared wireless keyboard, built-in joystick ports

IBM PS/2 (1987)

Replacing the PC/XT/AT series, the PS/2 introduced modern features:

CPUs: Intel 80286 to 80486
Graphics: VGA (640×480, 16 colors; 320×200, 256 colors)
Storage: 1.44 MB 3.5" floppy (optional)
Interfaces: PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse
OS: PC-DOS 3.3, later OS/2
Sold 3 million units in 18 months

IBM PS/1 (1990–1994)

IBM's second attempt at a home PC:

CPU: 80286–80486DX
RAM: 512 KB–2.5 MB
Graphics: VGA
OS: PC-DOS 4.01
Included modem
Price: $1,699 (around $3,760 today)

Eventually replaced by the IBM Aptiva series.

MODERN HARDWARE UPGRADES

HARD DISK DRIVE ALTERNATIVES

SUITABLE CF CARDS

MUSIC & SOUND

■ IBM Personal Computers

BinaryValue.com (c)

Sources: Wikipedia, IBM

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IBM PCs

IBM PC Specifications (1981):

IBM AT (1984 – Model 5170)

IBM PS/2 (1987)

IBM PS/1 (1990–1994)

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