Amstrad PC2286

Released in February 1989, the Amstrad PC2286 brought Intel 80286 performance to Amstrad’s PC2000 business range. Its 12.5 MHz processor, 1MB of RAM and integrated VGA graphics made it a substantial step beyond the company’s earlier 8086 systems.

The machine was commonly supplied with a 40MB hard disk and 3.5-inch floppy drive, alongside MS-DOS 4.01, Windows 2.1 and GW-BASIC. Expansion memory could raise the total to 4MB, making the PC2286 suitable for more demanding office applications.

Notable Features

• 12.5 MHz Intel 80286 processor
• 1MB RAM expandable to 4MB
• Integrated VGA supporting earlier PC graphics standards
• 3.5-inch floppy storage and common 40MB hard-disk configuration
• MS-DOS 4.01 and Windows 2.1 supplied

Historical Significance

• Moved Amstrad into the faster IBM AT-compatible market
• Part of the PC2000 range intended to strengthen Amstrad’s business position
• Offered a complete 286 system at an aggressive price

Collectors Notes

• Inspect the four AA configuration batteries for leakage
• Original hard disks and RLL controllers require careful assessment
• Check proprietary keyboard and mouse availability
• System disks and matching monitor add to completeness

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad PC2286
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Wednesday, February 1, 1989
Discontinued	Early 1990s
Launch Price	£999 for a 40MB hard-disk configuration
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Intel 80286
Units Sold
Power	Internal power supply
Ports	Serial, parallel, mouse, VGA and external floppy connectors
Expansion	ISA-compatible internal expansion slots
Storage	3.5-inch floppy drive and commonly a 40MB hard disk; external 5.25-inch drive supported
Sound	Internal PC speaker
Operating System	MS-DOS 4.01, Windows 2.1 and GW-BASIC
RAM	1MB, expandable to 4MB
Graphics	Integrated VGA with MDA, Hercules, CGA, EGA and MCGA compatibility
Display	VGA-compatible output for 12-inch or 14-inch monochrome and colour monitors
CPU Speed	12.5 MHz