Compaq Deskpro 286

The Compaq Deskpro 286 brought the Deskpro family to the 80286 generation with IBM PC/AT-compatible expansion, larger memory support and hard-disk options for demanding office applications.

It helped establish Compaq in the premium business-desktop market and formed the bridge between the original Deskpro and the landmark Deskpro 386.

Notable Features

• 80286 desktop architecture
• AT-compatible 16-bit ISA expansion
• Range of factory storage and display configurations

Historical Significance

• It helped establish Compaq in the premium business-desktop market and formed the bridge between the original Deskpro and the landmark Deskpro 386.

Collector’s Notes

• Speed, memory and disk specifications vary across submodels, so original labels and configuration records are useful.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Compaq Deskpro 286
Manufacturer	Compaq
Launched	Saturday, June 1, 1985
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80286
Units Sold
Form Factor	Desktop
Power	Mains AC
Networking	Via expansion card
Operating System	Compaq MS-DOS
Expansion / I/O	16-bit ISA expansion; serial and parallel
Keyboard	Detachable AT keyboard
Storage	High-density 5.25-inch floppy; optional hard disk
Sound	PC speaker
Colours	Monochrome or colour depending on adapter
Graphics	MDA, CGA or EGA depending on adapter
Display	External monitor
ROM	Compaq AT-compatible BIOS
RAM	512 KB standard; expandable
CPU Speed	6 to 8 MHz depending on model