Compaq Deskpro 386S

The Compaq Deskpro 386S used Intel’s 80386SX to offer 386 software capability in a less expensive desktop with a 16-bit external data bus and conventional ISA expansion.

It helped move 32-bit x86 processing from premium workstations toward mainstream business PCs.

Notable Features

• 80386SX processor with 16-bit external bus
• Compact Deskpro business desktop
• Compatibility with established ISA hardware and DOS software

Historical Significance

• It helped move 32-bit x86 processing from premium workstations toward mainstream business PCs.

Collector’s Notes

• Numerous configurations were offered; motherboard speed, installed memory and storage should be recorded individually.
• 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 386S
Manufacturer	Compaq
Launched	Wednesday, June 1, 1988
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80386SX
Units Sold
Form Factor	Desktop
Power	Mains AC
Networking	Via expansion card
Operating System	Compaq MS-DOS; OS/2 and other 386-capable systems supported
Expansion / I/O	ISA expansion; serial and parallel
Keyboard	Detachable enhanced keyboard
Storage	3.5-inch or 5.25-inch floppy and IDE hard-disk options
Sound	PC speaker
Colours	Adapter dependent
Graphics	VGA or other ISA display adapter depending on configuration
Display	External monitor
ROM	Compaq 386 BIOS
RAM	1 MB standard; expandable
CPU Speed	16 MHz on initial models