IBM Personal Computer AT 5170

The IBM PC AT introduced the 80286 processor, 16-bit expansion bus, high-density floppy drive and larger hard disks to IBM’s PC family. It preserved broad software compatibility while increasing memory and processing capacity.

Its bus and system architecture became the basis of the industry-standard AT-compatible PC for many years.

Notable Features

• The 16-bit AT bus later became known as ISA.
• A 1.2MB floppy and 20MB hard disk were prominent original features.

Historical Significance

• Its bus and system architecture became the basis of the industry-standard AT-compatible PC for many years.

Collector’s Notes

• Original IBM documentation, matching display and keyboard, and an unmodified configuration add historical context.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	IBM Personal Computer AT 5170
Manufacturer	IBM
Launched	Wednesday, August 1, 1984
Discontinued	1987
Launch Price	From approximately $3,995
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80286 at 6 or 8 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Desktop system unit
Power	Internal mains supply
Networking	Optional network adapters
Operating System	IBM PC DOS; OS/2 and Unix variants on suitable configurations
Expansion / I/O	Eight expansion slots including 16-bit ISA, serial/parallel through adapters
Keyboard	84-key Model F AT keyboard
Storage	1.2MB 5.25-inch floppy and 20MB hard disk typical
Sound	Programmable speaker
Colours	Adapter-dependent
Graphics	MDA, CGA, EGA or later compatible adapters
Display	External monitor
ROM	IBM AT BIOS
RAM	256KB–16MB addressable; common systems 256KB–640KB
CPU Speed	6 MHz initially; later 8 MHz