IBM PS/2 Model 30

The PS/2 Model 30 was the entry system in IBM’s redesigned 1987 Personal System/2 range. It introduced 3.5-inch disks, compact keyboard and mouse connectors and integrated MCGA video while retaining ISA expansion.

Its connectors, floppy format and aspects of its motherboard integration became lasting PC standards even though higher PS/2 models’ Micro Channel bus did not.

Notable Features

• MCGA provided built-in colour graphics.
• Unlike higher PS/2 models, it retained the established ISA expansion bus.

Historical Significance

• Its connectors, floppy format and aspects of its motherboard integration became lasting PC standards even though higher PS/2 models’ Micro Channel bus did not.

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 PS/2 Model 30
Manufacturer	IBM
Launched	Wednesday, April 1, 1987
Discontinued	1991
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 8086 at 8 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Compact desktop
Power	Internal mains supply
Networking	Optional network adapters
Operating System	IBM PC DOS or OS/2 on suitable configurations
Expansion / I/O	Three 8-bit ISA slots, serial, parallel, PS/2 keyboard and mouse
Keyboard	101-key Model M keyboard
Storage	720KB 3.5-inch floppy; hard disk on Model 30-002
Sound	Programmable speaker
Colours	Up to 256 colours in supported modes
Graphics	MCGA integrated graphics
Display	External VGA or MCGA monitor
ROM	IBM PS/2 BIOS
RAM	640KB–1MB
CPU Speed	8 MHz