IBM PS/2 Model 50

The PS/2 Model 50 paired a 10 MHz 80286 with IBM’s new Micro Channel Architecture and VGA graphics. Automatic card configuration replaced many manual switches and jumpers.

It introduced several influential standards while demonstrating the market resistance to IBM’s proprietary and licensed expansion bus.

Notable Features

• Micro Channel supplied automatic configuration and a redesigned expansion interface.
• VGA and 1.44MB floppy storage became widely adopted beyond IBM systems.

Historical Significance

• It introduced several influential standards while demonstrating the market resistance to IBM’s proprietary and licensed expansion bus.

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 50
Manufacturer	IBM
Launched	Wednesday, April 1, 1987
Discontinued	1991
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80286 at 10 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Compact desktop
Power	Internal mains supply
Networking	Token Ring, Ethernet or modem options
Operating System	IBM PC DOS or OS/2
Expansion / I/O	Micro Channel Architecture, serial, parallel, PS/2 keyboard and mouse
Keyboard	101-key Model M keyboard
Storage	1.44MB 3.5-inch floppy and 20MB hard disk typical
Sound	Programmable speaker
Colours	Up to 256 colours
Graphics	Integrated VGA
Display	External VGA monitor
ROM	IBM PS/2 BIOS
RAM	1MB standard; expandable
CPU Speed	10 MHz