IBM PS/2 Model 70

The PS/2 Model 70 brought 32-bit 80386 performance to a compact Micro Channel desktop. Several processor and storage revisions served demanding business and technical users.

It was among the most powerful desktop PS/2 systems and an important platform for OS/2.

Notable Features

• A 32-bit Micro Channel implementation supported bus-mastering adapters.
• Processor speed varied substantially across Model 70 revisions.

Historical Significance

• It was among the most powerful desktop PS/2 systems and an important platform for OS/2.

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 70
Manufacturer	IBM
Launched	Friday, January 1, 1988
Discontinued	1992
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80386 at 16–25 MHz depending on model
Units Sold
Form Factor	Compact desktop
Power	Internal mains supply
Networking	Token Ring or Ethernet options
Operating System	IBM PC DOS, OS/2 or Unix
Expansion / I/O	32-bit Micro Channel, serial, parallel and PS/2 ports
Keyboard	101-key Model M keyboard
Storage	1.44MB floppy with model-dependent hard disk
Sound	Programmable speaker
Colours	Up to 256 colours
Graphics	Integrated VGA
Display	External VGA monitor
ROM	IBM PS/2 BIOS
RAM	2MB or more; expandable
CPU Speed	16–25 MHz