IBM PS/2 Model 80

The PS/2 Model 80 was the original high-end tower in the PS/2 family. Its 80386 processor, multiple Micro Channel slots and substantial disk capacity targeted departmental servers and powerful workstations.

It placed IBM’s new PC architecture in a configuration capable of multi-user and network-server workloads.

Notable Features

• The tower chassis offered far more expansion than desktop PS/2 models.
• Model 80 configurations ranged across several processor speeds and storage subsystems.

Historical Significance

• It placed IBM’s new PC architecture in a configuration capable of multi-user and network-server workloads.

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 80
Manufacturer	IBM
Launched	Wednesday, April 1, 1987
Discontinued	1992
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80386 at 16–25 MHz depending on model
Units Sold
Form Factor	Floor-standing tower
Power	Internal high-capacity mains supply
Networking	Token Ring or Ethernet options
Operating System	IBM PC DOS, OS/2 or Unix
Expansion / I/O	Multiple 32-bit Micro Channel slots, serial and parallel ports
Keyboard	101-key Model M keyboard
Storage	1.44MB floppy and high-capacity hard-disk options
Sound	Programmable speaker
Colours	Up to 256 colours
Graphics	Integrated VGA
Display	External VGA monitor
ROM	IBM PS/2 BIOS
RAM	1MB or more; expandable
CPU Speed	16–25 MHz