Research Machines Nimbus PC-386

The slimline Nimbus PC-386 paired Research Machines’ compact 1989 desktop chassis with a 16 MHz Intel 80386DX. It provided a more powerful workstation and server companion to the PC-286 while using the same Micro Channel expansion and VGA Plus graphics environment.

Memory could grow to 16MB and buyers could specify hard disks up to 120MB. A later 20 MHz configuration extended the design without changing its basic role in managed school and office networks.

Notable Features

• Full 32-bit 80386DX processor in RM’s compact slimline enclosure.
• Three Micro Channel slots and VGA Plus graphics.
• Later PC-386/20 configurations increased processor speed to 20 MHz.

Historical Significance

• Carried the Nimbus name into increasingly standard PC-compatible networking during the early 1990s.
• Provided a smaller successor to the large VX-386 workstation.

Collector’s Notes

• The 16 MHz and later 20 MHz variants are configurations of the same product generation.
• Original network cards and RM software add context to systems retired from schools.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Research Machines Nimbus PC-386
Manufacturer	Research Machines
Launched	Saturday, April 1, 1989
Discontinued	Early 1990s
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Intel 80386DX at 16 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MS-DOS; Microsoft Windows 2; OS/2; Unix options
I/O	Three Micro Channel slots, serial, parallel and network options
Keyboard	Separate enhanced keyboard
Storage	3.5-inch floppy drive; 40MB, 60MB or 120MB hard disk options
Sound	PC-compatible programmable sound
Graphics	VGA Plus graphics
Display	VGA monitor
ROM	PC-compatible BIOS
RAM	1MB standard; expandable to 16MB
CPU Speed	16 MHz; later 20 MHz configuration