Research Machines Nimbus VX-386

The Nimbus VX-386 was Research Machines’ high-performance 32-bit workstation and server. A 16 MHz Intel 80386DX, 2MB of memory and a 40MB hard disk placed it at the top of the Nimbus range when production began in 1987.

The VX combined IBM AT compatibility with RM’s PEGA-2 graphics and education-network options. Expansion could add a maths coprocessor, cache and very-high-resolution graphics for demanding technical work.

Notable Features

• Used a full 32-bit Intel 80386DX with switchable 16 MHz and 8 MHz operation.
• PEGA-2 graphics retained PC standards while supporting enhanced Nimbus display modes.
• Optional display hardware reached 1280x1024 with 16 or 256 colours.

Historical Significance

• Gave RM a powerful server and technical workstation for advanced education networks.
• It was among the earlier British-built 80386 systems offered to schools and professional users.

Collector’s Notes

• Many surviving examples were heavily configured as network servers.
• The optional cache, 80387 and high-resolution adapters are desirable but were not standard.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Research Machines Nimbus VX-386
Manufacturer	Research Machines
Launched	Wednesday, April 1, 1987
Discontinued	Late 1980s
Launch Price	£4,995 with 40MB hard disk
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Intel 80386DX at 16 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MS-DOS; Microsoft Windows; Unix options
I/O	Five 16-bit AT slots, one 8-bit slot, serial, parallel and networking options
Keyboard	Separate AT-style keyboard
Storage	5.25-inch floppy drive and typically a 40MB hard disk
Sound	PC-compatible programmable sound
Graphics	PEGA-2 enhanced graphics; optional 1280x1024 high-resolution adapter
Display	RGB monitor
ROM	PC-compatible BIOS with Nimbus support
RAM	2MB standard; expandable
CPU Speed	16 MHz, switchable to 8 MHz