IBM Personal Computer

The original, model 5150, IBM Personal Computer. Commonly known as the IBM PC, this is the original version and progenitor of the IBM PC compatible hardware platform, introduced on August 12, 1981. It was created by a team of engineers and designers under the direction of Don Estridge of the IBM Entry Systems Division in Boca Raton, Florida.

Narrative »

• Originally used at Hamilton College in New York, it got to Ohio somehow, just like this computer – but I received it at a completely different time. My memory doesn’t recall exactly, but I believe they came to me separately, well before I started cataloging them.

Vital Stats »

• Model Number: 5150 (Revision B)
• Serial Number: 19614075150
• Operating System: IBM Personal Computer DOS Version 3.30 on 5.25″ Floppy

Acquisition Data »

• Acquisition Date: Pre-2005
• Acquisition Method: Donation
• Acquired From: Client Dropoff

Physical Condition »

• Condition: Good, some yellowing and scuffs from normal wear.
  • 12 July 2017: Several upgrades were installed. Keyboard can sometimes be wonky. Otherwise, machine works fine.
  • 1 October 2014: It boots and runs.
  • 7 December 2014: It boots and runs.
• Other: Original keyboard and power cable present. None of the associated packaging or manuals is present.

Accessories and Specifications »

• CPU: NEC V20 [D70108D-5]
  • Original CPU: AMD 8088 – not installed
• RAM: 640KB [256KB onboard] [384KB on Six Pack Plus]
• Color Graphics: Generic ITS-303 CGA/NTSC Card
  • Original Graphics: Persyst Monochrome Display Adapter 12-10068-01 Rev C1 – not installed.
• IDE Controller: XT-IDE 8-Bit IDE Adapter
  • MS-DOS 6.22 installed on Compact Flash
• Peripheral Board: AST Six Pack Plus Type 2 or 3 w/384KB RAM onboard. [Board Type is not marked, but is identified as 2/3 based on location of jumpers as compared to documentation here: http://www.minuszerodegrees.net/manuals/ast6pack.txt]
• Floppy Board: IBM 6181682 Floppy Controller Board
• Color Monitor: Emerson 1400EM Color Display Monitor {Serial# 01008484 / Manufactured October 1990}
  • Monitor acquired with machine: Princeton Graphic Systems MAX-12 Amber CGA Monitor [Serial# K7031209, Manufactured May 1985]
  • IBM Matching Monitor: IBM 5151 [Serial# 1232263, Manufactured August 1984]
• Software: Multimate Advantage II, with manuals in original “Book Case”.

Photographs »