The First PC Model to Outperform IBM in Tech Specifications: The Compaq Deskpro 386

Among the numerous personal computer models released in the 1980s, one standout emerged that significantly outperformed the IBM PCs, not by simply cloning them, but by virtue of its advanced technological specifications. The Compaq Deskpro 386, released in 1986, marked a pivotal moment in the history of personal computing. This article delves into the specifics of this revolutionary PC model and its impact on the industry.

Compaq Deskpro 386: A Breakthrough in Technology

The Compaq Deskpro 386 was the first successful PC model to surpass the IBM PCs in terms of technology specifications rather than just cloning them. Unlike its predecessor, IBM did not initially focus on performance but rather on stability, since it aimed to standardize a secure and stable environment for corporate use. In contrast, Compaq recognized the potential of higher performance and leveraged it to create a more powerful machine.

One of the key innovations of the Compaq Deskpro 386 was the use of the Intel 80386 processor. This marked a significant advancement over the older 8088 and 80286 processors utilized in the original IBM PCs. The 80386 processor brought about substantial improvements in multitasking capabilities and support for larger amounts of RAM, which were crucial at the time for efficient and smooth operation of applications.

A Pioneering Move by Compaq

Compaq's ability to create a PC that not only matched but exceeded IBM's specifications helped establish it as a strong competitor in the emerging PC market. This move paved the way for further innovation and development in personal computing. The Compaq Deskpro 386 not only set a new standard but also demonstrated that performance could be the key differentiator in the market.

Other Notable PC Models and Clones

While the Compaq Deskpro 386 was a pioneering effort, it was not the first PC clone to enter the market. The very first legal PC clone, the Compaq Portable, became available in late 1982. Better suited to portable use, it offered improved text quality and graphics and could be easily transported, which was a significant advantage over the bulky original IBM PC.

However, it is also noteworthy to mention the IBM PC-AT, which was released in August 1984 with an 80286 processor and a 6 MHz bus. Although this model was faster than older IBM PCs, it was soon outperformed by the Compaq Deskpro 386, which was announced in September 1986 and released the following year. The Deskpro 386 utilized the Phoenix BIOS, which offered turbo speeds up to 7.16 MHz, surpassing the slower 4.77 MHz "standard" of older IBM PCs. This was a significant leap in technological specifications.

AST 286 Premium: A Competitive Rival

Besides Compaq, other companies such as AST were also pushing the boundaries in terms of performance. The AST 286 Premium, which was first announced in September 1986 and released in January 1987, was the fastest AT computer of 1987. It offered dynamic speed changing from 6 MHz to 10 MHz and supported zero wait states in memory. The AST 286 Premium also supported extended memory, which could also function as LIMS/EEMS memory. Though it was impressive, it was eventually overshadowed by the advancements in the 386 and 486 systems that followed.

Conclusion

The Compaq Deskpro 386 was more than just another PC model; it was a milestone in the evolution of personal computing. It demonstrated that performance was a critical metric, setting a new standard for technological advancement in the PC market. This move by Compaq not only helped establish it as a major player in the industry but also paved the way for further innovations in the decades to come.

Additional Information

Note: The Compaq Deskpro 386 essentially took over the mantle of being the 'first PC to outperform IBM,' a crown that was eventually passed to the 486 and later the Pentium microprocessors. This story highlights the competitive landscape and the rapid advancement of personal computing technology during that era.