The IBM PC XT is the successor of the IBM PC. The XT stands for EXtended Technology and was introduced in early 1983. It has enhanced features: CGA graphic card, hard disk, more memory, and no more tape port (!). But it wasn't very innovative.
There are in fact two versions of the XT motherboard. The first one can accept from 64k to 256k RAM, whereas the later one has support for 640K RAM max, the 101-key keyboard, a 3.5'' FDD and a few other details...
In addiditon to the removal of the cassette port, the XT also had eight 8-bit ISA expansion slots VS the PC's five. The XT's slots were also positioned closer together, the same spacing all PCs still use today. This made old PC's totally worthless because you couldn't buy an XT clone board and drop it into a PC case. Eight slots was a huge boon to the "power user" who had previously found himself having to pick and choose what upgrades to install in the paltry five slots of the PC.
The 5160 was replaced with the PC XT S (20 MB Hard disk, slim size floppy disk unit, 640 KB RAM), then with the PC XT 286.
Richard Warr reports:
This was the machine that launched my career as a software consultant. I spent months programming Supercalc II spreadsheets on a 128k model before we got the go-ahead to upgrade to a massive 256k and run Lotus 1-2-3!
Although the original system board was supposed to take only 256k it was possible to overcome this by installing a multiplexer and soldering a couple of jumper cables, allowing use of 256k chips instead of 64k ones. I actually did this to a machine owned by General Electric and got the RAM up to 640k.
When you did run out of slots you could buy an expansion unit which looked just the same as the base. As just about every function required a card this was often necessary.
There was a version of this machine called the 3270PC, especially designed to emulate a mainframe terminal. In 1985 I made a decision to buy a couple of these in preference to the new ATs. We'd never need the extra speed offered by a 6MHz machine(!). Fortunately I kept my job.
About expansion abilities, Derek Brewer specifies:
The IBM XT could, with the color monitor, be upgraded to the later EGA graphics card. The system can also, with a controller board upgrade and IBM DOS 3.30, be fitted with a 20-30Mb Hard Disk. The only limitation is when upgrading to EGA the system will only recognize a card with less than 32kb of VRAM.
Please consider donating your old computer / videogame system to Old-Computers.com or one of our partners from anywhere in the world (Europe, America, Asia, etc.).
I have an IBM XT 5160 I would like to sell. Desktop model, with monochrome monitor, and keyboard. Original boxes. With 5.25 floppy diskettes containing DOS, as well as several additional programs. Has been in storage for over 25 years. In Colorado Springs area. Would prefer not to ship, as that would add significant cost for the buyer. If interested, contact me at mervenita@msn.com.
Wednesday 10th February 2021
Merv B (US)
Jay, you''re crazy. Shipping costs alone easily go over $100. It''s all metal and heavy, yet also easily damaged. Going rate is $300, no disks, no monitor. It''s long past just being an underpowered PC. Its a collectible piece of history. If you are going to ask here, don''t insult people with that kind of offer.
Sunday 3rd January 2021
Cuvtixo (United States)
I am looking for one of these at a cheap price, I will pay up to 100$ including shipping if I have to pay for it Email is jaya.buckwheat@gmail.com
Tuesday 22nd September 2020
Jay (Washington State USA)
NAME
PC XT - Model 5160
MANUFACTURER
IBM
TYPE
Professional Computer
ORIGIN
U.S.A.
YEAR
1983
END OF PRODUCTION
Unknown
BUILT IN LANGUAGE
Microsoft BASIC
KEYBOARD
Full-stroke keyboard with numeric keypad and function keys 84 or 101 keys
CPU
Intel 8088
SPEED
4.77 MHz
CO-PROCESSOR
Socket for a 8087 math co-processor
RAM
From 64k to 640k, depending on models
ROM
64 kb
TEXT MODES
80 x 24 / 40 x 24
GRAPHIC MODES
CGA modes : 320 x 200 / 640 x 200
COLORS
16
SOUND
Tone Generator
I/O PORTS
eight internal slots (five 8 bit ISA), RS232c, Centronics
BUILT IN MEDIA
One 5.25'' FDD, 360k (3.5'' on later models) 10Mb or 20Mb hard-disk
OS
MS DOS
POWER SUPPLY
PSU built-in
PERIPHERALS
Numerous IBM and third-parties expansion cards, i.e. the QuadRam 512 KB RAM card
PRICE
$8000 (Complete version with 640 KB RAM, 10 MB HDD, colour display)
