1993 Compaq Deskpro 5/60M
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1993 Compaq Deskpro 5/60M |
by Bill Degnan - 06/16/2015 18:32 |
 The unassuming Compaq Deskpro 5/60M computer is considered one of the first commercially-sold desktop computers with an Intel Pentium processor. Click for larger view.
 Pictured is a rare Compaq QVGA EISA video card. These were at the time Cadillac VGA cards, a good match for the system. The QVision VGA cards also appeared in AlphaServers. Click for larger view.
 And here she is....The Compaq 5/60M 128-bit interface EISA expansion board with the Pentium processor (behind the heat sink). Compaq put the processor on a controller card in order to use existing 486 hardware. It would be a while before most Pentium systems were regularly built from the ground up with a Pentium on the motherboard.
This machine has been a minor "holy grail" of mine in that it is the first commercial desktop Pentium that I can identify, sold prior to July 1993. I believe 5/60 and 5/66 were simultaneously launched ~ May 1993. The 5/60M model was an "unobtainium" machine then, they cost $9,000 and up when new and as a result few exist today. A true "dream machine" from 1993 and worth recognition as a historic computer from its vintage era. The QVGA graphic card is pretty sweet as well for 486 era systems.... More photos Note: A few Pentium servers may have been sold before May 1993. I have articles that discuss this but most manufacturers seem to have launched their Pentium products at or around May-Aug 1993 for actual launch(?) Will do more research. The Compaq is not the first Pentium with the chip installed on the motherboard...guess which one that was??? Reply |
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Restoration progress |
by Bill Degnan - 06/17/2015 00:57 |
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System arrived without a hard drive. Located a vintage 1995 drive and installed without incident. System is now sporting DOS 6.2 I think I will install OS/2 v 2.1 as this seems about the right version for the machine, Windows 3.1 seems like a waste! Or, maybe a flavor of UNIX, not sure. I plan to post some related articles about early Pentium development when I get the chance.
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