Q. One XT motherboard with an AMD processor and an Intel coprocessor (why?). Can someone identify this board? It looks like a clone board since I don't see IBM anywhere on it, but some of the chips are labeled IBM, so I don't know. It also appears to have all 256K of RAM 😀
A. That is an IBM PC/XT Model 5160 64/256KB Motherboard. The 8087 is a math coprocessor usually used to speed up CAD programs and Lotus 1-2-3.
Q. One CGA graphics card with the Motorola chip. Is this an original IBM card? I can't tell.
A. This is a late IBM Color/Graphics Adapter.
Q. Some kind of controller card? Really, I have no idea what this is. There's no port on the backplate.
A. This is an IBM Fixed Disk Drive Adapter, variation #2. It supports only an MFM Hard Drive, and specifically only the 10MB ST-412.
Q. What is this, a combination parallel/RAM card? And if that's RAM on it, how much is it?
A. That is an AST SixPakPlus card, it provides 384KB of RAM, one Serial and one Parallel port and a Real Time Clock. It can be upgraded to provide a game port.
Q. I think this is a floppy controller, but what's that port on it?
A. That is an IBM Diskette (Floppy) Drive Adapter, the port is for an external floppy drive.
Q. And this appears to be a parallel port card; correct me if I'm wrong.
A. That is the IBM Asynchronous Communications Adapter, a serial port card.
1. What kind of power supply do I need for that XT board? Can I just use a normal AT supply?
A. You can use an AT power supply.
2. Where can I find a stupid CGA/EGA color monitor? I've never, ever seen one of those in person. Are they very expensive usually?
A. Usually $100-125 shipped for CGA monitors.
3. If I can't find one of those monitors, can I simply connect the composite output of the CGA card to any old TV set?
A. Yes, colors may not be perfect.
4. What do I use for a floppy drive for that floppy controller? Can I just use any old 3 1/2 inch drive and format my disks as 360K or something? I do have a cable which has both the old and the new style floppy connectors on it.
A. You are supposed to use a 5.25" 360KB disk drives, but you can use a 3.5" drive with support for double density disks.
5. What would you guys recommend for a case for this thing? Maybe I'll even make a custom case. Ideas?
A. Any AT case will fit it.
Q. My ultimate goal is to build something that can run 8088MPH.
A. You will be able to run 8088MPH if you get this hardware working. Use the IBM CGA card, not the Tseng. Your system needs 640KB of RAM to run the demo fully, and you connect to a TV.