View source for IBM PS/2 Model 70

{{Infobox computing device
| name         = {{ubl|Personal System/2 Model 70 386|Personal System/2 Model 70 486}}
| logo         = [[File:IBM PS-2 Model 70 386 badge logo.svg|frameless|upright=0.5]]&emsp;[[File:IBM PS-2 Model 70 486 badge logo.svg|frameless|upright=0.5]]
| image        = IBM PS2 MCA Model 70, front view.jpg
| caption      = A PS/2 Model 70 386, with one floppy drive and one hard drive
| developer    = [[IBM|International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)]]
| manufacturer = IBM
| family       = [[IBM PS/2|Personal System/2]]
| type         = Personal computer
| release date = {{ubl|{{Start date|1988|06}} (Model 70 386)|{{Start date|1989|12}} (Model 70 486)}}
| discontinued = {{End date|1992|12}}
| lifespan     = 1988–1992
| units sold   = 
| media        = 1.44&nbsp;MB 3.5-in floppy disks
| power        = 120/240&nbsp;VAC {{polarity|ac}}
| cpu          = {{ubl|[[i386|Intel 386]] at 16–25&nbsp;MHz (Model 70 386)|[[i486|Intel 486]] at 25&nbsp;MHz (Model 70 486)}}
| memory       = 
| storage      = 60–160&nbsp;MB hard drive
| graphics     = [[Video Graphics Array]]
| successor    = 
| related      = [[List of IBM PS/2 models]]
}}
The '''Personal System/2 Model 70 386''' and '''Personal System/2 Model 70 486''' are midrange desktop computers in [[IBM]]'s [[IBM PS/2|Personal System/2]] (PS/2) family of personal computers. The PS/2 Model 70 386, released in June 1988, features an [[Intel 386]] microprocessor clocked between 16&nbsp;MHz and 25&nbsp;MHz (depending on the submodel) and features the 32-bit [[Micro Channel architecture]] (MCA) bus; the Model 70 486, released in December 1989, features the [[i486|Intel 486]] clocked at 25&nbsp;MHz and also includes the 32-bit MCA bus. The latter is essentially a Model 70 386 with the '''486/25 Power Platform''' pre-installed; this was a [[CPU card|CPU upgrade card]] for the Model 70 386 released earlier in October 1989 that was the first commercially available product to use the 486 processor. Both editions of Model 70 are housed in the same case as the earlier [[IBM PS/2 Model 50|PS/2 Model 50]] from 1987.

==Development and release==
[[File:IBM PS2 MCA Model 70, drives internal side-view.jpg|thumb|left|The PS/2 Model 70 borrows the chassis of the [[IBM PS/2 Model 50|PS/2 Model 50]] and features the same tool-less construction.]]
[[File:8570a61 observe.png|thumb|upright=0.75|The 25-MHz [[i386|Intel 386]] processor complex from a Model 70 386-A21. This complex also has a [[i387|80387]] [[floating point unit]] installed.]]
Both variants of the Model 70, along with the rest of the PS/2 line, were developed at IBM's facility in [[Boca Raton, Florida]].<ref name=lunan>{{cite journal | last=Lunan | first=Charles | date=June 3, 1988 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/389377920/ | title=IBM Adds Seven Units to PC Line | journal=Sun Sentinel | page=1D | via=ProQuest}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Lunan | first=Charles | date=December 20, 1989 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/389312794/ | title=IBM Model Latest Entry in PC Race | journal=Sun Sentinel | page=1D | via=ProQuest}}</ref> The chief engineer behind the Model 70 386 was Mark Dean, who previously headed development of the [[IBM PS/2 Model 80|PS/2 Model 80]], the [[IBM Personal Computer AT|PC AT]] and the [[Industry Standard Architecture|ISA bus]].<ref>{{cite web | last=Crothers | first=Brooke | date=August 10, 2011 | url=https://www.cnet.com/science/ibm-executive-says-pc-era-is-in-its-twilight/ | title=IBM executive says PC era is in its twilight | work=CNET | publisher=CBS Interactive | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601102124/https://www.cnet.com/science/ibm-executive-says-pc-era-is-in-its-twilight/ | archivedate=June 1, 2023}}</ref> The original Personal System/2 Model 70 386 was in development at [[IBM]] since 1986, along with the rest of the initial line-up of the [[IBM PS/2|PS/2]].<ref name=prototype>{{cite journal | last=Forbes | first=Jim | author2=Stephen Kanzler | date=April 28, 1987 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A4790118/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=IBM to fill gap in PS/2 family with '386-based Model 70 | journal=PC Week | publisher=April 28, 1987 | volume=4 | issue=17 | pages=1 ''et seq'' | via=Gale}}</ref> The existence of [[prototype]]s of the Model 70 386 were known to select members of the press and industry insiders since April 1987, but it took until May 1988 for IBM to formally announce it.<ref name=derby>{{cite journal | last=Forbes | first=Jim | author2=Linda Bridges | date=May 24, 1988 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A6697693/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=IBM will enter desktop derby with triple-crown PS/2 line | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=5 | issue=21 | pages=1 ''et seq'' | via=Gale}}</ref> In the interim, IBM released the [[IBM PS/2 Model 80|PS/2 Model 80]]—the company's first Intel-based PC with the 32-bit [[Intel 386|386]] microprocessor. With its [[Computer tower|tower construction]] allowing for a greater number of [[Micro Channel architecture|Micro Channel]] [[expansion slot]]s and [[drive bay]]s IBM initially positioned the PS/2 Model 80 as a multiuser [[workstation]]. However, the company pivoted the machine toward server use the next year, with the Model 70 386 slotting into the role of a 32-bit workstation.<ref name=youasked />

Both the Model 70 386 and the Model 70 486 feature the same case and tool-less construction as the [[IBM PS/2 Model 50|Model 50]] released earlier in April 1987.<ref>{{cite book | last=Byers | first=T.&nbsp;J. | date=1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ie-5ffW7ws8C | title=IBM PS/2: A Reference Guide | publisher=Intertext Publications | page=4 | via=Google Books | isbn=9780070095250}}</ref><ref name=nyt /> The Model 70 386 was initially manufactured at IBM's facility in [[Boca Raton, Florida]], along with the Model 50, the [[IBM PS/2 Model 30|Model 30]], the [[IBM PS/2 Model 60|Model 60]], and the [[IBM PS/2 Model 80|Model 80]].<ref name=lunan /><ref name=shortage /> In early 1989, IBM moved manufacturing of PS/2s from Boca Raton to [[Raleigh, North Carolina]], after having shut down their production lines reserved for computer systems in Florida to make way for other products.<ref name=shortage>{{cite journal | last=LaPlante | first=Alice | date=April 24, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XToEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PP1 | title=Dealers Report Model 80 Shortage | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=11 | issue=17 | pages=1, 93 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|1}} The hard drives used in the Model 70s were manufactured at [[IBM Japan]]'s [[IBM Fujisawa|plant in Fujisawa, Kanagawa]].<ref name=oil />

The Model 70 386 was plagued with several design defects from the time of its release. The Model 70 386-A21 in particular was problematic, with initial production runs possessing a defective processor complex slot that prevented the systems from functioning. These issues and more prompted suspension of production as well as numerous motherboard redesigns lasting two months in early 1989.<ref>{{cite journal | last=LaPlante | first=Alice | date=March 13, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BjoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA194 | title=Design Flaws Plague Model 70-A21 | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=11 | issue=11 | pages=1, 89 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|1}} In June 1989, IBM issued a recall of certain submodels of the Model 70 386 possessing 120-MB hard drives, after users reported drive failurs and a "10483" error code shortly after purchase. These failures were traced back to a manufacturing error at IBM Fujisawa; the fault was discovered to be oil lubricant breaching containment and leaking outside of the drives.<ref name=oil>{{cite journal | last=Staff writer | date=June 13, 1989 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/398097742/ | title=IBM to Replace Model 70 Drives Due to Oil Leaks | journal=The Wall Street Journal | publisher=Dow Jones & Company | page=1 | via=ProQuest}}</ref> While this leak was easily fixed and did not result in any data loss, it resulted in the recall of 25,000 units of the Model 70 386 that month.<ref name=oil /><ref>{{cite journal | last=LaPlante | first=Alice | date=June 12, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jzAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PP1 | title=IBM Reports Model 70 Disk Drive Problems | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=11 | issue=24 | pages=1, 105 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|1}}

In June 1989, IBM announced the 486/25 Power Platform.<ref name=records /> This was an upgrade package for the Model 70 386-A21 (see [[#Specifications|§ Specifications]] for more details on the submodel) comprising a 25-MHz [[i486|Intel 486]] microprocessor on a [[CPU card|CPU daughtercard]] (called a ''complex'', in IBM parlance). This card plugs into a dedicated slot on the [[motherboard]] (a ''planar'', in IBM parlance), replacing the 25-MHz 386 processor complex that the Model 70 386-A21 originally shipped with.<ref name=records /><ref>{{cite journal | last=Kvitka | first=Andre | author2=Daniel Sommer | date=November 13, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sTAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT168 | title=IBM's 486 Offers Sparkling Performance | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=11 | issue=46 | page=141 | via=Google Books}}</ref> This allows the Model 70 386 to run twice as fast as 386 machines clocked at 33&nbsp;MHz, on top of giving the Model 70 386 the built-in [[floating point unit]] inherent to the i486. The 486/25 Power Platform was the first commercially available product to use the 486 processor, announced just two months after [[Intel]] publicly released the 486 processor and first shipping in late September 1989.<ref name=records>{{cite journal | last=LaPlante | first=Alice | date=June 26, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lTAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT7 | title=IBM Shows Its First 486, Claims Speed Records | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=11 | issue=26 | pages=1, 8 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|1}}<ref>{{cite journal | last=Keefe | first=Patricia | date=October 9, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RCRN09BFuYUC&pg=PA39 | title=IBM 80486 upgrade leads the pack | journal=Computerworld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=XXIII | issue=41 | pages=39, 50 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|39}} Less than a month later, however, a calculation bug was discovered in early batches of the 486 processor.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Yoder | first=Stephen Kreider | date=October 27, 1989 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/398099426/ | title=Chip by Intel Contains Flaw in Calculating | journal=The Wall Street Journal | publisher=Dow Jones & Company | page=1 | via=ProQuest}}</ref> While the bug was relatively minor and rarely encountered in real-world applications, IBM halted further shipments of the 486/25 Power Platform until December 1989, after Intel had corrected the bug in further batches of 486 processors.<ref name=bug>{{cite journal | last=March | first=Richard | date=October 30, 1989 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7819694/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=Bug could delay 486 PCs | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=6 | issue=43 | page=8 | via=Gale}}</ref><ref name=unveils486>{{cite journal | last=Rudd | first=David C. | date=December 20, 1989 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/282663831/ | title=IBM unveils PS/2 based on i486 chip | journal=Chicago Tribune | page=3 | via=ProQuest}}</ref> In the interim, [[Apricot Computers]] released the VX FT, the world's first pre-built 486 computer, in early December 1989.<ref name=minigramsapricot>{{cite journal | last=Staff writer | date=December 5, 1989 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7937600/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=Minigrams | journal=Computergram International | publisher=GlobalData | page=CGI12050016 | via=Gale}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Lavin | first=Paul | date=April 28, 1994 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A15355986/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=Down, but not out | journal=Computer Weekly | publisher=TechTarget | page=42 | via=Gale}}</ref>{{efn|The first units of the VX FX were shipped to various petrol companies in the first week of December 1989.<ref name=minigramsapricot />}} Like the Model 70 386, the VX FT featured the Micro Channel architecture.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Lavin | first=Paul | date=April 25, 1990 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A8486840/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=Racing to the top | journal=PC User | publisher=EMAP Media | page=131 | via=Gale}}</ref>

In late December 1989, IBM introduced the PS/2 Model 70 486, their first prebuilt computer system with the 486 processor.<ref name=unveils486 /> In essence, the Model 70 486 is identical to the Model 70 386, only with the 486/25 Power Platform preinstalled and with a different badge on the front of the case.<ref name=nyt>{{cite journal | last=Markoff | first=John | date=December 20, 1989 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/427472298/ | title=I.B.M. to Base a Computer On Powerful i486 Intel Chip | journal=The New York Times | page=D8 | via=ProQuest}}</ref> Select units of the Model 70 486 were shipped to enterprises in the third week of December 1989, while volume shipment was slated for mid-January 1990.<ref name=fastestsofar />

==Specifications==
All submodels of Model 70 have three Micro Channel expansion slots: two 32-bit slots and one 16-bit slot.<ref name=derby /> The 16-bit slot features an extension for specific MCA [[graphics adapter]]s such as the [[8514/A]].<ref name=poorworthit>{{cite journal | last=Poor | first=Alfred | date=February 14, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kggOZ4-YEKUC&pg=PA124 | title=25-MHz 386s: Fast, Expensive, and Worth It | journal=PC Magazine | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=8 | issue=3 | pages=94–153 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|139}}

===Model 70 386===
The initial two entries in the Model 70 386 line were released in June 1988 and comprise the Model 70 386-E61, with a 386 processor clocked at 16&nbsp;MHz, and the Model 70-121, with the same processor clocked at 20&nbsp;MHz. The Model 70 386-E61 features 1&nbsp;MB of [[Random-access memory|RAM]] stock and a 60-MB [[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]] hard disk drive. The Model 70-121 doubles the capacity of both the stock amount of RAM and the hard drive capacity. Both units may have their RAM expanded up to 16&nbsp;MB total; they additionally sport a socket for a [[i387|387]] [[floating point unit]].<ref name=youasked /> The top-of-the-line Model 70 386-A21 was released later, in December 1988 (delayed a month due to [[FCC Class B]] emissions testing.<ref name=november1988 /><ref name=firstwave /> IBM designed this submodel with a significantly different [[motherboard]], with the 25-MHz Intel 386 processor residing on a daughtercard that plugs into a dedicated slot on the motherboard. This opposed to having the 386 processor plug into a [[Quad-flat package|QFP]], as is the case with the initial two entries in the Model 70 386 line. Besides housing the 386 processor, the daughtercard also has a socket for 387 math coprocessor and 64&nbsp;KB worth of 30-ns [[Static random-access memory|SRAM]] acting as cache, driven by an Intel 82385 cache controller. The Model 70-A21 featured the same 120-MB ESDI hard drive as the Model 70-121.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Miller | first=Catherine D. | date=November 15, 1988 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yFs-_3jT-5kC&pg=PA112 | title=IBM PS/2 Model 70-E61 (16 MHz); IBM PS/2 Model 70-121 (20 MHz); IBM PS/2 Model 70-A21 (25 MHz) | journal=PC Magazine | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=7 | issue=19 | pages=110–117 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|112}}

In September 1989,<ref>{{cite journal | last=Staff writer | date=September 27, 1989 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7700600/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=IBM touts Micro Channel features, tweaks PS/2s | journal=Computergram International | publisher= GlobalData | page=CGI09270003 | via=Gale}}</ref> IBM introduced two new models of the Model 70 386. The first was the Model 70-061, a 20-MHz 386 unit with a 60-MB hard drive intended as a low-cost version of the Model 70-121; and the second was the Model 70-A61, a cost-reduced version of the Model 70 386-A21 (featuring the same 25-MHz 386 on a complex) with the same 60-MB hard drive.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Sexton | first=Tara | date=October 9, 1989 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7742980/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=IBM shaves PS/2 prices, adds disk, RAM options | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=6 | issue=40 | page=17 | via=Gale}}</ref> After a two year gap with no new introductions, IBM announced the final four models in the Model 70 386 range in December 1991. These included the Model 70 386-A81, a 25-MHz unit with an 80-MB hard drive; the Model 70 386-A16, another 25-MHz unit with a 160-MB hard drive; the Model 70 386-081, a 20-MHz unit with a 80-MB hard drive; and the Model 70 386-161, another 20-MHz unit with a 160 MB hard drive. All four models came with 4&nbsp;MB of RAM stock.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Staff writer | date=June 17, 1991 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A10928320/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=New PS/2 386SX models: feature faster performance, greater flexibility at lower prices | journal=EDGE | publisher=EDGE Publishing | volume=2 | issue=56 | page=6 | via=Gale}}</ref> The PS/2 Model 70 386 was officially withdrawn by IBM in October 1992.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Staff writer | date=October 1992 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A12862085/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=Minigrams | journal=Computergram International | publisher=GlobalData | page=CGI10290024 | via=Gale}}</ref>

===Model 70 486===
The Model 70 486 was introduced in December 1989 in two variants: the Model 70 486-B21, with a 120-MB ESDI hard drive, and the Model 70 486-B61, with a 60-MB ESDI hard drive. Both ran the Intel 486 processor at 25&nbsp;MHz and were essentially rebadged variants of the Model 70-121 and Model 70-061 with the 486/25 Power Platform preinstalled.<ref name=fastestsofar />  IBM withdrew the Model 70 486 after less than two years on the market, in June 1991.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Staff writer | date=June 17, 1991 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A10928316/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=IBM Personal System/2: major announcement highlights | journal=EDGE | publisher=EDGE Publishing | volume=2 | issue=56 | page=4 | via=Gale}}</ref>

==Portable model==
{{Main|IBM PS/2 Model P70}}
[[File:IBM PS2 P70 8573-121 (0).jpg|thumb|The [[IBM PS/2 Model P70|PS/2 Model P70]] was a [[portable computer|portable]] version of the PS/2 Model 70 386.]]
In May 1989, IBM released the [[IBM PS/2 Model P70|PS/2 Model P70]], a [[portable computer|portable]] version of the PS/2 Model 70 386 that weighed {{convert|21|lb|kg}} (the same as the Model 70 386 desktop) and had a carrying handle. It featured a 20-MHz Intel 386 processor, 4&nbsp;MB of RAM stock, and an [[Flat-panel display|flat-panel]], amber-tined, monochrome [[Plasma display|gas plasma display]]. It was IBM's third attempt at a portable PC in the United States, after the market failures that were the [[IBM Portable Personal Computer|Portable PC]] and the [[IBM PC Convertible|PC Convertible]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=Scannell | first=Ed | date=May 15, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UDoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA692 | title=IBM Takes Wraps Off Its Model 70 'To Go' | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=11 | issue=20 | pages=1, 101 | via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Kvitka | first=Andre | date=July 24, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hzAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT87 | title=IBM's Third Try at Portable Puts Handle on the Model 70 | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=11 | issue=30 | pages=76–77 | via=Google Books}}</ref>

==Reception==
The PS/2 Model 70 386 received positive reviews in the press. ''[[InfoWorld]]''{{'s}} Stephen Satchell rated the Model 70 386-121 a "very good value" and assessed it as being faster than a PS/2 Model 80 with the same 20-MHz chip, despite the latter having a more complex construction and a considerably higher cost.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Satchell | first=Stephen | date=August 1, 1988 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dDoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA56 | title=IBM PS/2 Model 70-121: Powerful Small-Footprint System Outpaces Model 80 | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=10 | issue=31 | pages=56–57 | via=Google Books}}</ref> ''Personal Computing''{{'s}} [[Christopher O'Malley]] found the Model 70 386-A21 the fastest 25-MHz 386 machine compared to competitors from [[Compaq]] and [[Advanced Logic Research]] but criticized the limited avenues for upgrading the hard drive, on account of the more-proprietary ESDI interface that the PS/2 used.<ref>{{cite journal | last=O'Malley | first=Christopher | author-link=Christopher O'Malley | date=September 1988 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/199453649/ | title=IBM's Model 70-A21: The Desktop Rocket | journal=Personal Computing | publisher=VNU Business Information Services | volume=12 | issue=9 | pages=103–109 | via=ProQuest}}</ref>{{rp|107}} Multiple reviewers for ''InfoWorld'' rated the Model 70 386-A21 a good value for technical applications (particularly [[CAD/CAM]]) but poorly as a [[file server]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=Capen | first=Tracey | date=November 14, 1988 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wTsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT82 | title=Hot Rods | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume= | issue= | pages=71–88 | via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Furger | first=Roberta | date=August 8, 1988 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cDoEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA69 | title=PS/2 Model 70-A21: IBM 386 Burns Rubber at 25&nbsp;MHz | journal=InfoWorld | publisher=IDG Publications | volume=10 | issue=32 | pages=69–70 | via=Google Books}}</ref>{{rp|69}} Bruce Brown in ''[[PC Magazine]]'' concluded: "IBM's PS/2 Model 70s combine small size, impressive modular design, and gobs of power in three pricey computers. You can't expand these computers much, but they come fully equipped anyway."<ref>{{cite journal | last=Brown | first=Bruce | date=May 30, 1989 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HpsOD9ZeqScC&pg=PA212 | title=IBM Corp.: IBM PS/2 Model 70-E61; IBM PS/2 Model 70-121; IBM PS/2 Model 70-A21 | journal=PC Magazine | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=8 | issue=10 | pages=212–220 | via=Google Books}}</ref>

==Submodels==
{{See also|List of IBM PS/2 models}}
{{sticky header}}{{sort under}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable sticky-header sort-under" style="font-size: 85%;"
|-
|+ IBM PS/2 Model 70 submodels
! Model !! IBM {{abbr|P/N|part number}} !! Processor !! Clock speed<br />{{small|(MHz)}} !! Bus !! No.&nbsp;of<br />[[expansion slot|slots]] !! No.&nbsp;of<br />drive bays !! {{abbr|FDD|Floppy disk drive}} !! {{abbr|HDD|Hard disk drive}} !! Stock<br />{{abbr|RAM|Random-access memory}} !! Maximum<br />{{abbr|RAM|Random-access memory}} !! Video adapter !! Monitor !! Form factor !! Date introduced !! Notes !! {{abbr|Ref(s).|Reference(s)}}
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-061
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 20
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 60 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 2 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1989|09}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WJX8" />
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-081
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 20
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 60 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 4 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1991|06}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name=MuellerUltimediaM57SLC>{{cite book | last=Mueller | first=Scott | date=1994 | url=https://archive.org/details/upgradingrepairi00muel_7/page/1208/ | title=Upgrading and Repairing PCs | publisher=Que | pages=1126–1127 | edition=4th | isbn=9781565299320 | via=the Internet Archive}}</ref>
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-121
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 20
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 120 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 2 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1988|06}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WJX8" /><ref name=youasked />
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-161
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 20
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 160 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 4 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1991|06}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WJX8" />
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-A16
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 25
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 160 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 4 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1991|06}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name=MuellerUltimediaM57SLC />
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-A21
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 25
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 120 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 2 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1988|12}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WJX8">{{cite web |url=https://www.ardent-tool.com/qtechinfo/GJAN-43WJX8.html|title=IBM PS/2 (Model 70-Axx)&nbsp;– Technical Specifications|publisher=International Business Machines Corporation|via=Ardent Tool|date=2000|accessdate=September 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name=MuellerUltimediaM57SLC /><ref name=youasked>{{cite journal | last=Chartock | first=David S. | date= June 6, 1988 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A6776419/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=You asked for them; IBM adds 2 PS/2 models | journal=Computer & Software News | publisher= Lebhar-Friedman | volume=6 | issue=23 | pages=1 ''et seq'' | via=Gale}}</ref><ref name=november1988>{{cite journal | last=Brennan | first=Laura | author2=Doug Chandler | date=November 14, 1988 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7117387/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=High-end PS/2 Model 70 delayed while IBM awaits FCC approval | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=5 | issue=46 | page=4 | via=Gale}}</ref><ref name=firstwave>{{cite journal | last=Spiegelman | first=Lisa L. | date=December 12, 1988 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7183147/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=First wave of 25MHz '386s sweeps market | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=5 | issue=50 | pages=57 ''et seq'' | via=Gale}}</ref>
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-A61
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 25
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 60 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 2 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1989|09}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WJX8" /><ref name=MuellerUltimediaM57SLC />
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-A81
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 25
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 80 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 4 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1991|06}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name=MuellerUltimediaM57SLC />
|-
| 70 386
| 8570-E61
| [[i386|Intel 386]]
| 16
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 60 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 1 MB
| 6 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1988|06}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WJX8" /><ref name=youasked />
|-
| 70 486
| 8570-B21
| [[i486|Intel 486]]
| 25
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 120 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 2 MB
| 8 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1989|12}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WK6N">{{cite web |url=https://www.ardent-tool.com/qtechinfo/GJAN-43WK6N.html|title=IBM PS/2 (Model 70 486)&nbsp;– Technical Specifications|publisher=International Business Machines Corporation|via=Ardent Tool|date=2000|accessdate=September 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name=MuellerUltimediaM57SLC /><ref name=fastestsofar>{{cite journal | last=Sexton | first=Tara | date=December 25, 1989 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A7991122/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=IBM Model 70 486 enters race as the fastest PS/2—so far | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=6 | issue=51 | pages=1 ''et seq'' | via=Gale}}</ref>
|-
| 70 486
| 8570-B61
| [[i486|Intel 486]]
| 25
| [[Micro Channel architecture|MCA]], 32-bit
| 3
| 3
| one 1.44 MB
| 60 MB {{small|([[Enhanced Small Disk Interface|ESDI]])}}
| 2 MB
| 8 MB
| [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]]
| optional
| Desktop
| {{date table sorting|1989|12}}
| <!--blank cell-->
| <ref name="GJAN-43WK6N" /><ref name=MuellerUltimediaM57SLC /><ref name=fastestsofar />
|}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{IBM personal computers}}

[[Category:IBM PS/2|70]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1988]]