How good is IBM Personal Computer AT 5170?

IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 has a Lunoo score of 8.7/10. This score is based on AI-powered analysis of category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, and recency.

Where does IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 rank on Lunoo?

IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 is ranked #34 in Lunoo's Best Desktop Computer rankings with a score of 8.7/10.

Is IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 worth it in 2026?

IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 scores 8.7/10 in the Desktop Computer category on Lunoo. Compare it with alternatives to find the best fit for your needs.

What are the best alternatives to IBM Personal Computer AT 5170?

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How does IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 compare to competitors?

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IBM Personal Computer AT 5170

8.72

Great

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description IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 Overview

The IBM Personal Computer AT 5170, introduced in 1984, represented a key advancement in business computing. It utilized an Intel 80286 processor and offered expanded memory options compared to earlier IBM PCs. This machine was notable for its reliability and performance, making it suitable for professional applications and businesses requiring robust desktop computing solutions. It remains of interest to collectors and those studying the evolution of personal computers.

insights Ranking position

IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 ranks #32 of 433 in the Desktop Computer ranking, behind Sun SPARCstation 20, ahead of Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

balance IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros

check Advanced 80286 processor
check Industry-standard expansion
check Enhanced keyboard design
check Business-class reliability

thumb_down Cons

close Expensive at launch
close Limited graphics capability
close Loud operation

help IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 FAQ

What processor does the IBM PC AT 5170 use?

The IBM Personal Computer AT 5170 uses the Intel 80286 processor, running at 6 MHz initially and later at 8 MHz in upgraded models. The 80286 was a significant advancement over the 8088 in the original IBM PC, introducing protected mode and supporting up to 16 MB of addressable memory. This made the AT substantially faster for business applications.

What year was the IBM PC AT 5170 released?

The IBM PC AT (model 5170) was introduced in 1984, representing a major evolution of the original IBM PC released in 1981. It was one of the first widely adopted PCs to use a 16-bit bus architecture (the ISA bus). The AT set standards that influenced PC clone design for years.

Can the IBM PC AT 5170 run MS-DOS and what versions are compatible?

Yes, the IBM PC AT 5170 was designed to run MS-DOS and PC DOS, with version 3.0 being released alongside the AT specifically to support its 1.2 MB high-density floppy drive and real-time clock. Later versions of DOS up to 6.22 are also compatible. The 80286 processor's protected mode was not fully utilized by standard DOS, which remained in real mode.

What type of hard drive did the IBM PC AT 5170 originally come with?

The original IBM PC AT 5170 shipped with a 20 MB MFM hard drive (on the model 339 configuration), accessed via an ST-506/412 controller card. An entry-level configuration with only dual floppy drives was also available. The 20 MB drive was considered substantial storage capacity for a personal computer in 1984.

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