Click here or click onto the photo for a full size version of this picture. Similar to the 55SX following the Model 50, the Model 65SX was the successor of the Model 60. With Intel's newly introduced 386SX processor, it was a way to run 32-bit software in a cheap, 286-like environment (if you like to call any of the PS/2's 'cheap'...). In contrast to the 55SX, IBM didn't redesign the case - you can swap boards between the 60 and 65SX.
Another difference between the 55SX and the 65SX is the hard disk interface: There is no ESDI disk, the machine was directly shipped with the new SCSI busmaster adapter and SCSI hard disks of either 60 or 120MB. Compared to EDSI, this was a nice improvement both in speed and functionality. IBM continued to use SCSI as hard disk interface throughout the rest of the PS/2 line, with the exception of some late Model 76/77 that had an IDE interface.
Common to the 55SX is the memory subsystem. The 65SX has 2 sockets, which can be filled with 1/2/4 MByte modules, giving 8 Mbytes of on-board memory. However, the required 4M/80ns modules have a different presence detection code than the 70ns modules used in later PS/2's, so a module pulled e.g. out of a 56 or 76 won't work unless you modify the presence detection solder bridges. See Peter Wendt's pages for a description of the presence detection codes. |
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