Processor Requirements

OS/2 Version 2.0 is designed to use the instruction set of the Intel 80386 processor, and therefore requires a system unit equipped with either an Intel 80386 DX, SX, SL or SLC processor, or subsequent Intel processors such as the 80486 series, which implement the same processor instruction set. IBM machines equipped with such processors include:

  • IBM Personal System/1* (2121)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model N33 SX (8533)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 35 SX (8535)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 40 SX (8540)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model L40 SX (8543)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model N51 SLC/SX (8551)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model CL51 SX (8554)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 55 SX (8555)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 56 SX (8556)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 57 SX (8557)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 57 SLC (8557)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 65 SX (8565)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 70 386 (8570)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 70 386 (8570) with the IBM Personal System/2 Power Platform*
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 70 486 (8570)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model P70 386 (8573)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model P75 486 (8575)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 80 386 (8580)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 90 XP 486 (8590)
  • IBM Personal System/2 Model 95 XP 486 (8595).

    Exception: The IBM PS/2 N33 SX Model A13, which was available only in certain countries, does not support OS/2 V2.0.

    OS/2 Version 2.0 will not run on machines equipped with an Intel 80286 processor. Hence machines such as the IBM PC AT*, PS/2 Model 30-286, and Models 50, 50Z, and 60 may not be used to run OS/2 Version 2.0. However, OS/2 V2.0 does support 80286-based machines which have been upgraded with a 386 or 486 processor using cards such as the AOX MicroMaster** card.

    The use of OS/2 Version 2.0 is not limited to IBM hardware; the operating system will execute on other manufacturers' machines, provided they are sufficiently compatible and equipped with an appropriate processor and hardware configuration. For information on hardware compatibility with OS/2 Version 2.0, readers should consult their dealer, hardware supplier or IBM marketing representative. Information is also available on CompuServe** and IBM bulletin board systems. Documentation shipped with OS/2 V2.0 contains details of gaining access to these systems.

    Note: This new 32-bit OS/2 Version 2.0 uses advanced features of PC systems that were not exploited with the earlier 16-bit operating systems. In order to avoid any problems with installing or running OS/2 V2.0, it is advisable to update the PC system configuration to the latest release levels. Depending on the manufacturer of the system, this may involve different steps from running the system configuration software through to replacing the BIOS. Users of IBM PS/2s should obtain the latest version of their PS/2 reference diskette from IBM. Running automatic system configuration with this reference diskette will ensure the system is updated to the new level. This particularly applies to PS/2s such as the Models 90 and 95 which load their BIOS from disk.

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