IBM PS/2 Model 9595 Server. Linux, PC - DOS And More, Pre - Loaded. Rare /
Item History & Price
(Click or scroll down for important info about ...)About the SellerPackaging: Packaged with Skill and CareWarrantiesFree Upgrades?Mystery Prizes!2xMystery Prizes!!Don't touch that Bid button yet!!!Questions? Just ask!(IBM 8595-0LG, upgraded to 9595-0KF)Pre-Loaded with Linux, PC-DOS7 and Windows 3.1
Key Hardware Features
i80486DX-33 processor complex, 16 megabytes of RAM, XGA-2 Video, SCSI (hard drive controller) adapter with cache,... 3Com 3C529 Ethernet adapter and one IBM Token Ring adapter, making it a perfect network bridge machine. IBM SCSI HDD is Model 0661-467, about 400mb, 2.88 ED ("Extended Density") 3.5" FDD, one serial and one parallel port.
Other than than the True Blue badge (which this server has) what exactly is the difference between the 8595 and 9595? The 8595 has XGA video & 1.44mb FDD. Otherwise there are no differences.
Cosmetic Condition: This server cleaned up nicely, with nicks and scratches mostly along the edges. Some minor interior corrision and rust (pictures) but no obvious rust issues on the exterior. This is absolutely NOT a "10". The front bezels look fantastic, yes, but as you move around the cabinet you will note some unevenness in the finish. Considering the age, number of times in storage, stacking and unstacking, bouncing around in transit ... it's very acceptable. A few dabs of touch-up paint would go a long way, but collectors want the original finish.
Linux ("cLIeNUX") Loaded! It's basically impossible to get any "modern" OS to load in 16-32 megs of RAM. Over 20 years ago, I embarked on a project with the author of the cLIeNUX ("Client Use") distribution of Linux to build a light and fast "kernel" to specifically include support for the most common adapter boards for MicroChannel computers. Pared down of needless bloat and unrelated hardware drivers, we met the goal of having an OS that could run well on old computers with slow processors, little memory, and slow hard drives of limited storage capacity. It's also especially geared to entice youngsters into learning Linux, which can almost guarantee them a shot at an IT job later in life! (Please expect to manipulate boot manager to display preferred OS ...)
"Automatically configure the system?" How Polite! This is what you see when this server has detected a hardware change, and needs to reconfigure itself to keep things working right. That hardware change often comes when you install memory or add a new card ("option adapter") as below ...
This server has support for lots of "option adapters" built-in. When shipped new from the factory, these computers came configured for only the most basic "option adapters" (add-in cards/boards). But the startup (Initial Microcode Load (IML) partition or "reference partition") of this server has been upgraded to support many more, so the chances are good that you can install a popular option and not have to panic when it asks for an "option diskette" when it tries to automatically reconfigure the system. This is one of many benefits you get when buying from a vendor that's worked with this equipment for decades.
Comparative Value: Well! Glad you asked. Not long ago a 9595 server sold in a similar category on eBay for $899. "As-Is". No hard drive! 12 megs of RAM. No pedestal. Missing bezels. No power cord. But like this system, it did have a new button-cell system battery! I spent hours just cleaning and configuring this server. Other sellers??
Far more than just a collector's dream come true, this server can do everything it ever did. Add a 2nd hard drive (in some cases RAM) and you can boot and run DOS, Linux, BeOS, AIX, Win95/98/98SE, OS/2, FreeBSD, NetBSD, SCO OpenServer, SCO UnixWare, Solaris x86, and a host of other operating systems where you can run word processors, spreadsheets, paint programs, legacy games and more.
Includes pedestal, power cord. No monitor. Any locks pictured have no keys and are not functional. No keyboard or mouse, and as with all non-free upgrades, these would have to be auctioned separately.
About the Seller: Hi, I'm Charles "Lasitter" from Ludlow, Massachusetts, and I'm the only one by that name in the state. I hope to be working with you from beginning to end to insure your happiness with this transaction. Please also check my seller "FAQ" -> Other (under my seller profile) for other important questions that I've tried to answer in advance. Please keep in mind: I'm not a genius when it comes to this equipment, but I know the people that are and they return my inquiries.
If you're a vintage computer collector, you're probably believe, as I do, that these MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) computers were revolutionary in their time, can still do useful work today, and are some of the best engineered computers that IBM ever made.
I've owned this server (and others) for nearly 30 years, and they have travelled with me for thousands of miles. My mission has been to find a home for them so as to keep them from an ignominious scrap heap.
Shipping: Ships Priority Mail. Ask about store purchases for upgrades that you might like to see shipped / configured with this system. eBay does not allow for changes in shipping weight after the completion of an auction, so something like another HDD, purchased thru my store, would add to the weight, but would be much less than if shipped separately. As configured shipping weight approximately 62 pounds.
Packaged with Skill and Care: Getting one of these computers to you in anything like working condition is a tall order. Shipping companies treat a sack of potatoes with more respect. Unlike legacy Apple and Mac computers which are largely plastic, these IBM servers are mostly steel, and therefore heavy.
And while most of the case is steel, the fronts are covered with plastic bezels for things like the FDD and info panel, and these things do not stand up to much abuse. Solution? Expensive, specially sized-to-fit, double wall boxes, along with custom cut-to-fit semi-rigid foam to absorb shocks, along with anti-stat void fill. The carton is well sealed with heavy duty carton sealing staples, so you'll need to have your pliers ready!
All this effort gives us a better than average chance that this server reaches you in working condition, or with minor issues which we can work together to resolve via telephone / remotely. Bezels are my responsibility entirely. If one breaks, I'll pay the return shipping as well as replace the part.
Other Components: If the power supply fails in the first seven days I'll replace it, otherwise it is the only thing I can't fix or replace. If the planar (motherboard) or hard drive dies in 30 days, I will send you a new one. That's why there are no returns for this auction. Send me the broken part at your expense and I'll replace it.
Warranties and exclusions: You have seven days to test the system after arrival and notify me of defects. Before shipping, this server will have passed a slew of diagnostic tests provided by IBM. And that's a lot! Most sellers just press the power button and call it a day if the green light comes on. They have no idea what a "wrap plug" is, or that if you want to thoroughly test the serial and parallel ports, you've got to have them. They don't have 2.88 media, so they can't test the FDD properly. I could go on, but this server is not "as-is".
Included software comes without warranty: You are responsible for knowing how to configure Linux, PC-DOS or Windows. All software is provided "for demonstration purposes" only, without original diskettes or certificate of authenticity.
Free Upgrades? I love giving away free stuff, especially when there are multiple bidders! Example: If there are just two bidders in this auction, I'll upgrade the CPU from DX-33 to an i80486DX-33/66, doubling your speed for some operations. More bidders? I'll think up more free stuff! As the auction price approaches the BIN price, the only practical limit for what I can include for free is the shipping weight of the item.
Buy it now? Your quickest route to massive upgrades! I'll include a variety of very "nice to have" items that help you get the most out of your purchase. Example? Upgraded system BIOS and SCSI revision that let you boot from up >1Gb hard drives and and access HDDs of almost 8Gb.
Winners: High Performance Upgrades Available. If you'd like to see this server go way faster, that can be arrainged. We just need to correspond about what you already have versus what you need, and then I can add an item in my eBay store (Evergreen PCs) just for you! Best part? Installation and testing are free as well as lower costs for combined shipping!
Mystery Prizes! There will be at least one extra prize included for every successful system auction! More if the auction attracts attention of multiple bidders!
2xMystery Prizes!! They won't be in every auction, but they are when you don't know what it's going to be and I don't know what it is! Will at least be good for scrap gold or copper recovery.
Don't touch that Bid button yet!!! If you've never seen the inside of a computer before, this auction might not be for you. You need some combination of experience, help, and sense of adventure when you first start working with computers that my be older than you are!
Not Enough Info? If I've failed to give you the information you need, you can "contact the seller" and text your questions to me. Something like: Contact the Seller -> Topics -> Other -> How to call the seller. Just keep in mind that I'm in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT/UTC -4) so it may be a while before I get back to you.
Grand Prize: (RIP) I'm in my mid-60s and know I won't live forever -- or even long enough to sell off all my collection of PS/2 computers. So I'm taking names of PS/2 enthusiasts in the USA with large basements that might wish to inherit this collection. My interest is in seeing the collection go to someone that loves this stuff vs someone that only wants it for scrap gold or to part it out. My estate might even be in a position to split the cost of an intermodal container to some distant part of the globe.
Auction copy copyright © Charles Lasitter, Ludlow, MA, USA, 2020 Last updated 15.9.2020
Key Hardware Features
i80486DX-33 processor complex, 16 megabytes of RAM, XGA-2 Video, SCSI (hard drive controller) adapter with cache,... 3Com 3C529 Ethernet adapter and one IBM Token Ring adapter, making it a perfect network bridge machine. IBM SCSI HDD is Model 0661-467, about 400mb, 2.88 ED ("Extended Density") 3.5" FDD, one serial and one parallel port.
Other than than the True Blue badge (which this server has) what exactly is the difference between the 8595 and 9595? The 8595 has XGA video & 1.44mb FDD. Otherwise there are no differences.
Cosmetic Condition: This server cleaned up nicely, with nicks and scratches mostly along the edges. Some minor interior corrision and rust (pictures) but no obvious rust issues on the exterior. This is absolutely NOT a "10". The front bezels look fantastic, yes, but as you move around the cabinet you will note some unevenness in the finish. Considering the age, number of times in storage, stacking and unstacking, bouncing around in transit ... it's very acceptable. A few dabs of touch-up paint would go a long way, but collectors want the original finish.
Linux ("cLIeNUX") Loaded! It's basically impossible to get any "modern" OS to load in 16-32 megs of RAM. Over 20 years ago, I embarked on a project with the author of the cLIeNUX ("Client Use") distribution of Linux to build a light and fast "kernel" to specifically include support for the most common adapter boards for MicroChannel computers. Pared down of needless bloat and unrelated hardware drivers, we met the goal of having an OS that could run well on old computers with slow processors, little memory, and slow hard drives of limited storage capacity. It's also especially geared to entice youngsters into learning Linux, which can almost guarantee them a shot at an IT job later in life! (Please expect to manipulate boot manager to display preferred OS ...)
"Automatically configure the system?" How Polite! This is what you see when this server has detected a hardware change, and needs to reconfigure itself to keep things working right. That hardware change often comes when you install memory or add a new card ("option adapter") as below ...
This server has support for lots of "option adapters" built-in. When shipped new from the factory, these computers came configured for only the most basic "option adapters" (add-in cards/boards). But the startup (Initial Microcode Load (IML) partition or "reference partition") of this server has been upgraded to support many more, so the chances are good that you can install a popular option and not have to panic when it asks for an "option diskette" when it tries to automatically reconfigure the system. This is one of many benefits you get when buying from a vendor that's worked with this equipment for decades.
Comparative Value: Well! Glad you asked. Not long ago a 9595 server sold in a similar category on eBay for $899. "As-Is". No hard drive! 12 megs of RAM. No pedestal. Missing bezels. No power cord. But like this system, it did have a new button-cell system battery! I spent hours just cleaning and configuring this server. Other sellers??
Far more than just a collector's dream come true, this server can do everything it ever did. Add a 2nd hard drive (in some cases RAM) and you can boot and run DOS, Linux, BeOS, AIX, Win95/98/98SE, OS/2, FreeBSD, NetBSD, SCO OpenServer, SCO UnixWare, Solaris x86, and a host of other operating systems where you can run word processors, spreadsheets, paint programs, legacy games and more.
Includes pedestal, power cord. No monitor. Any locks pictured have no keys and are not functional. No keyboard or mouse, and as with all non-free upgrades, these would have to be auctioned separately.
About the Seller: Hi, I'm Charles "Lasitter" from Ludlow, Massachusetts, and I'm the only one by that name in the state. I hope to be working with you from beginning to end to insure your happiness with this transaction. Please also check my seller "FAQ" -> Other (under my seller profile) for other important questions that I've tried to answer in advance. Please keep in mind: I'm not a genius when it comes to this equipment, but I know the people that are and they return my inquiries.
If you're a vintage computer collector, you're probably believe, as I do, that these MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) computers were revolutionary in their time, can still do useful work today, and are some of the best engineered computers that IBM ever made.
I've owned this server (and others) for nearly 30 years, and they have travelled with me for thousands of miles. My mission has been to find a home for them so as to keep them from an ignominious scrap heap.
Shipping: Ships Priority Mail. Ask about store purchases for upgrades that you might like to see shipped / configured with this system. eBay does not allow for changes in shipping weight after the completion of an auction, so something like another HDD, purchased thru my store, would add to the weight, but would be much less than if shipped separately. As configured shipping weight approximately 62 pounds.
Packaged with Skill and Care: Getting one of these computers to you in anything like working condition is a tall order. Shipping companies treat a sack of potatoes with more respect. Unlike legacy Apple and Mac computers which are largely plastic, these IBM servers are mostly steel, and therefore heavy.
And while most of the case is steel, the fronts are covered with plastic bezels for things like the FDD and info panel, and these things do not stand up to much abuse. Solution? Expensive, specially sized-to-fit, double wall boxes, along with custom cut-to-fit semi-rigid foam to absorb shocks, along with anti-stat void fill. The carton is well sealed with heavy duty carton sealing staples, so you'll need to have your pliers ready!
All this effort gives us a better than average chance that this server reaches you in working condition, or with minor issues which we can work together to resolve via telephone / remotely. Bezels are my responsibility entirely. If one breaks, I'll pay the return shipping as well as replace the part.
Other Components: If the power supply fails in the first seven days I'll replace it, otherwise it is the only thing I can't fix or replace. If the planar (motherboard) or hard drive dies in 30 days, I will send you a new one. That's why there are no returns for this auction. Send me the broken part at your expense and I'll replace it.
Warranties and exclusions: You have seven days to test the system after arrival and notify me of defects. Before shipping, this server will have passed a slew of diagnostic tests provided by IBM. And that's a lot! Most sellers just press the power button and call it a day if the green light comes on. They have no idea what a "wrap plug" is, or that if you want to thoroughly test the serial and parallel ports, you've got to have them. They don't have 2.88 media, so they can't test the FDD properly. I could go on, but this server is not "as-is".
Included software comes without warranty: You are responsible for knowing how to configure Linux, PC-DOS or Windows. All software is provided "for demonstration purposes" only, without original diskettes or certificate of authenticity.
Free Upgrades? I love giving away free stuff, especially when there are multiple bidders! Example: If there are just two bidders in this auction, I'll upgrade the CPU from DX-33 to an i80486DX-33/66, doubling your speed for some operations. More bidders? I'll think up more free stuff! As the auction price approaches the BIN price, the only practical limit for what I can include for free is the shipping weight of the item.
Buy it now? Your quickest route to massive upgrades! I'll include a variety of very "nice to have" items that help you get the most out of your purchase. Example? Upgraded system BIOS and SCSI revision that let you boot from up >1Gb hard drives and and access HDDs of almost 8Gb.
Winners: High Performance Upgrades Available. If you'd like to see this server go way faster, that can be arrainged. We just need to correspond about what you already have versus what you need, and then I can add an item in my eBay store (Evergreen PCs) just for you! Best part? Installation and testing are free as well as lower costs for combined shipping!
Mystery Prizes! There will be at least one extra prize included for every successful system auction! More if the auction attracts attention of multiple bidders!
2xMystery Prizes!! They won't be in every auction, but they are when you don't know what it's going to be and I don't know what it is! Will at least be good for scrap gold or copper recovery.
Don't touch that Bid button yet!!! If you've never seen the inside of a computer before, this auction might not be for you. You need some combination of experience, help, and sense of adventure when you first start working with computers that my be older than you are!
Not Enough Info? If I've failed to give you the information you need, you can "contact the seller" and text your questions to me. Something like: Contact the Seller -> Topics -> Other -> How to call the seller. Just keep in mind that I'm in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT/UTC -4) so it may be a while before I get back to you.
Grand Prize: (RIP) I'm in my mid-60s and know I won't live forever -- or even long enough to sell off all my collection of PS/2 computers. So I'm taking names of PS/2 enthusiasts in the USA with large basements that might wish to inherit this collection. My interest is in seeing the collection go to someone that loves this stuff vs someone that only wants it for scrap gold or to part it out. My estate might even be in a position to split the cost of an intermodal container to some distant part of the globe.
Auction copy copyright © Charles Lasitter, Ludlow, MA, USA, 2020 Last updated 15.9.2020
