IBM PS/ValuePoint 425SX/Si (Type 6381-Fxx)
IBM introduced the PS/ValuePoint line in October 1992 as an answer to cheap PC clones. They're built as standard PCs using ISA expansion slots instead of the PS/2 series' MCA making them much the same as a Compaq of a similar time period. Non-standard low-profile case with a weird sized PSU and an LPX-style motherboard with cards plugging in to a three-slot riser.
The 425SX/Si (type 6381-Fxx) sits at the bottom of the budget line: Si for Space-saving desktop, introductory.
IBM Direct prices started at US$1287 in November 1993 (US$2,782 in 2024). The system has integrated Cirrus Logic
GD5428 VLB SVGA graphics with 512KB of video memory and a soldered 25Mhz 486SX processor with no external cache.
There is an OverDrive socket to support upgrading to a 50MHz 486 OverDrive (P24T) so you're not stuck with the
integrated CPU, but without any ability to add cache performance will always be limited.
Maintenance-wise there doesn't appear to be too much to look out for. The battery is a CR2032 which will need
replacing - surprisingly these can actually leak (pictured right, battery out of one of my machines), though they
don't appear to do much damage when they do. The Alps floppy drive has a surface-mount aluminium electrolytic
capacitor next to the power connector which may be leaking and in need of replacement too.
Specifications
| CPU | Soldered 486SX-25, socket for a 486DX2-50 Overdrive (P24T) |
|---|---|
| Cache | None, not upgradable |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Graphics | Cirrus Logic GD5428 VLB, 512KB |
| Expansion Slots | 3x 16-bit ISA |
Documentation
- Hardware Maintenance Reference
- Personal Systems Reference, IBM ValuePoint, 1992 to 1995 - Withdrawn
- Specifications
- Motherboard on The Retro Web
Drivers
- si25dosb.exe - 6381 425sx DOS Video Driver Update (1993-10-13)
- si25winb.exe - 6381 (Fxx) Windows 3.1 updated SVGA driver (1993-10-14)
- 6381fxx.exe - 6381 FXX Power Management Disk (1993-10-29)
- vpsidia2.exe - Diagnostics Diskette for 6381SX/SI VP v1.01 (1994-01-05)
- 6381wg31.zip - Replaces SYSTEM.INI in Win for WrkGroup (1994-05-25) - fixes keyboard lockups?
- For Flash BIOS updates and other files, see this directory. An index can be found here - search for 6381.
In The Collection
| Name | CPU | RAM | HDD | CD-ROM | Cards | Condition/notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DX2ODP50 486DX2-50 | 16MB | WDC Caviar 1210 212MB | MKE-Panasonic 2x | SMC 8216C NIC Creative SoundBlaster 16 Value CT2770 |
Working 2024-04-23. Ex-HHS ~2003, was previously used as a print server and has some faint printer operating instructions written on the side. CD-ROM and SoundBlaster are not original, added ~2003/2004. Floppy drive has leaking cap and needs re-greasing. Inventory: COMP-0009 | |
| ? | ? | ? | — | ? | ? | |
| ? | ? | ? | — | ? | ? | |
| ? | ? | ? | — | ? | ? | |
| ? | ? | ? | — | ? | 3.5" FDD is missing. |