Description
Compaq DeskPro 386/20E Model 2540 Desktop Computer 386 PC Tower
The Compaq DeskPro 386/20E is a desktop PC built around the Intel 80386 processor running at 20 MHz. Model number 2540, it is part of Compaq's DeskPro line — one of the most widely deployed business desktop computer families of the late 1980s. The "E" designation in the 386/20E indicates an energy-efficient variant in Compaq's lineup. The unit is housed in a beige low-profile tower chassis with a pair of 5.25-inch drive bays on the front for floppy and/or hard drive access.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Compaq Computer Corporation (U.S.A.)
- Model: 2540 (DeskPro 386/20E)
- CPU: Intel 80386 at 20 MHz
- Form factor: Desktop tower
- Front drive bays: Two 5.25-inch bays (floppy and/or HDD)
- Rear expansion slots: Multiple ISA slots (slot covers in place)
- Rear: Exhaust fan, security lock cylinder, I/O port area
- FCC ID: CNT75M5524
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Included: Desktop tower unit only — no monitor, keyboard, mouse, or cables
Applications
The DeskPro 386/20E was aimed at business users who needed a step up from the 286 generation without the full cost of the faster 386/33 machines available at the time. The 80386 processor — Intel's first true 32-bit x86 CPU — enabled multitasking operating environments like OS/2 and Windows 3.x that the older 286 couldn't fully support, while also running the standard MS-DOS software of the era without issue. Compaq was one of the first PC makers to ship 386-based machines commercially, and the DeskPro 386 line became a staple in corporate offices and technical workplaces throughout the late 1980s and into the early 1990s. Today these machines are collected by vintage PC enthusiasts, used for period-correct DOS gaming, and sought out for running legacy industrial or scientific software that requires an authentic 386-class hardware environment. The ISA expansion slots make them compatible with a wide range of period sound cards, network cards, and controller cards from that era.
This Compaq DeskPro 386/20E (Model 2540) desktop computer has been pulled from a working environment where it was previously in use. It has not been powered up or tested at our facility. The beige tower case shows the expected yellowing and surface wear typical of equipment from this era, consistent with normal aging of ABS plastics. The front drive bays and panel appear intact, and the rear expansion slot covers and exhaust fan are in place as shown in the photos. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Compaq |
Model: |
2540 |
MPN: |
2540 |
Secondary Model: |
DeskPro 386/20E |
Type: |
Desktop Computer |
Processor: |
Intel 80386 20MHz |
Processor Speed: |
20 MHz |
CPU Architecture: |
Intel 80386 (i386) |
Form Factor: |
Desktop Tower |
Drive Bays: |
2 x 5.25" bays visible (floppy/optical) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
FCC ID: |
CNT75M5524 |
SKU: |
22774 |
Seller Notes: |
Desktop tower unit only — no monitor, keyboard, mouse, or cables included. |
Compatible With: |
ISA expansion cards, standard PC peripherals |
Era / Generation: |
Late 1980s 386-class PC |
Condition Notes: |
This Compaq DeskPro 386/20E (Model 2540) desktop was pulled from a working environment and has not been powered or tested at our facility. Case shows normal age-yellowing and surface wear typical of late-1980s equipment. Sold as-is. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |