Description
AST Research 386SX Processor Board 202438-001 Intel i386SX ISA CPU Card
The AST Research 202438-001 is a full-length ISA processor board built around the Intel i386SX CPU. Produced by AST Research in 1991, this board was designed to provide 386SX processing capability within AST desktop systems via the ISA bus. The board carries an Intel i386SX processor alongside a proprietary AST ASIC (marked J290005-001A), support logic ICs, and multiple ISA edge connectors along the top edge of the card.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: AST Research
- Part Number: 202438-001 (label reads 202438-001X5; PCB silkscreen reads 202438-301 X3)
- CPU: Intel i386SX
- AST ASIC: J290005-001A (PLCC package, visible in photos)
- Bus Interface: ISA (full-length card)
- Multiple ISA expansion connectors along top edge of board
- Country of Manufacture: Hong Kong
- Copyright date: AST Research 1991
- UL 94V0 flammability rating (visible on PCB)
- Board only — no cables, brackets, or accessories included
Applications
AST Research was a prominent U.S. PC manufacturer of the 1980s and early 1990s, known for producing IBM PC-compatible desktop systems and proprietary expansion products. The 386SX processor, introduced by Intel in 1988, offered a cost-effective path to 32-bit processing with a 16-bit external data bus, making it common in business-class desktop PCs of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Processor expansion boards like this one were used in AST desktop systems to deliver or upgrade 386SX processing capability via the ISA bus — a common architecture of that era before the widespread adoption of PCI. Today these boards are sought by collectors and restorers maintaining vintage AST systems, as well as by hobbyists working with late-1980s to early-1990s IBM-compatible PC hardware.
This AST Research 386SX Processor Board (P/N 202438-001) has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The PCB shows typical light wear consistent with prior installation and removal. No cracked traces, broken connectors, or missing components are visible in the photos. The Intel i386SX CPU and AST ASIC are seated properly. Board is sold as-is — it has not been bench-tested at our facility. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
AST Research |
Model: |
202438-001 |
MPN: |
202438-001 |
Secondary Model: |
202438-301 |
SKU: |
10249 |
Type: |
Processor / CPU Expansion Board |
Processor: |
Intel i386SX |
Bus Interface: |
ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) |
Form Factor: |
Full-Length ISA Card |
Compatible With: |
AST 386SX-based desktop systems |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Hong Kong |
Copyright / Date Code: |
AST Research 1991 |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected |
Seller Notes: |
Board only; no accessories included. |
Condition Notes: |
AST Research 386SX Processor Board 202438-001 inspected, good used condition. Light wear from prior installation. Intel i386SX and AST ASIC intact. Not bench-tested. Sold as-is. Contact us with questions. |
