Compaq 296684-001 S3 ViRGE/GX 86C385 2MB PCI VGA Video Card Deskpro 4000

Compaq 296684-001 S3 ViRGE/GX 86C385 2MB PCI VGA Video Card Deskpro 4000

The Compaq 296684-001 is a PCI VGA video card built around the S3 ViRGE/GX 86C385 graphics controller, factory-configured for the Compaq Deskpro 4000 desktop line. It provides standard 2D/3D VGA output via a 15-pin D-Sub connector and installs into any standard PCI slot.

Specifications & What's Included

• Part Number: 296684-001
• GPU / Chipset: S3 ViRGE/GX 86C385
• Video Memory: 2MB
• Bus Interface: PCI
• Video Output: 15-pin VGA (D-Sub)
• Form Factor: Half-height PCI card with bracket
• Hardware Revision: R30 (visible on PCB edge)
• Compatible System: Compaq Deskpro 4000 (also fits standard PCI-equipped systems)
• Card only — no accessories included

Applications

The S3 ViRGE/GX was S3's mid-1990s integrated 2D/3D graphics controller, widely used in OEM systems from Compaq, Dell, HP, and IBM during the Windows 95/98 era. The ViRGE/GX variant added enhanced 2D performance over the original ViRGE, making it the standard entry-level PCI graphics solution in corporate desktop PCs of that generation. Cards like this are still sought after for restoring period-correct Compaq Deskpro systems, running legacy DOS and Windows 9x software, and building historically accurate retro PC configurations. The PCI interface ensures broad compatibility with any system that has a free PCI slot, not just the original Deskpro 4000.