Description
Digital Equipment DEC VAX 11/780-DA Vintage 1977 Supermini Computer Mainframe
The Digital Equipment Corporation VAX 11/780-DA is the original VAX supermini computer — the system that launched an entire computing platform when DEC introduced it on October 25, 1977. This is a complete floor-standing cabinet unit housing the SBI (Synchronous Backplane Interconnect) backplane, populated circuit board card cage, and lower power supply sub-cabinet. The VAX 11/780 is one of the most historically significant computers ever built, representing a landmark in 32-bit minicomputer architecture and remaining a genuine collector centerpiece for vintage computing enthusiasts and institutions.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)
- Model: VAX 11/780-DA
- Serial Number: SVA1879 / SU01679 (per cabinet labels)
- Rating Plate P/N: 3617674-00
- Year Introduced: October 25, 1977
- Architecture: VAX (Virtual Address eXtension) — 32-bit virtual memory architecture
- Approximate CPU Speed: ~1 VAX MIPS (approx. 500,000 actual instructions/second)
- Bus: SBI — Synchronous Backplane Interconnect
- Power Requirements: 120/208V AC, 3-Phase, 60Hz, 24A per phase
- Wiring Configuration: 3W+N+G
- Form Factor: Freestanding floor-standing cabinet (approximately refrigerator-sized)
- Card Cage: Densely populated SBI backplane visible with numerous expansion boards installed
- Power Supply Modules: Five Sorensen-branded power supply modules present in lower bay
- Blower/Cooling: Three large blower motors visible in lower sub-cabinet
- H7100 Configuration Assembly components (per label):
- Power Supply Assy — H7100, P/N 54-12550
- Mother Board Assy — P/N 54-12554
- Control Board Assy — P/N 54-12562
- Rear Panel Assy — P/N 70-13921
- Configuration Label P/N: 3615229
- Individual circuit boards visible: large multi-layer PCBs with DEC SC-2 markings, 74S10N, F8212, DM74S14N, DM74S04N ICs, and other period TTL logic
- Sold as the complete cabinet system as photographed — no peripherals, terminals, or storage devices included
Applications
The VAX-11/780 was DEC's successor to the PDP-11 line and defined the superminicomputer category for the late 1970s and 1980s. VAX stood for Virtual Address eXtension, reflecting its ability to address a 32-bit virtual address space — a major leap beyond the 16-bit PDP-11. When it launched in 1977, the 11/780 ran DEC's VMS (Virtual Memory System) operating system and later became a popular platform for BSD Unix (known as 4BSD and its successors), making it a fixture in university computing departments, research labs, government agencies, and engineering firms throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. The 11/780 became so ubiquitous as a performance benchmark that
This Digital Equipment Corporation DEC VAX 11/780-DA supermini computer is a large floor-standing cabinet system being sold in used, as-found condition. The system has not been powered up or tested at our facility. It was pulled from a previous installation and is sold as-is. Photos show the exterior cabinet in used condition with general age-related wear consistent with a system of this vintage — the white front panels show surface discoloration and wear, and the rear panels show dust accumulation and oxidation typical of stored equipment from this era. The internal backplane and card cage are populated with boards; wiring harnesses appear intact. Five Sorensen power supply modules are present in the lower bay, and three blower motors are visible in the sub-cabinet. Several individual circuit boards are visible and appear complete. Buyers should carefully review all photos and contact us with any questions before purchasing, as this is a rare, large vintage system and returns require freight coordination. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) |
Model: |
VAX 11/780-DA |
MPN: |
VAX 11/780-DA |
Secondary Model: |
VAX-11/780 |
SKU: |
34698 |
Type: |
Vintage Supermini Computer / Mainframe |
Year Introduced: |
1977 |
Architecture: |
VAX (Virtual Address eXtension) |
Power Requirements: |
120/208V AC, 3-Phase, 60Hz, 24A/PH |
Wiring Configuration: |
3W+N+G |
Power Supply Assembly: |
H7100 series (P/N 54-12550) |
Mother Board Assembly: |
P/N 54-12554 |
Control Board Assembly: |
P/N 54-12562 |
Rear Panel Assembly: |
P/N 70-13921 |
Configuration Label P/N: |
3615229 |
Form Factor: |
Freestanding Cabinet / Floor-Standing |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Seller Notes: |
System cabinet with installed backplane boards and power supplies. Contact us for freight shipping details. |
Compatible With: |
VMS, BSD Unix, DEC VAX operating systems |
Bus Type: |
SBI (Synchronous Backplane Interconnect) |
Approximate CPU Speed: |
~1 VAX MIPS (~500,000 actual instructions/sec) |
Era: |
Late 1970s – Early 1980s |
Condition Notes: |
This Digital DEC VAX 11/780-DA supermini computer is sold in used, as-found condition. It has not been powered or tested at our facility and is sold as-is. Cabinet, backplane, boards, and power supplies are present. |
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 |
