In the model series of classic IBM PCs to include the IBM PC, PC/XT, and PC/AT, the XT/286 is a rare hybrid between an XT and an AT. Al’s Geek Lab takes a look at upgrading this rare machine to increase its capability.

I take this rare IBM computer with an identity crisis and upgrade its CPU, its RAM and give it a little bit of DOS-based multi-tasking.

IBM sold both the XT and the AT side-by-side, however, in September of 1986, IBM pulled a strange stunt and released the Personal Computer XT Model 286, or Model 5162. This machine is odd in many ways: it had the same case as the XT, with its angled design, but inside, was an AT, using the same 80286 CPU as the original 6 Megahertz AT/5170 model.

The 5162 was only in production for 10 months, making it a pretty rare machine, but also the cheapest IBM machine that was capable of running a true multitasking operating system like OS/2.

Check out the details in the YouTube video below.