Description
Core Product Summary
The NEC FC-9821X model 2 is an industrial computer from the FC-9821X series, announced in February 1995. It uses a write-back enhanced Intel i486DX2 processor operating at 66 MHz and integrates a CIRRUS LOGIC GD5430 graphics accelerator. The model 2 configuration includes a dedicated hard-disk slot, distinguishing its storage arrangement from the model 1 file-bay configuration.
The computer provides a 3.5-inch three-mode floppy disk drive, six expansion slots, an RS-232C serial interface, a parallel printer interface, and an analog RGB display connection. Its documented memory architecture supports expansion from the standard 1.6 MB configuration to a maximum of 95.6 MB with supported memory subboards. These characteristics help identify the correct unit when maintaining legacy computer systems or checking hardware requirements for an existing installation.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NEC |
| Model | FC-9821X model 2 |
| Product type | Industrial computer |
| Product announcement | February 1995 |
| Processor | Enhanced Intel i486DX2, 66 MHz |
| Standard RAM | 1.6 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 95.6 MB with supported expansion subboards |
| Graphics accelerator | CIRRUS LOGIC GD5430 |
| Graphics VRAM | 1 MB |
| Text VRAM | 12 KB |
| Graphics display modes | 640 × 400 pixels at 16 colors; 640 × 400 or 640 × 480 at 256 colors |
| Additional graphics modes | 640 × 400 and 640 × 480 at 256 colors or 16.77 million colors; 1024 × 768 at 256 colors |
| Floppy disk drive | One 3.5-inch, three-mode drive |
| Hard-disk provision | One dedicated HD slot |
| Expansion slots | Six, including one shared with the optional RAS board |
| Serial interface | RS-232C, up to 19,200 bps, D-sub 25-pin |
| Printer interface | 36-pin parallel interface |
| Display interface | Analog RGB, D-sub 15-pin |
| Mouse interface | Mini-DIN 9-pin bus mouse connection |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 200 × 420 × 345 mm |
| Weight | 10.9 kg |
| Power consumption | 30 W; maximum 123 W |
| Power input | AC 85–121 V |
| Power frequency | 50/60 Hz ±1 Hz |
Engineering Selection Highlights
- Dedicated hard-disk slot: The model 2 uses an HD-slot configuration. Confirm the exact drive type and interface requirements before selecting a storage device.
- 66 MHz i486DX2 processor: This identifies the original computing platform and helps assess hardware requirements for legacy software and existing installations.
- Expandable memory: Supported RAM subboards allow memory expansion beyond the standard 1.6 MB configuration. Confirm the subboard part number and installed memory before ordering.
- RS-232C serial communication: The D-sub 25-pin serial port supports communication at up to 19,200 bps, making the interface specification important when matching legacy serial equipment.
- Analog RGB video output: The D-sub 15-pin display connection identifies the native video interface. Digital RGB displays require the appropriate optional connection adapter.
- Six expansion slots: One slot is shared with the optional RAS board, so available expansion capacity depends on the installed hardware.
- Defined installation envelope: The 420 × 345 × 200 mm chassis and 10.9 kg weight provide the basic mechanical information needed for cabinet-space and handling assessments.
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item | Documented Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Memory expansion | PC-9821A-B02L, PC-9821A-B03L, PC-9821A-B04L and PC-9821BF-B01 RAM subboards | Check the installed memory configuration and supported subboard arrangement. |
| Dedicated hard-disk expansion | FC-9821X-E02, approximately 340 MB | This is a designated FC-9821X storage option. Confirm its presence and condition when identifying a configured unit. |
| Alternative hard-disk devices | FC-9801B-HD1, FC-9801F-HD1, FC-9801-MD1 and specified PC-series file-slot drives | The model 2 HD slot may accept listed alternatives, subject to the documented interface requirements. |
| SCSI storage connection | PC-9801-92 SCSI interface board and FC-9884 connection cable for the specified alternative drives | These accessories are required for the listed SCSI storage configurations. |
| Floppy disk expansion | FC-9821X-E01 second 3.5-inch drive | Confirm the drive and its installation configuration. |
| Display | Analog RGB through a rear D-sub 15-pin connector | Digital RGB display connection requires the FC-9816 adapter. |
| Serial equipment | RS-232C through a rear D-sub 25-pin connector | Verify the connected device’s communication settings and cable wiring. |
| Keyboard | FC-9801-KB8 | Confirm the keyboard and connector arrangement when assembling a complete system. |
| Rack installation | FC-9821X-U01 optional rack-mount mechanism | The documented mounting pitch follows the JIS 19-inch rack standard. |
| RAS monitoring | Optional FC-9801-06K RAS board | The board occupies the expansion slot shared with the RAS function. |
FC-9821X Model 2
FC-9821X Model 2
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
The NEC FC-9821X model 2 is a desktop-style industrial computer with a metal chassis and provisions for optional rack mounting.
- Chassis dimensions: 420 mm wide × 345 mm deep × 200 mm high.
- Unit weight: 10.9 kg.
- Rack mounting: Optional FC-9821X-U01 mounting mechanism for a JIS-standard 19-inch rack.
- Display connection: Rear analog RGB D-sub 15-pin connector.
- Serial connection: Rear D-sub 25-pin RS-232C connector.
- Printer connection: Rear 36-pin parallel interface.
- Mouse connection: Front mini-DIN 9-pin bus mouse interface.
- Floppy drive: One 3.5-inch three-mode drive is specified.
- Power supply: AC 85–121 V, 50/60 Hz ±1 Hz.
For replacement or reinstallation, check the actual unit’s power-supply label, installed expansion boards, storage hardware, and external connectors. Confirm that the cabinet provides sufficient depth and ventilation before mounting the computer.
Detailed Product Overview
Processor and memory architecture
The NEC FC-9821X model 2 is built around an enhanced Intel i486DX2 processor running at 66 MHz. This processor and the computer’s memory architecture are useful identification points when maintaining a legacy installation whose software environment depends on the original platform.
The standard memory configuration is 1.6 MB. Supported expansion RAM subboards provide a documented maximum of 95.6 MB under the specified configuration. When assessing a used unit, distinguish the maximum supported capacity from the memory actually installed. The subboard type and existing configuration matter when determining whether an individual computer matches the original system requirements.
Graphics and display connections
The integrated CIRRUS LOGIC GD5430 graphics accelerator uses 1 MB of graphics VRAM, alongside 12 KB of text VRAM. Supported display modes include 640 × 400, 640 × 480, and 1024 × 768, with available color depth depending on the resolution and operating environment.
The native external display interface is analog RGB through a 15-pin D-sub connector. A digital RGB display requires the specified FC-9816 connection adapter. This distinction is important when sourcing a compatible monitor or restoring a complete legacy workstation.
Storage and expansion
The model 2 has one dedicated hard-disk slot rather than the model 1 file-bay arrangement. The FC-9821X-E02 is a designated storage option with an approximately 340 MB capacity. Other listed storage configurations have their own interface requirements, including a specified SCSI board and connection cable for certain alternative drives.
The computer also includes one 3.5-inch three-mode floppy disk drive. The optional FC-9821X-E01 provides a second 3.5-inch drive. These storage details are particularly relevant when identifying a unit from its model label, checking an incomplete system, or determining which original accessories may be required.
Serial communication and peripheral integration
The FC-9821X model 2 provides an RS-232C serial interface with a maximum documented communication rate of 19,200 bps. A separate 36-pin parallel interface supports printer connectivity, while the front mini-DIN 9-pin connector is intended for a compatible bus mouse.
These interfaces should be evaluated against the actual connected equipment. Connector shape alone does not establish electrical or protocol compatibility; communication parameters, cable wiring, and peripheral requirements must also match.
Installation and maintenance considerations
The computer measures 420 × 345 × 200 mm and weighs 10.9 kg. An optional mounting mechanism supports installation in a JIS-standard 19-inch rack. Its documented power input is AC 85–121 V, so the intended supply must be checked before connecting the unit.
When inspecting an existing computer, record the complete model designation, installed RAM subboards, storage configuration, expansion cards, and connector layout. These details help distinguish a correctly configured FC-9821X model 2 from a visually similar system with different installed hardware.
Applications & System Role
The FC-9821X model 2 is a legacy industrial computing platform. Its system role is that of a general-purpose computer supporting software execution, local display output, serial communication, removable-media access, and hardware expansion.
Its documented interfaces and expansion architecture are relevant to several maintenance scenarios:
- Legacy equipment support: Retaining an existing computer platform where application software or connected equipment depends on the original hardware environment.
- Serial device communication: Connecting equipment that uses RS-232C, subject to matching baud rate, wiring, and communication settings.
- Local operator display: Providing analog RGB video output for a compatible display.
- Removable-media operations: Reading or writing supported floppy disk formats through the installed three-mode drive.
- Storage configuration: Using the dedicated hard-disk slot with an appropriate supported drive and interface arrangement.
- Hardware expansion: Accommodating supported expansion boards within the six-slot architecture, while accounting for the slot shared with the optional RAS board.
These are functional fit scenarios based on the documented hardware. Suitability for a specific production machine, control application, or operating system depends on its software, interface, and hardware requirements.
FAQ
What is the NEC FC-9821X model 2?
The NEC FC-9821X model 2 is an industrial computer introduced in February 1995. It uses a 66 MHz enhanced Intel i486DX2 processor and has a dedicated hard-disk slot.
What is the difference between FC-9821X model 1 and model 2?
The principal documented difference is the storage-bay configuration. Model 1 has a file bay with a dedicated interface, while model 2 has a dedicated HD slot supporting specified hard-disk configurations.
What processor does the FC-9821X model 2 use?
It uses an enhanced Intel i486DX2 processor operating at 66 MHz.
How much memory can the FC-9821X model 2 support?
The standard memory configuration is 1.6 MB, with a documented maximum of 95.6 MB using supported RAM expansion subboards in the specified configuration.
Which communication interfaces are available?
The computer provides an RS-232C serial interface through a D-sub 25-pin connector, a 36-pin parallel printer interface, and an analog RGB display interface through a D-sub 15-pin connector.
Can the FC-9821X model 2 be installed in a 19-inch rack?
Yes. The FC-9821X-U01 is the documented optional rack-mount mechanism for a JIS-standard 19-inch rack.
What should be checked before purchasing a replacement unit?
Confirm the full model designation, processor platform, installed memory, hard-disk configuration, expansion boards, connector layout, and power requirements. If the computer is intended to replace an existing unit, also compare its hardware configuration with the original system’s requirements.
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