I finally was able to find an IBM PS/2 8540SX in a good esthetic shape with no plastic issue and all the very specific IBM screw on the back. The 8540 was one of the last (with the 8535) to be equipped with ISA bus and not the proprietary Micro Channel bus MCA. The is why, it is been highly chased by retro hunter.
In this case, this IBM was sold as not working and as it arrived the initial testing was not showing any sign of life.
The demand on this kind of computer is extremely high and almost with no offer at all, so when you see one appearing on the market one does not hesitate too long. The seller, was king enough to make the packaging strong to avoid any damages, especially on the plastic corners.
I was betting on the non starting root cause to be … Read the rest