ISA bus on newer computers [closed]

ISA bus on newer computers [closed]

Are there companies that sell new computers that support old ISA bus expansion cards? We have an aging computer running DOS that operates some machinery via an ISA interface board. Updated versions of this board (e.g. PCI, USB) are not available, and I am concerned about the long-term reliability of the 8+ year old computers we currently keep around as backups.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 191

Total answers/comments: 3

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Guest [Entry]

"Placeholder for rob's answer, if he ever gets around to it. Rob, drop me a comment when you post your own version.
Adek Industrial makes ATX mobos with ISA slots. Looks like they only offer one model per CPU/memory generation. Here's the MB-P4BWA Industrial ATX Motherboard for Intel® LGA775 Core 2 Quad/Duo Processors.

Supports Intel Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo & Pentium D LGA775 processors 533/800/1066 FSB
4 x 240-pin DDR2 533/667/800 MHz RAM up to 8 GB
Intel Q965 & ICH8DO chipset
Built-in Intel Extreme GMA 3000 video (up to 256 MB shared RAM)
6 X SATA II interface with 300 MB/s transfer rate
Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10
2 x Intel 82573L Gigabit Ethernet & Realtek ALC888 high defination audio
1 x PCI-Express X16, 1 x PCI-Express X4, 1 x mini-PCI, 4 x PCI & 2-ISA
4 x USB 2.0 ports

Other models are available. Contact them for a quote.
As to DOS workability, my best guess is ""uh..... try it and see"". Since these mobos are designed for newer CPUs, faster (and more) memory, modern USB, etc... it might ""just work"", minus newer fancy features like USB, and it might not be remotely bootable. I'd love to try it though."

Guest [Entry]

"The PRO 700 PCI-to-ISA bus extender kit allows you to attach ISA cards to a PC with a PCI slot.

the $600 price tag is quite a show stopper. :)"

Guest [Entry]

I definitely wouldn't do any type adapter like USB to ISA, haven't done that myself but know a few who have with no success. I purchased several new systems from http://www.RamPCSystems.com, they have a Socket 478 P4 based system and also one that supports a current socket 1150 CPU and has a couple of ISA slots. They have set prices too and are cheaper than Nixsys once you configure it.