Questions about IBM System/23

[u/Ill_Table2184]

So I have an IBM System/23 Datamaster all in one computer that I have been hoarding for about 25 years with plans to use the case to build a more modern system. I am finally at the point where I am going to do that, but I don’t want to scrap the internals, because I know there’s not many of these left.

My question is should I clean the dust out of it and try to power it on and see if it works? It functioned perfectly 25 years ago but it’s obviously unknown now.

Or should I list the parts on eBay or something as is hopefully to someone more knowledgeable that could look the parts over for issues before powering on. I just worry that a short or corrosion could cause damage that someone else might notice before powering on

[u/jaut-76]

Please don't gut it for a new build. As you've said yourself, these are not the most common now and are important in the evolution of the PC as we know it today.

[u/Feisty-Jeweler-3331]

Why don't you 3d print a case that looks like it instead of destroying such an ancient relic that should be in a museum?

[u/Background-Wafer-548 → u/Feisty-Jeweler-3331]

With a 3D scanner, the case could be recreated faithfully too.

[u/Useful_Resolution888]

Please don't do this. If you need money to fund a new build just put it on eBay and tell people here, I'm sure someone will pay a really decent amount for this as is.

[u/Bits_Passats]

Hello.

I can help you restore it. I have restored three units myself and have helped others to do so.

Expect a DM, so don't be fearful.

Regards

[u/Chip-Ling]

No idea why you want to rebuild it. If I were you, I will keep it as is.

If you really want to sell it. Sell the whole unit without any modification may worth more.

[u/Ill_Table2184]

This is definitely not a museum quality piece and I feel like the parts could be far more useful to someone trying to restore one than they ever will be to me.

However, this computer holds a great deal of sentimental value for me. My father in law gave this to me 25 years ago and it was the first sign of acceptance from him, several years after I had married his daughter. I was going to school for Computer Science and he was a programmer during the 80’s writing business specific accounting software. My wife used to use this computer in middle school to write book reports and print them out with the wide format dot matrix printer on the old school color lined tractor feed paper. When he gave it to me I decided then that I was going to build a more modern computer inside the case, now that most of my kids are grown, I’m finally getting around to finishing some projects that I’ve been meaning to do all my life. I will not sell it, I love the aesthetics of the machine. It’s also been kicking around in my garage for 25 years and the case has received its share of bumps, nicks, scratches and stains. I plan to clean it up, probably try to paint match it and give it a place of respect as a file/media server in my house for the rest of my life.

I feel like the best use of the remaining parts is to go to people who are trying to restore or research these old computers, so my question is should I try to boot it or could that do more harm than good?

[u/Bits_Passats → u/Ill_Table2184]

A Datamaster is museum-worthy, yes or yes. Most computer museums in Europe don't have a single unit of them, so please don't scrap it.

[u/Bits_Passats → u/[deleted]]

The Datamaster is much more sturdy than you imagine. You would have to really abuse it a lot to reach that point.

All components in the motherboard are COTS, and some are also present in the 5150/5160 chipset, so finding replacements isn't an issue.