DOS Days
Old PC Computing Resource
STB Systems
STB was an early manufacturer of multi I/O, graphics and sound cards for the IBM PC and its compatibles.
Multi I/O Cards
Super RIO
The Super RIO was a multi I/O expansion card for the IBM PC and compatibles. It came with 64K-256K of onboard RAM, two RS232 serial ports, a printer port, clock/calendar with battery backup and a game port. You could also expand the onboard RAM by further connecting a "Super RIO Piggyback" board to add an extra 64K-512K of memory.
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Graphics Cards
Graphix Plus
The Graphix Plus card was a CGA-compatible graphics card that also supported high resolution monochrome graphics. Also common to many graphics cards in 1984, this one provided a parallel printer port too.
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Graphix Plus II
Expanding on the earlier Graphix Plus, the II provides the same features but adds a 16-colour mode. It also got a parallel port, a lightpen port, 32K of onboard video RAM, and an optional clock/calendar with battery backup.
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EGA Plus
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Chauffeur
The Chauffeur
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Chauffeur HT
The Chauffeur HT was a Hercules-compatible card that supported for the first time a resolution of 1056 x 352, ideal for a 132-character wide display in text modes. It came with drivers for Microsoft Windows, AutoCAD, Lotus 1-2-3 and Lotus Symphony. |
EGA Multi Res
The EGA Multi Res extended standard EGA by offering [on a multisync monitor] 640 x 480 and even 752 x 410 resolution in Microsoft Windows. On standard EGA monitors, it could display up to 832 x 350.
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Powergraph / Powergraph 2.0
"STB PowerGraph Ergo-VGA
PROS: Low price, fast AutoCAD performance CONS: Menuless driver installation At a street price of $201 with 512K of RAM, STB's PowerGraph Ergo-VGA is one of the three least expensive boards reviewed. It's an attractive buy, offering both fast performance and nearly switchless installation. The PowerGraph tied for first place in the AutoCAD tests. CAD performance hounds should note that this board lists for $200 less than Orchid's equally speedy ProDesigner II. As with the SigmaVGA Legend, you may have to move a jumper or two: one for 72-Hz screen refresh at 800 by 600, and the other to avoid conflicts with your network card. When you install drivers, there are no menus; you must do so from the command line. If you use AutoCAD and you're looking for a fast VGA board at a bargain price, the PowerGraph is an excellent choice." PC World, August 1991
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Powergraph X-24
The Powergraph X-24 was a Super VGA card based around S3's 86C801 chipset. More Images
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1280 Graphics System
"STB's 1280 Graphics System is a very capable performer, featuring easy installation, flicker-free operation, and good color support at a reasonable cost. Its moderate $426 street price makes it a worthwhile competitor to many of the S3 boards.
Speed improvements were respectable, with Excel and Word for Windows running more than 2 1/2 times faster. PowerPoint graphics poked along at half their super-VGA clip, but that's better than with most S3 boards. The board provides 15 drivers, although only Windows and AutoCAD are accelerated; the other applications run at super-VGA speeds. The 1280 Graphics System is one of two boards that display 256 colors at 1280 by 1024, if you invest $125 in the extra 1MB of RAM. Installation is both switchless and menu driven, making this a good value for Windows and AutoCAD users. " PC World, March 1992
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WIND/X
"STB's S3-powered WIND/X board is cheaper than the 1280 Graphics System. For just $355 (estimated street price) you get 65,536 screen colors at 640 by 480,11 software drivers, and a mouse. If you don't mind fidgeting with tiny jumpers, this is a very good product.
The WIND/X showed no speed surprises, chugging right along with the rest of the S3 boards. Expect 2 to 2A times the speed for Excel and Word for Windows and one-third the speed for PowerPoint graphics compared to super VGA. STB's WIND/X provides flicker-free operation at all resolutions except its interlaced 1280 by 1024 mode. It's a good performer that's loaded with nice extras. Were it not for the myriad tiny jumpers, it would merit a Best Buy. But the WIND/X is still a very good deal." PC World, March 1992
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Velocity Riva 128
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Velocity Riva 128ZX
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Launched: 1992
Sound Cards
SoundRage 32 / 32 3D
The SoundRage 32 was a much improved clone of the Advanced Gravis UltraSound 32 - primarily because unlike the GUS32 it came with full Ad Lib and Sound Blaster compatibility, plus an MPU-401 interface and Windows Sound System compatibility also.. User Manual
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Ultra-Sound 32
The Ultra-Sound 32 was manufactured by STB Systems, for Compaq's Presario line of desktop computers. Like their own SoundRage32, the Ultra-Sound 32 is a Gravis UltraSound clone that uses the AMD InterWave audio chip, meaning it provides Ad Lib, Sound Blaster, integrated MIDI synthesizer, and an MPU-401 interface. |
