Overview
The Boca Research BRI4990 is a classic 8-bit ISA expansion card designed to add essential input/output connectivity to vintage IBM PC and compatible systems. This multi-function adapter provides two high-speed serial ports and one parallel printer port, making it an ideal solution for restoring legacy hardware functionality or expanding retro computing setups. The card is built around the proven Goldstar GM82C455 chipset, ensuring reliable operation in vintage PC environments from the 1980s and 1990s.
Key Features
- Two serial (RS-232) ports for modem, mouse, or external device connectivity
- One parallel (Centronics) port for printer or legacy parallel device support
- 8-bit ISA bus compatibility with IBM PC, XT, and compatible systems
- Goldstar GM82C455 controller chipset for stable, proven performance
- Full-height ISA bracket for standard desktop and tower configurations
- Used condition—fully functional, tested, ready to install
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Boca Research, Inc.
- Model Number: BRI4990 (FCC ID: EUD 5U9)
- Bus Type: ISA (8-bit)
- Serial Ports: 2 × RS-232
- Parallel Ports: 1 × Centronics/IEEE 1284
- Controller Chipset: Goldstar GM82C455
- Card Form Factor: Full-height ISA expansion card
- Operating Temperature Range: 0–55 °C
- Storage Temperature Range: −20–65 °C
- Condition: Used, tested, fully functional
Typical Applications
The Boca Research BRI4990 is commonly used in retro computing restoration and legacy system maintenance. Key applications include:
- Expanding serial port availability for vintage modems, terminals, and plotters
- Adding parallel printer port support to systems that lack native LPT connectivity
- Restoring connectivity to 1980s–1990s industrial control and test equipment
- Upgrading PC/XT and early 386 systems for expanded peripheral support
- Museum and hobbyist preservation of classic computing hardware
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- IBM PC, XT, and compatible systems with ISA slots
- Early 386 and 486 systems with legacy ISA support
- Any system supporting 8-bit ISA bus architecture
- Standard serial and parallel peripheral devices (modems, printers, plotters, terminals)
- Legacy DOS and Windows operating systems (3.x, 95, 98)
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Boca Research BRI4991 (higher port density variant)
- Similar Boca Research IO Turbo Series multi-function cards
- Generic ISA serial/parallel combination cards requiring 2S+1P configuration
Works With
- ISA bus systems (8-bit and 16-bit ISA slots)
- RS-232 serial devices: modems, null-modem cables, serial printers
- Parallel devices: dot-matrix printers, scanners, external drives
- Legacy BIOS support for serial and parallel port detection
- Retro computing platforms: DOS, Windows 3.x, 95, 98, and compatible systems
