486-GIO-VT2 © 1994 First International Computer
The "GIO-VT" series was part of FIC's effort to provide reliable, stable workstations for office and light multimedia use. Unlike the high-end, complex PCI/VLB hybrid boards, the 486-GIO-VT2 focused on a clean, ISA/VLB-heavy layout that offered high compatibility with standard peripherals of the 1993–1995 era.
Socket: Socket 3 (ZIF), providing excellent compatibility for 486SX, DX, DX2, DX4, and AMD 5x86 processors.
Chipset: Typically features the VIA "VT" series chipset, known for its robust stability in DOS and Windows 3.1 environments.
Memory: Utilizes 72-pin SIMM slots for FPM (Fast Page Mode) DRAM, which was the standard at the time. It typically supports up to 64MB or 128MB, depending on the specific SIMM density supported by the BIOS.
Expansion: Features a classic mix of ISA and VLB slots. The presence of VLB slots allows for the use of high-performance local-bus graphics (like the Cirrus Logic 5428) and local-bus IDE controllers, bypassing the 8MHz speed limit of the ISA bus.
Cache: Usually includes sockets for up to 256KB of L2 cache (often in DIP or SRAM module format), which was vital for getting the most out of DX4/100 or 5x86-133 CPUs.
he "Workhorse" Reputation: In the mid-90s, the GIO-VT2 was a popular choice for budget-conscious businesses. It lacked the flair of the more expensive enthusiast boards but provided a rock-solid platform for applications like WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, and early educational titles.