Packard Bell Legend 690 Supreme (Model PB400): Restored 486DX2-66 System

This Legend 690 has been brought back from a non-working state with a lot of care and period-correct parts. The original motherboard and power supply had both failed. Rather than install generic replacements, I sourced a Packard Bell PB400-family motherboard and a matching-style AT power supply, and I moved the original BIOS chip from this unit onto the new board. The result is a fully working, all-Packard Bell machine running faster than it did from the factory. Every repair and replacement is documented below.

Specifications

• Model: Packard Bell Legend 690 Supreme, Model PB400 (P/N 824047)
• CPU: Intel 486DX2-66, running at 66 MHz (2× 33 MHz bus)
• Motherboard: Packard Bell PCB-9940 REV.03 (replacement, see Restoration Work)
• BIOS: PhoenixBIOS A486 Version 1.01, the original chip from this unit
• Memory: 20 MB total (4 MB onboard + 4 × 4 MB 30-pin SIMMs)
• Cache: No L2 cache installed; all cache DIP sockets empty and available for expansion
• Video: Onboard Oak Technology OTI-077 with 512 KB; open DIP sockets for video RAM expansion (the OTI-077 supports up to 1 MB)
• Hard Drive: Seagate ST3491A, 408 MB IDE (original to the system as found)
• Floppy Drives: 3.5" 1.44 MB and 5.25" 1.2 MB
• Power Supply: LiteOn PA-4151-9B, 150W AT with internal plunger switch (replacement, see Restoration Work)
• Operating System: DOS with Windows 3.1

Rear Ports (left to right)

• DB9 serial
• DB25 parallel (LPT)
• DB15 game port
• DB15-HD VGA (onboard video)
• PS/2 mouse
• PS/2 keyboard
• The modem LINE/PHONE opening is blanked off. No modem is installed.

Restoration Work

• Motherboard replaced: The original PCB-9920 REV.03, with its soldered 486SX-25, failed. It was replaced with a PCB-9940 REV.03 from another version of the PB400. The new board has a socketed CPU, which allowed the upgrade to a 486DX2-66. This system originally shipped as an SX-25 configuration (the FCC ID on the rear label ends in SX-25), so this is a significant performance increase over stock.
• Original BIOS transplanted: The PCB-9940's BIOS was faulty. It would POST, but video was lost on entering BIOS setup. On this board the BIOS chip holds both the system and VGA BIOS. The original BIOS from this unit's PCB-9920 was moved to the PCB-9940, and everything now works correctly.
• Battery conversion: The soldered onboard battery was removed to eliminate the risk of leakage damage, the jumper was set for an external battery, and an external battery is installed. The CMOS retains its settings, including drive types and hard drive parameters.
• Power supply replaced: The original PB150 failed. It was replaced with a LiteOn PA-4151-9B, the same 150W rating with the same internal plunger switch design, so the front power button works through its original push rod exactly as intended. These plunger-switch AT supplies are becoming increasingly hard to find.
• Memory upgrade: 16 MB added (4 × 4 MB 30-pin SIMMs) to the 4 MB onboard, for 20 MB total. All SIMM slots are occupied.

Testing

• Powers on, completes POST, and passes the memory test with the Packard Bell splash screen
• System detected with ASTRA, loaded from the 3.5" floppy drive (see System Summary screenshots)
• 5.25" floppy drive tested by launching King's Quest III (not pictured)
• Boots into the Computer Warehouse Inc. DOS menu and Windows 3.1
• Original Packard Bell keyboard tested and working
• Mouse and PS/2 mouse port tested and working. The mouse was not connected during the ASTRA photos, which is why it shows "Not Found" on that screen.
• Game port is present but untested

Hard Drive and Software
The hard drive has been left exactly as found. It contains the previous owner's complete software environment, including the Computer Warehouse Inc. menu system, Windows 3.1, WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Novell PerfectOffice, GroupWise, QuickBooks, America Online, NETCOM, FaxWorks, Colorado Backup, and more. It is a genuine time capsule of a mid-'90s small business PC.

I chose not to wipe and reinstall so as not to put unnecessary wear on a 30+ year old drive. Please note:

• The drive has not been wiped or audited for personal files
• All software is included as-is, with no original installation media, license documentation, or registration transfer
• The system date and time were not set. You will want to set them on first boot.

Cosmetic Condition
Overall the case is in good cosmetic condition for its age. Please review all photos. Known issues:

• The "Supreme" drive bay cover is noticeably more yellowed than the rest of the front bezel
• Some dust and grime remain between the keyboard keys
• The mouse buttons show some yellowing
• Sticker residue on the rear left edge of the case
• Wear and scuffing on the rear expansion slot covers
• No key is included for the front key lock. The keylock wires have been disconnected from the motherboard, so the lock cannot disable the keyboard regardless of its position. It can be reconnected if you source a key.

What's Included

• Packard Bell Legend 690 (PB400) computer
• Power cord
• Original Packard Bell keyboard
• Original Packard Bell mouse

Not Included

• Monitor (the Dell display in the photos was used for testing only)
• Key for the front panel lock
• Software installation media or documentation

Shipping
I ship on Fridays and Saturdays, with additional drop-offs on Mondays for orders packed in advance. Please allow a few days for handling. This system will be packed carefully for its age and weight.

Returns and Warranty
This item was tested and working at the time of listing. It is sold as-is with no warranty, express or implied. No returns, refunds, or exchanges.