EISA Slot Computers: Replacement Options

Aug 26, 2015

Engineers searching for a new EISA slot computer usually have an EISA-era machine that has failed or is about to, and cards they need to keep running. The current NIXSYS catalog does not include systems with EISA slots. For many EISA installations, a new ISA slot computer is still the right replacement, because EISA slots were designed to accept ISA cards. This guide explains how to tell which case applies and what the replacement options are.

What EISA Is

The Extended Industry Standard Architecture was introduced in 1988 by a group of PC manufacturers as a 32-bit extension of the ISA bus. EISA slots keep the ISA connector and add a second, deeper row of contacts for the 32-bit signals. EISA was used mainly in servers and high-end workstations of the late 1980s and early 1990s, typically for network adapters, SCSI host adapters and other high-throughput cards. It was replaced by PCI in the mid-1990s.

Two properties of EISA decide what a replacement computer needs:

EISA slots accept ISA cards. An 8-bit or 16-bit ISA card works in an EISA slot. Many EISA machines actually ran ISA cards.
ISA slots do not accept EISA cards. A true 32-bit EISA card needs an EISA slot. EISA cards are also configured with the EISA Configuration Utility and card-specific configuration files rather than jumpers alone.

Step 1: Identify the Cards in the Existing Machine

Open the existing computer and list every expansion card, with its make, model and the slot it occupies. For each card, determine whether it is an ISA card sitting in an EISA slot or a true EISA card. The card's edge connector is the quickest check. An EISA card has two staggered rows of contacts, while an ISA card has a single row, split into two sections on 16-bit cards. The card's documentation or the EISA configuration files on the old machine confirm it.

Step 2: Choose the Replacement Path

If every card is ISA: use a new ISA slot computer

NIXSYS builds new-production ISA slot computers with 1 to 3 ISA slots alongside 32-bit PCI slots, in tower and 2U, 3U and 4U rackmount chassis, priced from $1,000.00 to $1,515.00. They support MS-DOS and Windows versions from Windows 3.1 to Windows 7, depending on the platform. The full comparison is in New Computers with ISA Slots.

Up to 3 ISA cards: the Intel 845GV systems, such as the NX-i90 and NX-i85 towers or the NX-i85R rackmount.
Up to 2 ISA cards plus up to 5 PCI cards: the Intel 945GV systems, such as the NX-i95 tower or the NX-i495 rackmount.
1 ISA card and support back to Windows 95 and Windows 3.1: the Pentium III NX370-T70 and NX370-T90.

If a card is true EISA: replace the card or discuss the requirement

A true EISA card cannot run in an ISA or PCI slot. The usual path is to replace its function with a PCI card that the application or operating system can use, then choose a system with enough 32-bit PCI slots. See PCI Slot Computers. If the application depends on that specific EISA card and cannot be changed, contact NIXSYS with the card details to discuss the requirement.

Moving the Application

Resources. Record the I/O address, IRQ and DMA settings of every ISA card, including those set in the EISA configuration, and reserve them for ISA in the new system's BIOS.
Operating system. Note the operating system and version the application runs on, and confirm the replacement platform supports it.
Drivers and configuration. Copy drivers, configuration files and any card-specific utilities before the old machine is decommissioned.

Warranty, Shipping and Support

2-year parts-and-labor warranty on complete systems; motherboards purchased separately carry 1 year. See the warranty and return policy.
Most orders ship within 3 to 5 business days from Irvine, California.
Technical support is based in the US and handled by engineers, not a call center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NIXSYS sell new computers with EISA slots?

Not in the current catalog. NIXSYS sells new ISA slot computers, which accept the ISA cards that many EISA machines used. For true EISA cards, contact NIXSYS to discuss options.

Will an ISA card from my EISA computer work in a new ISA slot computer?

Yes, provided it is an ISA card and not a 32-bit EISA card. Record its resource settings from the old machine so they can be reserved in the new system's BIOS.