The original Compaq Deskpro (released in 1984), available in several disk configurations, is an XT-class PC equipped with an 8 MHz 8086 CPU and Compaq's unique display hardware that combined Color Graphics Adapter graphics with high resolution Monochrome Display Adapter text.

In September 1986, the Deskpro 386 was announced[12] after Intel released its 80386 microprocessor, beating IBM by seven months on their comparable 386 computer, thus making a name for themselves.

[16] The form factor for the Compaq Deskpro is mostly the desktop model which lies upon a desk, with a monitor placed on top of it.

Compaq has produced many tower upright models that have been highly successful in sales, and are usually convertible to a desktop form factor.

An SFF (small form factor) desktop version was also produced during the Deskpro's lifetime.