The boards allowed users to upgrade their machines' CPU to a 16 MHz 80386 processor.
Without these drivers, the boards would still function, but the onboard memory could only be used as conventional, and not as extended or expanded.
The Intel Inboard DOS drivers could also be configured to "slow down" system performance by adding memory wait states, thus alleviating compatibility issues.
Examples of such programs include: Ventura 2.0 Desktop Publishing Software (with Hercules monochrome graphics), AutoCAD 386, Windows 3.1 (Inboard 386/AT model only).
The Intel Inboard 386/PC was also the only upgrade solution which allowed owners of XT-class machines to utilize extended memory.