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Acorn Archimedes A5000

1991–1994 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: ARM3, 25 MHz, integrated 4 KB cache
Ram: max: 4 MB on the base MEMC1a design; the September 1993 revision (33 MHz ARM3, 'alpha') supported expansion past 4 MB · base: 2 MB or 4 MB depending on configuration
Ports: 15-pin VGA-style video (Acorn's first) · Analogue stereo audio out · Centronics printer port · RS-423 serial · Analogue joystick port · Internal podule expansion slots (backplane inside the case)
Display: VIDC video controller, up to 800x600 (SVGA) in 16 colors via the first Acorn 15-pin VGA-style connector; also drove standard multisync monitors
Storage: base: Built-in 3.5" high-density floppy drive (1.6 MB), first Acorn to use HD floppies · options: Internal 40 MB IDE hard disc · Internal 80 MB IDE hard disc
Os Support: latest: RISC OS 3.11 via ROM upgrade · shipped: RISC OS 3.1
Release Price: £999 (diskless), £1499 (with hard disc), £1799 for the A5000 LC bundle with a multiscan monitor, all ex VAT

Variants

Models

A5000 Learning Curve (LC)Education-focused bundle including a multiscan monitor and bundled software titles, sold at £1799 ex VAT.

A5000 'alpha' (1993 revision)Late 1993 update with a 33 MHz ARM3 and support for RAM expansion beyond the original 4 MB ceiling.

Upgrade paths

RAM

4 MB on the standard MEMC1a board; the later 33 MHz revision could go further with the right expansion card · This was the machine that made ARM's reputation: fast, cheap, and shipping in real numbers into UK schools and homes, years before anyone outside the industry had heard of ARM licensing its designs into phones.

~£150-£250 for a period RAM upgrade board

MODERATE

storage

Internal 80 MB IDE hard disc from the factory; third-party IDE drives well beyond that fitted with no fuss since the case had the bay and cabling ready · Unlike the A3000, the A5000's desktop case has room and a proper IDE interface built in, so storage upgrades are straightforward rather than requiring an external podule box.

~£150-£300 for a period IDE drive

EASY

CPU

Swap to the 33 MHz ARM3 board used in the 1993 revision · Not a simple chip-pull upgrade since the faster revision used a redesigned board; most surviving upgrades were done by Acorn dealers at the time rather than end users.

varies, board-level swap only available from period upgrade kits

HARD