Sinclair ZX Spectrum

ZX Spectrum · 1982–1990 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: Zilog Z80A, 3.5 MHz
Ram: max: 48 KB (the 128 KB machines are the separate ZX Spectrum 128 entry) · base: 16 KB
Ports: Rear edge-connector expansion bus · Cassette in/out (ear/mic jacks) · RF TV output · Kempston/other joystick interfaces via the expansion bus
Display: 32×24 text, 256×192 graphics with 8 colors (2 shades each) and the well-known attribute clash
Storage: base: Cassette tape via a domestic tape recorder (no internal storage) · options: Third-party microdrives and disk interfaces, e.g. Sinclair ZX Microdrive
Os Support: latest: Sinclair BASIC in ROM (128K models add a menu system and AY sound) · shipped: Sinclair BASIC in ROM
Release Price: £125 (48K) / £99 (16K)

Variants

Revisions

ZX Spectrum+Spectrum+1984, redesigned case with function keys, still 48K

Colors

Light grey1982 to 1984 original case colour

Charcoal black1987 Amstrad +2A/+3 case colour

Storage

16KB1982 launch RAM tier

48KB1982 launch RAM tier

Upgrade paths

RAM

16 KB to 48 KB · Early 16K machines could be upgraded to 48K by fitting the extra RAM chips and cutting/adding a link on the board; most units sold new were 48K models rather than field upgrades.

MODERATE