Editing Acorn Archimedes A440 (section)

== Hardware Specifications ==

=== Processor and Architecture ===
The A440 used the ARM2 processor running at 8 MHz, providing 32-bit processing with 26-bit addressing . The system was stated as running at 4.5+ MIPS, with some claims of 18 MIPS during tests . The performance increase was due to the fundamental architecture change from the 6502 models, with Acorn designing the ARM processor inspired by RISC work at Berkeley and Stanford Universities .

=== Memory ===
The A440 came with 4 MB RAM as standard , using the MEMC (Memory Controller) chip. This was the maximum configuration for the original Archimedes architecture using a single MEMC controller.

=== Storage ===
The A440 included a 20 MB ST506 hard drive as standard , though some sources mention 43 MB drives in certain configurations. Unlike the A300 series, the A440 had a built-in ST506/MFM controller on the motherboard . The system also included a 3.5" floppy drive supporting 800 KB capacity.

=== Expansion ===
The 400 series included four expansion slots and an ST506 controller for the internal hard drive . The A440 had a 4-slot backplane , providing substantial expansion capability for podules (Acorn's proprietary expansion cards).

=== Display and Sound ===
The system supported 256 colour modes from a palette of 4096 and featured 8-channel 8-bit stereo sound . High-resolution monochrome display modes were offered by the A440 , with resolutions up to 1152×896 pixels.