Editing Atari 800XE

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Atari 800XE
| image        = [[File:Atari_800XE.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = Atari 800XE Home Computer
| manufacturer = Atari Corporation
| type         = Home Computer
| release date = 1985
| discontinued = 1992
| price        = Varied by market (European distribution)
| cpu          = MOS Technology 6502C @ 1.77 MHz (PAL)
| memory       = 64 KB RAM, 24 KB ROM (OS + BASIC)
| storage      = External cassette tape (410/1010), optional 5.25" floppy disk drive (1050/XF551)
| display      = 320×192 pixels, 40×24 text, 16 colours (256 hue/luminance combinations via ANTIC/GTIA)
| sound        = POKEY: 4 voices, 8-bit, noise, envelope, keyboard scan
| dimensions   = 34 cm × 24 cm × 5 cm
| weight       = 1.2 kg
| os           = Atari OS (in ROM), Atari BASIC Rev. C
| predecessor  = [[Atari 800XL]]
| successor    = [[Atari XE Game System]]
| codename     = —
| model        = 800XE
}}

The '''Atari 800XE''' is an 8-bit home computer produced by Atari Corporation as part of the XE ("XL Enhanced") series. It is functionally identical to the [[Atari 65XE]] but was marketed under the "800" designation in certain European countries — most notably Germany, some Eastern European markets, and other territories where the "800" brand carried stronger recognition from the original [[Atari 800]].

The 800XE features '''64 KB of RAM''', the standard Atari 8-bit custom chipset (ANTIC, GTIA, POKEY, PIA, FREDDIE), and full backward compatibility with the Atari 400/800/XL software library. It shares the same light-grey wedge case design as the 65XE and [[Atari 130XE]].

== Architecture and Processor ==

The 800XE uses the '''MOS Technology 6502C''' (Sally) microprocessor running at '''1.77 MHz''' (PAL systems). NTSC versions of the 800XE are extremely rare; the machine was primarily a PAL-market product.

The system architecture is identical to the 65XE:
* '''ANTIC''' (CO21698) — Display list processor for video DMA
* '''GTIA''' (CO14889) — Graphics Television Interface Adaptor for colour video output
* '''POKEY''' (CO12294 / CO12294B) — Sound, keyboard, serial I/O, paddle input
* '''PIA''' (CO14795 / 6520) — Peripheral Interface Adaptor for joystick ports
* '''FREDDIE''' (CO61991 or CO61922) — Memory controller for DRAM timing and bus arbitration
* '''MMU''' (CO61618) — Memory Management Unit (PAL-based address decoder)

Unlike the [[Atari 130XE]], the 800XE does '''not''' include an EMMU chip, as it has only 64 KB of RAM with no bank-switching capability.

== Memory and Storage ==

The 800XE is equipped with:
* '''64 KB RAM''' — typically 8 × 4164 (64K×1) DRAM chips on the earlier CO70067 board, or 2 × 41464 (64K×4) on the later cost-reduced CA200519 board
* '''24 KB ROM''', comprising:
** 16 KB for the operating system (Atari OS)
** 8 KB for Atari BASIC (Revision C)

Storage options are identical to other XE-series machines:
* '''Cassette tape drive''' (Atari 410/1010)
* '''5.25" floppy disk drive''' (Atari 1050, XF551)
* '''Cartridge slot''' for instant program loading

== Display and Graphics ==

Video output is managed by the '''ANTIC''' and '''GTIA''' chips:
* Resolution up to '''320×192 pixels''' (Graphics mode 8)
* Text display: '''40 columns × 24 rows'''
* '''16 colours''' simultaneously from 256 possible hue/luminance combinations
* Multiple graphics modes with hardware scrolling
* '''Player/Missile Graphics''' (sprites): 4 players and 4 missiles with collision detection

Output options:
* '''Composite video''' via 5-pin DIN monitor port
* '''RF modulated''' output for TV connection (PAL channel selection)

== Sound Capabilities ==

Audio is generated by the '''POKEY''' chip:
* '''4 independent audio channels''' with 8-bit frequency control
* Selectable clock bases for different frequency ranges
* Programmable noise generation
* Volume-only mode for digital audio playback

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

The 800XE provides:
* '''Cartridge slot''' — standard Atari 8-bit cartridge interface
* '''SIO port''' — Serial Input/Output for peripherals
* '''Two joystick ports''' — DE-9 connectors
* '''ECI (Enhanced Cartridge Interface)''' — edge connector for system bus expansion
* '''Monitor port''' — 5-pin DIN (composite video, luma, chroma, audio)
* '''RF output''' — built-in PAL modulator

== Differences from the 65XE ==

The 800XE and 65XE are electronically identical. The differences are purely commercial:

<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
! Feature !! 65XE !! 800XE
|-
| Model number badge || "65XE" || "800XE"
|-
| Target market || Worldwide || Select European markets
|-
| RAM || 64 KB || 64 KB
|-
| Motherboard || CO70067 or CA200519 || CO70067 or CA200519
|-
| Chipset || Identical || Identical
|-
| Case design || Identical || Identical
|-
| Software compatibility || Identical || Identical
|}

The "800" designation was used because the [[Atari 800]] name had stronger brand recognition in European markets. Some retailers and consumers were confused by the "65" designation, interpreting it as indicating a lower-specification machine.

== PCB Variants ==

The 800XE was produced on the same motherboards as the 65XE:

<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
! Board Number !! RAM Configuration !! Notes
|-
| CO70067 Rev B/C || 8 × 4164 (64K×1) || Standard XE board with 8 RAM positions populated (of 16 available)
|-
| CA200519 || 2 × 41464 (64K×4) || Cost-reduced board, fewer components
|}

== Related Pages ==
* [[Atari 800XE General Maintenance]]
* [[Atari 800XE Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Atari 800XE Capacitor Replacement Guide]]
* [[Atari 65XE]]
* [[Atari 130XE]]
* [[Atari XE Game System]]

{{Navbox-AtariVintageComputers}}
[[Category:Atari Systems]]