Atari 65XE

Atari 65XE
	Atari 65XE Home Computer
Specifications
Manufacturer	Atari Corporation
Type	Home Computer
Released	1985
Discontinued	1992
Intro price	US$120 (1985)
CPU	MOS Technology 6502C @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.77 MHz (PAL)
Memory	64 KB RAM, 16 KB ROM (BASIC, OS)
Storage	External cassette tape (410/1010), optional 5.25" floppy disk drive (1050/XF551)
Display	320×192 pixels, 40×24 text, 16 colours (ANTIC/GTIA)
Sound	POKEY: 4 voices, 8-bit, noise, envelope, keyboard scan
Dimensions	34 cm × 24 cm × 7 cm
Weight	1.7 kg
OS / Firmware	Atari BASIC (in ROM), Atari OS
Predecessor	Atari 800XL
Successor	Atari 130XE
Codename	Sweet-16
Model no.	65XE

The Atari 65XE is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari Corporation in 1985 as part of the XE ("XL Enhanced") series. It maintained compatibility with the Atari 8-bit family while featuring a redesigned case and revised electronics, targeting the home computing and gaming market during the mid-1980s.

Architecture and Processor

At its core, the 65XE uses the MOS Technology 6502C microprocessor, a variant of the classic 6502, running at:

1.79 MHz (NTSC systems)
1.77 MHz (PAL systems)

The 6502C coordinates system operations and interfaces with Atari’s custom chips, including ANTIC (video), GTIA (graphics), POKEY (sound and I/O), and PIA (peripherals).

Memory and Storage

The Atari 65XE is equipped with:

64 KB RAM
16 KB ROM, comprising:
- 10 KB for the operating system (OS)
- 6 KB for Atari BASIC (Revision C)

Storage options include:

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, providing:

Resolution up to 320×192 pixels
Text display: 40 columns × 24 rows
16 colours (palette from 256 possible hues/luminances)
Multiple graphics modes (ANTIC modes 2–15), hardware vertical/horizontal scrolling
Hardware sprites ("player/missile graphics") for smooth animation

The XE series supports composite and RF video output for connection to TVs and monitors.

Sound Capabilities

Audio is generated by the POKEY chip, offering:

4 independent audio channels (voices), each 8-bit
Programmable frequency, noise, and envelope control
Keyboard scanning and serial I/O support
Capable of complex sound effects and simple music synthesis

Input/Output and Expansion

The 65XE provides a range of I/O ports:

Cartridge slot – for software and hardware expansions
SIO (Serial Input/Output) port – connects to disk drives, printers, modems, and other peripherals
Two joystick ports – compatible with Atari-standard controllers
Composite and RF video outputs – for TV/monitor connection
Parallel bus (internal, not user-accessible) for memory upgrades and peripherals

The XE series dropped the XL’s parallel bus connector, limiting some expansion options compared to earlier models.

PCB Schematics & Service Manual

The Atari 65XE features a compact mainboard integrating the 6502C CPU, ANTIC, GTIA, POKEY, and RAM/ROM ICs. Service documentation and schematics are essential for repair and restoration.

Logic Board	Schematic Diagrams
Atari 65XE Logic Board	File:ATARI65XE-SCHEMATIC.pdf

For full service documentation, see the Atari 65XE Service Manual

Gallery

Atari 65XE front view
Rear panel with I/O ports
65XE motherboard (top view)