Atari PC7
| Atari PC7 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Atari Corporation |
| Type | IBM PC Compatible |
| Released | c. 1989–1990 |
| Discontinued | c. 1990 |
| CPU | Intel 80386SX @ 16 MHz |
| Memory | 1 MB RAM (expandable) |
| Storage | 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy drive; hard drive |
| Display | VGA graphics |
| Sound | PC Speaker |
| OS / Firmware | MS-DOS |
| Predecessor | Atari PC5 |
| Successor | Atari ABC 386 |
The Atari PC7 (sometimes written as Atari PC-7) was an IBM PC-compatible computer produced by Atari Corporation as part of their PC-compatible line. Based around the Intel 80386SX processor running at 16 MHz, it represented a more cost-effective 386-class option compared to the full 386DX-based Atari PC5.
Overview
[edit | edit source]The PC7 occupies an obscure position in the Atari PC line-up. While the well-documented models — PC1 through PC5 — are extensively covered in Atari historical resources, the higher-numbered models (including the PC7, PC8, and PC12) are considerably less well documented and appear to have been produced in smaller numbers, primarily for European markets.
The PC7 used the Intel 80386SX processor, which was a cost-reduced version of the full 386DX found in the PC5. The 386SX had a 16-bit external data bus (compared to the 386DX's 32-bit bus), which reduced cost while maintaining software compatibility with the full 386 instruction set. This made it suitable for running MS-DOS, Windows 3.0, and other 386-aware software, though with somewhat lower performance than a full 386DX at the same clock speed.
The PC7 bridged the gap between the original numbered Atari PC series and the later Atari ABC (Atari Business Computer) line, which also included 386SX-based models such as the ABC 386SX II.
Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel 80386SX @ 16 MHz |
| Co-processor socket | Intel 80387SX |
| RAM | 1 MB (expandable) |
| Graphics | VGA |
| Storage | 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy drive; hard drive |
| Sound | PC Speaker |
Context in the Atari PC Line
[edit | edit source]The original Atari PC series comprised:
- PC1 — 8088 XT-class (1987)
- PC2 — 8088 XT-class with expansion slots (1987/88)
- PC3 — 8088 XT-class with hard drive (1988)
- PC4 — 80286 AT-class (1987/88)
- PC5 — 80386DX (1989)
- PC7 — 80386SX (c. 1989–1990)
The numbered series was followed by the Atari ABC line (ABC 286, ABC 386SX, ABC 386DX) from 1990 onwards.
See Also
[edit | edit source]External Links
[edit | edit source]