This is a list of models and clones of Amiga computers.

Amiga 500 Side Expansion Slot Machines

Development[edit]

The first Amiga computer was the 'Lorraine' developed using the Sage IV system. It consisted of a stack of breadboarded circuit boards.

So you may be aware that the Vampire V500 V2+ Card gives your vintage Amiga 500 both a MicroSD card slot and an HDMI port for hooking up to a modern display. Trouble is the ports are on the board itself which is rather inconvenient if you don’t want to leave the top of your Amiga’s case off. The low-end nature of the A500 precluded any internal expansion slots or built-in hard drive support, but a single 'trapdoor' expansion slot is accessible on the bottom of the console, utilized mostly to increase the system RAM. A more capable Amiga 2000was released at about the same time.

Production timeline[edit]

Amiga Production Timeline
1985		1986				1987				1988				1989				1990				1991				1992				1993				1994				1995				1996				1997				1998
3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2	3	4	1	2
Brand Owner	Commodore International																																				Escom								QuikPak
Chipsets	OCS
	ECS
	AGA
Desktop	A1000							A1500/A2000/A2500
	A3000/A3000T/A3000UX									A4000/A4000T
Low End	A500																A500+			A1200
	A600
Game Console	CDTV										CD32

Commodore Amiga models[edit]

Original Chipset (OCS)
Model	Timescale	CPU type	RAM (base)	Bundled OS version	OS version supported	Additional information
Amiga 1000	1985 - 1987	68000	256 KB	1.0 - 1.1	3.1 / 3.9[note 1]	Later A1000s shipped with 512 KB base memory
Amiga 2000 A-model	1987	68000	1 MB	1.2	3.9	First desktop Amiga with internal expansion slots (Zorro II) used the Amiga 1000 chipset 512 KB Chip RAM, 512 KB Fast RAM on CPU slot card
Amiga 500	1987 - 1991	68000	512 KB	1.2 - 1.3	3.1	First 'low-end' Amiga, later A500s shipped with 1 MB memory
Amiga 2000	1987 - 1992	68000	1 MB	1.2 - 2.04	3.9	revised expandable model with Amiga 500 chipset Hard-drive equipped versions were labeled 'A2000HD'
Amiga 2500	1989 - 1990	68020, 68030	1 MB	1.3	3.9	A2000+'020/'030 card (not a distinct model) Hard-drive equipped versions were labeled 'A2500HD'
Amiga 1500	1990 - 1991	68000	1 MB	1.3	3.9	UK only, variant of A2000 with two floppy drives and no HDD. This version originated with CBM UK Marketing who found it necessary to distinguish the floppy-only version from the A2000 with the general public.
Amiga CDTV	1991 - 1992	68000	1 MB	1.3	3.1[1]	CD-ROM based multimedia machine
Enhanced Chipset (ECS)
Model	Timescale	CPU type	RAM (base)	Bundled OS version	OS version supported	Additional information
Amiga 3000	1990 - 1992	68030	1 MB Chip 1-4 MB Fast	1.3 - 2.04	3.9 / 4.1 FE[note 2]	First Zorro III system. Initial machines had a 1.4 beta ROM that looked for a 'super' Kickstart disk similar to the 1000. It could load Kickstart versions 1.3, 2.0, and 2.04 this way or from specially named partitions on the hard disk. Developers could also 'kick' in higher versions of the OS, up to 3.1
Amiga 3000T	1991 - 1992	68030, 68040	1-2 MB Chip 1-4 MB Fast	2.04	3.9 / 4.1 FE[note 2]	First 'towerized' Amiga
Amiga 3000UX	1989 - 199?	68030	2 MB Chip 4 MB Fast	1.3 - 2.04	3.9 / 4.1 FE[note 2]	UNIX based Amiga 3000
Amiga 500+	1991 - 1992	68000	1 MB	2.04	3.1	ECS based A500 with 1 MB RAM base memory
Amiga 600	1992	68000	1 MB	2.05	3.9	First Amiga using SMT, built-in IDE and PCMCIA support. There was also an A600HD version that had a built-in hard disk.
Advanced Graphics Architecture (AGA)
Model	Timescale	CPU type	RAM (base)	Bundled OS version	OS version supported	Additional information
Amiga 4000	1992 - 1994	68EC030, 68040	2 MB Chip 2-4 MB Fast	3.0	3.9 / 4.1 FE[note 2]	First AGA machine
Amiga 1200	1992 - 1996	68EC020	2 MB	3.0 - 3.1	3.9 / 4.1 FE[note 2]	Entry-level AGA machine. Standard IDE controller and space for a 2.5' hard drive. A1200HD shipped with 20~209MB hard drives
Amiga CD32	1993 - 1994	68EC020	2 MB	3.1	3.9[note 1]	32-bit CD-ROM based console
Amiga 4000T	1994 - 1996	68040, 68060	2 MB Chip 4 MB Fast	3.1	3.9/ 4.1 FE	Towerized version of the A4000

1. ^ ^abDue to the requirements of 3.9 it is difficult to do so.
2. ^ ^abcdeVersion 4.0 and higher requires a PowerPC accelerator, such as the PowerUP series of accelerator boards.

PowerPC-based AmigaOS models (post Commodore)[edit]

Note these models are not hardware compatible with the 68k Amigas.

Various chipsets (PPC)
Model (motherboard)	Timescale	CPU type	RAM (base)	OS version	Additional information
AmigaOne SE (Teron CX)	2002 - 2004	Varies	4.0 - 4.1 FE	ATX format motherboard
AmigaOne XE (Teron PX)	2003 - 2004	PowerPC G3 or G4	Varies	4.0 - 4.1 FE	ATX format motherboard
MicroA1 - 'C' and 'I' (Teron Mini)	2004 - 2005	PowerPC G3	256 MB	4.0 - 4.1 FE	Mini-ITX format motherboard
AmigaOne 500	2011 -	AMCC 460ex SoC	2 GB	4.1 - 4.1 FE	Complete system[2]
AmigaOne X1000	2012 - 2015	PWRficient PA6T	2 or 4+ GB	4.1.5 - 4.1 FE	Complete system
AmigaOne X5000	2016 -	P5020	2 or 4+ GB	4.1 FE	Complete system

Video chipsets[edit]

Amiga 500 Side Expansion Slots

Chipset	Introduction year	Resolution non-interlaced	Comment
Original Amiga chipset (OCS)	1985	640 × 256 @ 4-bpp (PAL)
Enhanced Chip Set (ECS)	1990	640 × 480 @ 2-bpp
Advanced Graphics Architecture (AGA)	1992	640 × 480 @ 8-bpp
AAA chipset (AAA)	(1992)	1280 × 1024 @ 16-bpp	three 'Nyx' technology demonstrators built
Amiga Ranger Chipset	(1988)	1024 × 1024 @ 7-bpp	scratched in favor of ECS
AA+ Chipset (AA+)	(1994)	800 × 600 @ 8-bpp	improved AGA intended as low-end alternative to AAA
Hombre chipset	(1995)	1280 × 1024 @ 32-bpp	integrating PA-RISC, never completed

Chipsets with introduction year in parenthesis were planned but never fabricated.

Other AmigaOS compatible computers[edit]

Some computers were released by other companies which were AmigaOS compatible.

• DraCo: Released by MacroSystem in 1994. This was a high end machine which ran AmigaOS 3.1, but did not include the Amiga chipset, instead using a graphics card. A second version was known as the Draco Vision. A newer model, the Draco Casablanca, was released in 1997. The machines featured a 68040 or 68060 CPU.
• The Access: Released by Index Information in 1998. This was an Amiga compatible similar to the A1200, but on a motherboard which could fit into a standard 5 1/4' drive bay. It featured either a 68020 or 68030 CPU, with a redesigned AGA chipset, and ran AmigaOS 3.1.
• Minimig is a hardware compatible open source re-implementation of an Amiga 500 using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
• Vampire V4 Standalone, released by Apollo Team in 2019, provides ECS/AGA chipset re-implementation, plus 68080 CPU and SAGA core, also using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
• The Pegasos II and Sam440ep can run AmigaOS 4.

Unreleased models[edit]

Prototypes:

• A3500: Prototype of the Amiga 3000T, it was housed in a Commodore PC60-III tower case.

Due to management turmoil, some viable Amiga models under development were cancelled prior to release:

• A3000+: Prototyped in 1991, it used the AGA chipset and had an AT&T DSP3210 chip, high-fidelity audio, telephone line interface, and 2.5 Mbit/s RS-485 network port.
• A1000+: Intermediate in price and features between the A1200 and A3000+, it would have been a detached keyboard system with expansion slots (two Zorro slots, video slot, CPU slot).^[3]

Unreleased models (after Commodore)[edit]

A number of new Amiga models were announced after the end of the Commodore model era. However, very few of them were ever produced beyond simple prototypes (if they even got that far). Some of these were announced by companies who later owned, or sought to own, the Amiga rights. Others were unofficial machines which would run AmigaOS, whilst others still were intended to run an operating system compatible with Amiga software. Some models that were never produced include:

• The Amiga Walker: Announced early 1996 by Amiga Technologies, this was supposed to be a new, compact Amiga computer. Its case design was very weird: The metallic grey case, about the size of a games console, was curved at the rear. Jokes were made comparing the shape to that of a vacuum cleaner. There were two more-or-less working prototypes of the Walker and it was never released into the mass market.^[4]
• The Abox, prebox and AMIRAGE K2: These were PowerPC-based machines announced by the German company Phase5. The Abox, announced in 1996, was to feature a new custom graphics chipset named Caipirinha,^[5] and a new Amiga-compatible operating system. This was replaced in 1998 by the announcement of the prebox, which was to feature four PowerPC processors, and was to run AmigaOS 3.1. Finally, in 1999 the AMIRAGE K2 was announced, based on the QNX operating system.
• The Amiga 40x0L models: QuikPak announced a range of machines while they were planning to purchase rights to the Amiga during late 1996 and early 1997. These were models with a 68030, 68040 or 68060 processor, and included portable 'luggable' versions. Some models were planned to be fitted with NewTek's Video Toaster Flyer. QuikPak were a manufacturer for the Amiga 4000T.
• The A5000 and A6000: These were new models announced by Power Computing in 1997. They originally featured a 68030 or 68040 for the A5000, and a 68060 for the A6000.
• The BoXeR: Designed by Mick Tinker at Access Innovations, and announced in 1997, the BoXeR was to be a new motherboard based on a Motorola 68040 or 68060 processor. Amongst other improvements over the Commodore motherboards of the time, it incorporated the aging AGA chipset into one chip. Sadly it never got far beyond the advanced prototyping stage. Tinker was also responsible for the Access, which was basically an Amiga 1200 that was re-jigged to fit into a full length 5.25' drive bay.
• The Amiga Multimedia Convergence Computer: Announced by Gateway in 1999. This was to feature a new operating system known as Amiga OE.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^http://www.amigahistory.co.uk/cdtvos3.html
2. ^'AmigaOne 500: Complete AmigaOne System'. Amiga.org. September 19, 2011. Retrieved 2011-09-19.
3. ^Dave Haynie (9 Jun 2004). 'Re: Commodore's future if they ditched the Amiga?'. Newsgroup: comp.sys.amiga.misc. Usenet:40c78969.243987715@news.jersey.net.
4. ^Amiga Walker: A Clarification
5. ^Code name: ABOX - A leap forward towards realising a visionArchived July 24, 2012, at Archive.today

External links[edit]

This is an installation guide for the Kipper2k board, and a comparison between these two recent hardware products for Amiga 500 that expands its RAM and lets you use a CF card as harddisk.

Update: I'm having trouble with the Kipper2k board popping off the socket at the slightest move. I will add some text on how to ensure it doesn't when I get more info. If you've solved it let me know!

I call these expansions enablers, because it used to take quite a bit of work and money to find the right hardware and building up the knowledge to set up a 'harddisk system'. Also, various transfer methods for getting files onto the harddisk was a pain to get working.Now, two products made in 2013, costing 50 or 80 EUR ($68 or $107) allow you to do both these things, saving a lot of hassle!

The ACA500

I reviewed the ACA500 some months ago - it's an external board that you plug into the side of the Amiga 500, insert a CF card, and you're ready to go! It has 2MB RAM and a 14MHz 68000 CPU.Read the review to find out more about ACA500's features. I wanted this article to show how to install Kipper2k's expansion, step by step with pictures.

Kipper2k's 8MB+IDE

This expansion has 8MB RAM and is an internal expansion that uses your existing 7MHz 68000 CPU.This means you have to open your Amiga - with a Torx #10 (2.5 metric) screwdriver. I've written some text to make the guide complete, but don't be afraid - it's really not very hard to install this board.In summary, these are the steps to upgrade your Amiga 500 to a 'harddisk' system with lots of memory:

• Plug the board into the CPU slot, and put the CPU on the board
• Solder a two-pin connector to the motherboard
• Partition and Amiga-format a CF card and install Workbench on it

1. Open the case, remove the shield

Disconnect all cables from your Amiga.If the steel RF shield is covering the motherboard, it needs to go. Otherwise the board will not fit. Use a thin, flat screwdriver to raise the flaps holding it straight up, and remove the screws holding it.Take this opportunity to check for battery leakage! If you have an A500+, there's a barrel battery next to the trapdoor connector. If you have a trapdoor RAM expansion installed that has a battery, check that also. If they have leaked, remove them and clean any residue with alcohol. Your Amiga runs fine without a battery, and later you can get a replacement battery.

2. Remove the CPU, straighten its pins

Put first a small flat screwdriver, then a bigger one, between the socket and the underside of the CPU, wiggling at either end. When it's coming loose, make sure the CPU goes out of the socket as straight up as possible - put a finger on the chip to prevent one end from rising too much.To fit easily in the new socket, the pins must be 90°, like in the small closeup. If they are more like 100°, bend the pin row carefully against the table, put the chip on that pin side, hold it vertically with both hands, and push away from you gently. If a pin is bent sideways, bend it back gently with flat pliers.

You may want to take this opportunity to upgrade your Kickstart ROM chip! If you have Kickstart 1.3, you will need to boot to the harddisk from a floppy disk. Kickstart 3.1 is the best choice and allows you to run the latest Workbench with recent add-on software.

3. Insert board into CPU socket, insert CPU into board socket

The sockets of this board use round pins and holes, so you must use both care and a little force. Insert the board into the motherboard CPU socket, matching up the U-shaped notches. Press down firmly and make sure you don't get a bulge - all pins should go equally deep into the socket.Place the CPU into the board's socket, again matching up the end U-shaped notches, and just put your fingers lightly onto the CPU. Make sure all pins match up to the holes - guide them with a tiny screwdriver if necessary - and then press the CPU down into the socket.

Note the two-pin header left of the Amiga - the IDE signal patch cable must be connected before we can start the Amiga.

4. Solder the two-pin header to the motherboard

This is a view of an upside down Amiga, seen from the expansion connector with the flap open.
Here, I put the header back on the cable, so it would be easier to see how I should orient it before I soldered.

Orientation is important! The cable uses two colored wires. Look at the wire color to the frontmost pin on the board. Make sure the same color is connected to the frontmost pin when the header is soldered to the motherboard. These pictures show it in more detail.

Then I held it, flipped the Amiga for easy soldering, and bent the legs a little to prevent the header from falling out.

5. Insert a CF card and power on!

These pictures show the specifications of the Kipper2k 8MB+IDE.Now, preparing an Amiga-formatted CF card is a separate chapter that requires more knowledge than this hardware installation. You could a) buy such a card pre-formatted from Amigakit, eBay, etc., or b) buy a CF card separately (I recommend SanDisk Extreme III 2GB), remove PC partitions from it (if necessary), and follow FitzSteve's video tutorial or Retrosofer's simpler one.Then, you'll have enabled your Amiga 500 to run Workbench with lots of memory and even launch games from Workbench!

So, which board is best!?

The gist of it comes from my first impressions of each card: The ACA500 is super great, but why only 2MB, and why no cover to protect it?? And for the Kipper2k: You mean I have to open the case just to put some files on the CF card, and why can't it boot to the CF card with kick 1.3, like my very old harddisk expansions??The ACA500 is super easy to install and has lots of modern features. Kipper2k requires soldering and some hardware knowledge and does exactly what it says on the tin, you get a CF card slot and 8MB RAM, and that's it.

Quick comparison:

Kipper2k	ACA500
Memory	8MB	2MB
CF slots	1	2
CPU boost	1.33x	4x
CF speed	833 KB/s	1970 KB/s
Compatibility	Perfect	Very good
Extra Features	None	Many

Conclusion

Amiga 500 Side Expansion Slot Machine

The ACA500 is the better board for WHDLoad games and Workbench productivity. Kipper2K has two major features that utility users and programmers like me like a lot: The CPU and RAM stays exactly at the original speeds (so you can code programs for the A500 on your A500), and there's enough RAM to work on bigger projects.By installing a Kick 3.1 ROM chip, the ACA500's 2MB might be juust enough for most of what you want to do, and it does allow using a 512K trapdoor as extra chip RAM.I see Kipper2k's board as an exact internal replacement for the old harddisk boxes you plugged into the side of the A500. This is great for coders, not to mention people who don't want a board (or harddisk-box) sticking out of the side! But I think most users will be happier with the fast, easy-to-use ACA500 and its useful features.I'm a coder though, so I'll be using the Kipper2k board in my Amiga 500 for some coding to try it out properly!

• Buy the Kipper2k board at Kipper2k.com
• Buy the ACA500 at f.ex. Amigakit.com, Vesalia.de or GGSdata.se