New Acquisition: Amstrad CPC464 - 535-8703116

 

New Acquisition: Amstrad CPC464

Make	Model	Serial Number
Amstrad	CPC464	535-8703116

Overview

• Manufacturer: Amstrad.
• Production Years: The Amstrad CPC464 was released on April 11, 1984.
• Historical Significance: The CPC464 was Amstrad’s first entry into the home computer market, designed as an all-in-one system with a built-in cassette deck and dedicated monitor. It became one of the best-selling microcomputers in Europe, with over 2 million units sold.
• Architecture: The CPC464 was powered by the Zilog Z80 processor and featured a custom-designed gate array for graphics and I/O handling.

Specification

• Processor: Zilog Z80 running at 4 MHz.
• Memory: 64KB RAM.
• Storage: Built-in cassette tape drive for program loading and saving.
• Display: Supported three graphics modes:
  • 160×200 resolution with 16 colors.
  • 320×200 resolution with 4 colors.
  • 640×200 resolution with 2 colors.
• Audio: General Instrument AY-3-8912 sound chip, providing three-voice, eight-octave sound.
• Connectivity:
  • RGB video output.
  • Printer port.
  • Joystick ports.
  • Expansion port for additional peripherals.
• Expansion: Compatible with external disk drives and memory expansions.
• Operating System: AMSDOS, with built-in BASIC interpreter.
• Common Faults:
  • Failure of the cassette deck mechanism due to wear.
  • Degradation of the power supply components, leading to instability.
  • Screen burn-in on older monitors.
  • Keyboard membrane deterioration over time.

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How Did I Acquire It?

Where Did I Get It From?

I picked this up on Ebay

How Was It Described to Me?

Amstrad CPC 464 Micro Computer 1980's

Item specifics

Condition : For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended or is not fully operational.

Brand: Amstrad

Model: Amstrad CPC 464

Vintage: Yes

Item description from the seller:

The Amstrad CPC 464 Micro Computer is a vintage computer from the 1980s, known for its iconic design and capabilities. Produced by the well-known brand Amstrad, this model offers a glimpse into the early days of personal computing. With its compact size and user-friendly interface, the Amstrad CPC 464 became a popular choice for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking to explore the world of computing in the era before modern technology.

Very good condition cosmetically but does not power on.

Supplier Photos

Supplier Photos

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Now That I Have It in My Hands

Initial Observations

I'm not sure that it would be described as very good condition cosmetically, as it is incredibly dusty, but at the price I got it for, I can not complain.

Initial Inspection

Like the Amstrad PC1640, this takes it's power form the monitor, this is something that needs considering

 

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Next Steps

Repair and Restoration Plan

Short term, we will need to look at a modern regulated power supply and a RGB to scart cable

Goals & Challenges

The longer term goal is to get this fully up and running with all the correct kit including the monitor to display the at the correct resolution and provide power.

However not only is the additional space that the CRT takes up an issue but they also are harder to come by, not to mention at that age the boards will need recapping and re-aligning

The fall back position would be to get it working with a modern monitor.

This provides a third issue of how do we then power the PC?

Wishlist

• - Original manual set
• - Original monitor
• - Packaging of course!