Acorn A3020

The Acorn A3020 adapted the compact ARM250 platform for schools and offices, normally with 2MB RAM and an optional internal hard disc. Unlike the home A3010, it omitted the joystick emphasis and supported education networking options.

It became a common classroom successor to the A3000 and provided a compact RISC OS system with practical local storage.

Notable Features

• Acorn ARM250 at 12 MHz provides the system’s processing architecture.
• The standard memory configuration was 2MB; expandable to 4MB.
• Storage was supplied as 1.6MB floppy drive with optional 40MB or 60MB internal IDE hard disc.

Historical Significance

• It became a common classroom successor to the A3000 and provided a compact RISC OS system with practical local storage.
• This record separates a genuine processor, memory, enclosure or storage model from software bundles and dealer-only configurations.

Collector’s Notes

• Confirm the exact model from its front badge and rear serial label because many Acorn systems were upgraded during their working lives.
• Original monitors, three-button mice, keyboards, expansion podules, manuals and installation media add historical value.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Acorn A3020
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Tuesday, September 1, 1992
Discontinued	1994
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Acorn ARM250 at 12 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	RISC OS 3.11
I/O	Video, audio, serial, parallel, Econet/network option and external expansion
Keyboard	Integrated keyboard with separate three-button mouse
Storage	1.6MB floppy drive with optional 40MB or 60MB internal IDE hard disc
Sound	Eight-channel, eight-bit stereo sound
Graphics	Integrated VIDC in ARM250 supporting RISC OS display modes
Display	External RGB or VGA monitor
ROM	2MB RISC OS ROM
RAM	2MB; expandable to 4MB
CPU Speed	12 MHz