Acorn Archimedes A310

The Acorn Archimedes A310 doubled the entry A305’s standard memory to 1MB while retaining the same ARM2 desktop architecture. The additional RAM made the graphical desktop and larger applications considerably more practical.

The A310 became the best-known member of the original A300 series and a common early platform for RISC OS upgrades and ARM3 accelerator boards.

Notable Features

• Acorn ARM2 at 8 MHz provides the system’s processing architecture.
• The standard memory configuration was 1MB; expandable to 4MB.
• Storage was supplied as 800KB 3.5-inch floppy drive; optional hard disc.

Historical Significance

• The A310 became the best-known member of the original A300 series and a common early platform for RISC OS upgrades and ARM3 accelerator boards.
• 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 Archimedes A310
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Monday, June 1, 1987
Discontinued	1989
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Acorn ARM2 at 8 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Arthur initially; upgradeable to RISC OS
I/O	Video, stereo audio, serial, parallel, Econet option and two internal podule slots
Keyboard	Separate 103-key keyboard and three-button mouse
Storage	800KB 3.5-inch floppy drive; optional hard disc
Sound	Eight-channel, eight-bit stereo sound
Graphics	Acorn VIDC supporting high-resolution colour and monochrome modes
Display	External RGB, monochrome or multiscan monitor
ROM	512KB Arthur ROM
RAM	1MB; expandable to 4MB
CPU Speed	8 MHz