Acorn Archimedes A540

The Acorn Archimedes A540 introduced the cached 26 MHz ARM3 to Acorn’s desktop range. Its redesigned memory system, SCSI storage and capacity for 16MB RAM delivered workstation performance far beyond the ARM2 models.

The A540 was the ultimate machine in the original large Archimedes enclosure and formed the technical basis for Acorn’s R260 Unix workstation.

Notable Features

• Acorn ARM3 at 26 MHz provides the system’s processing architecture.
• The standard memory configuration was 4MB; expandable to 16MB.
• Storage was supplied as 800KB floppy drive and 100MB SCSI hard disc.

Historical Significance

• The A540 was the ultimate machine in the original large Archimedes enclosure and formed the technical basis for Acorn’s R260 Unix workstation.
• 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 A540
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Saturday, September 1, 1990
Discontinued	1992
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Acorn ARM3 at 26 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	RISC OS 2
I/O	Video, audio, serial, parallel, SCSI, Econet option and four podule slots
Keyboard	Separate 103-key keyboard and three-button mouse
Storage	800KB floppy drive and 100MB SCSI hard disc
Sound	Eight-channel, eight-bit stereo sound
Graphics	Acorn VIDC supporting high-resolution colour and monochrome modes
Display	External RGB, VGA-compatible or multiscan monitor
ROM	512KB RISC OS ROM
RAM	4MB; expandable to 16MB
CPU Speed	26 MHz