Acorn BBC A3000

The Acorn BBC A3000 placed the ARM2 Archimedes architecture in a keyboard-integrated case designed for schools and homes. It combined RISC OS, a 3.5-inch floppy drive and BBC branding in a comparatively affordable package.

The A3000 became one of Acorn’s most successful ARM computers and introduced a generation of British pupils to RISC OS.

Notable Features

• Acorn ARM2 at 8 MHz provides the system’s processing architecture.
• The standard memory configuration was 1MB; expandable to 2MB onboard and further through third-party upgrades.
• Storage was supplied as 800KB 3.5-inch floppy drive; external hard-disc options.

Historical Significance

• The A3000 became one of Acorn’s most successful ARM computers and introduced a generation of British pupils to RISC OS.
• 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 BBC A3000
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Monday, May 1, 1989
Discontinued	1992
Launch Price	£649 including VAT
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Acorn ARM2 at 8 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	RISC OS 2
I/O	Video, audio, serial, parallel, joystick, expansion, Econet option and podule expansion through external module
Keyboard	Integrated keyboard with separate three-button mouse
Storage	800KB 3.5-inch floppy drive; external hard-disc options
Sound	Eight-channel, eight-bit stereo sound
Graphics	Acorn VIDC supporting RISC OS colour and monochrome modes
Display	External television, RGB or VGA-compatible monitor
ROM	512KB RISC OS ROM
RAM	1MB; expandable to 2MB onboard and further through third-party upgrades
CPU Speed	8 MHz