Acorn StrongARM Risc PC

The Acorn StrongARM Risc PC replaced the ARM710 card with Digital’s 202 MHz StrongARM SA-110, later increased to 233 MHz. Existing Risc PCs could receive the same processor and operating-system upgrade.

StrongARM delivered a dramatic performance increase while preserving the modular Risc PC case and became the definitive late Acorn desktop configuration.

Notable Features

• Digital StrongARM SA-110 at 202 MHz; later 233 MHz provides the system’s processing architecture.
• The standard memory configuration was 8MB or more; expandable to 256MB.
• Storage was supplied as 1.6MB floppy drive, IDE hard disc and CD-ROM options.

Historical Significance

• StrongARM delivered a dramatic performance increase while preserving the modular Risc PC case and became the definitive late Acorn desktop configuration.
• 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 StrongARM Risc PC
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Sunday, September 1, 1996
Discontinued	1998
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Digital StrongARM SA-110 at 202 MHz; later 233 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	RISC OS 3.70 or 3.71
I/O	Video, audio, serial, parallel, IDE, network slot, two podules and second-processor slot
Keyboard	Separate PC AT keyboard and Acorn three-button mouse
Storage	1.6MB floppy drive, IDE hard disc and CD-ROM options
Sound	Sixteen-bit stereo sound on later specification
Graphics	VIDC20 with optional dedicated VRAM
Display	External VGA or multiscan monitor
ROM	4MB RISC OS ROM
RAM	8MB or more; expandable to 256MB
CPU Speed	202 or 233 MHz