Acorn System 3

The Acorn System 3 packaged the modular System architecture with a keyboard and floppy-disc storage in a more complete desktop machine. Memory and interface boards still allowed considerable configuration.

The System 3 was the immediate technical foundation for the consumer-oriented Acorn Atom, which placed related circuitry in a smaller all-in-one case.

Notable Features

• MOS Technology 6502 at 1 MHz forms the centre of the system.
• The standard memory and storage configuration was Commonly 12KB; configurable with additional Eurocard memory and Built-in or external 5.25-inch floppy drive depending on configuration.
• Its principal display arrangement was External monochrome or colour display.

Historical Significance

• The System 3 was the immediate technical foundation for the consumer-oriented Acorn Atom, which placed related circuitry in a smaller all-in-one case.
• This page represents a distinct Acorn model rather than a regional, memory-only or bundled-software variation.

Collector’s Notes

• Original keyboards, power supplies, manuals, expansion cards and storage hardware materially improve a surviving system.
• Internal revisions and dealer-installed upgrades mean an individual machine should be checked against its serial label and fitted hardware.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Acorn System 3
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1980
Launch Price	£775 - £1075
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	MOS Technology 6502 at 1 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Acorn DOS with BASIC or monitor software
I/O	Eurocard expansion, cassette, floppy, video, printer and user I/O
Keyboard	Integrated full-size keyboard
Storage	Built-in or external 5.25-inch floppy drive depending on configuration
Sound	Optional sound through expansion hardware
Graphics	Teletext-style text or graphics through fitted video hardware
Display	External monochrome or colour display
ROM	Monitor, BASIC and filing-system ROMs according to configuration
RAM	Commonly 12KB; configurable with additional Eurocard memory
CPU Speed	1 MHz