Amstrad 464 Plus

Launched in Europe in September 1990, the Amstrad 464 Plus reworked the cassette-based CPC 464 in a new cream-coloured case with enhanced graphics, cartridge support and a bundled gamepad. It retained the 4 MHz Zilog Z80A processor and 64KB of RAM while adding hardware sprites, smooth scrolling and a palette of 4,096 colours through Amstrad’s custom ASIC.

The machine remained compatible with much of the original CPC software when started with its system cartridge, which contained the firmware and Locomotive BASIC. A built-in cassette recorder provided conventional storage, while the cartridge slot offered faster loading and access to software shared with the GX4000 console.

Notable Features

• Custom ASIC added 16 hardware sprites, smooth scrolling, programmable raster interrupts and split-screen effects
• Expanded 4,096-colour palette while retaining the original CPC display modes
• Built-in cassette recorder and 64KB of RAM
• Cartridge slot supplied the system firmware and supported near-instant software loading
• Bundled system cartridge included Locomotive BASIC and the game Burnin’ Rubber
• Redesigned case with two joystick ports and an analogue-compatible port

Historical Significance

• Part of Amstrad’s attempt to relaunch the CPC architecture for the 16-bit era
• Shared its enhanced graphics architecture and cartridge format with the GX4000 console
• Maintained a useful degree of compatibility with the established CPC software library
• Arrived as buyers were moving toward 16-bit computers and consoles, limiting its commercial impact

Collectors Notes

• The system cartridge is essential for normal BASIC operation and adds considerably to a complete set
• Original gamepads, monitor, manuals and Burnin’ Rubber cartridge are desirable accessories
• Cassette belts, keyboard membranes and cartridge contacts may require cleaning or replacement
• The pale case can yellow, and coloured buttons are vulnerable to cosmetic wear
• Use a correct Plus-series power and video solution if the original monitor is absent

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad 464 Plus
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Saturday, September 1, 1990
Discontinued	1992
Launch Price	£229 with MM12 monochrome monitor; £329 with CM14 colour monitor
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Units Sold
Power	Powered through the dedicated Amstrad MM12 or CM14 monitor
Expansion	Expansion bus, printer port, two digital joystick ports, analogue port, RGB/video and stereo audio
Storage	Built-in cassette recorder; cartridge slot
Keyboard	Full-size QWERTY keyboard with numeric keypad and separate cursor keys
Sound	General Instrument AY-3-8912, 3 voices; ASIC-assisted DMA sound playback
ROM	System firmware and Locomotive BASIC supplied on cartridge
RAM	64KB
Graphics	Custom ASIC with 16 hardware sprites, smooth scrolling, raster interrupts and a 4,096-colour palette
Display	Original CPC modes: 160 × 200 in 16 colours, 320 × 200 in 4 colours, or 640 × 200 in 2 colours
CPU Speed	4 MHz