Amstrad PC3286

The Amstrad PC3286 was the mid-range model in Amstrad’s PC3000 desktop family. Its 16 MHz Intel 80286 processor, 1MB of RAM and built-in VGA graphics made it a capable DOS business computer with scope for substantial memory expansion.

Amstrad described the PC3286 as the workhorse of the range. It used a conventional desktop case, offered five ISA expansion slots and was commonly supplied with a 40MB hard disk.

Notable Features

• 16 MHz 80286 processor on a plug-in processor board.
• 1MB parity RAM expandable to 16MB, with optional 64KB cache.
• Optional 40MB IDE hard disk and built-in extended VGA graphics.

Historical Significance

• Positioned as the practical mid-range workhorse of Amstrad’s Generation 3 PCs.
• Its standard ISA expansion and VGA support made it easier to upgrade than earlier Amstrad PCs.

Collectors Notes

• Complete systems are most desirable with the matching keyboard and Amstrad monitor.
• Battery leakage, ageing hard disks and proprietary keyboard connections should be checked.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad PC3286
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Monday, January 1, 1990
Discontinued	Early 1990s
Launch Price	Approximately £1,100 plus VAT with colour VGA monitor and 40MB hard disk
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Intel 80286 at 16 MHz
Units Sold
Coprocessor	Socket for Intel 80287 math coprocessor
Operating System	MS-DOS 3.30A
Keyboard	102-key AT-compatible keyboard
Ports	Parallel, RS-232 serial, mouse, VGA and monitor power
Expansion	Three 16-bit and two 8-bit ISA slots
Storage	1.44MB 3.5-inch or 1.2MB 5.25-inch floppy; optional 40MB IDE hard disk
Graphics	Built-in Paradise extended VGA; MDA, CGA, Hercules, EGA and MCGA compatible
Cache	Optional 64KB cache
RAM	1MB parity RAM, expandable to 16MB
CPU Speed	16 MHz; software-selectable slower modes