Atari 1040STE+

The Atari 1040STE+ was an unreleased enhanced ST intended to add hardware IBM PC compatibility. Alongside the normal 8 MHz Motorola 68000 and STE multimedia chipset, the design incorporated an 80286-class processor and a 40MB 2.5-inch hard disk for its PC environment.

The project did not progress to commercial production. It illustrates Atari’s interest in broadening the STE beyond entertainment and MIDI software at a time when MS-DOS compatibility was becoming increasingly important to computer buyers.

Notable Features

• Combined the normal STE architecture with an 80286-class processor for PC compatibility.
• Planned with a 40MB 2.5-inch internal hard disk.

Historical Significance

• Never released, but demonstrated Atari’s attempt to address growing demand for MS-DOS software.
• Would have extended the STE into a hybrid home and business system.

Collector’s Notes

• Documentation and surviving prototype evidence are limited.
• The plus sign identifies the PC-compatible project and should not be confused with ordinary memory upgrades.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Atari 1040STE+
Manufacturer	Atari
Launched	Sunday, January 1, 1989
Discontinued	Cancelled
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola MC68000 at 8 MHz with 80286 PC-compatible processor
Units Sold
Compatibility	Atari TOS software plus planned hardware MS-DOS environment
Storage	Internal floppy and planned 40MB 2.5-inch hard disk
Sound	YM2149 PSG plus stereo DMA audio
Graphics	BLiTTER and STE hardware scrolling
Colour Palette	4,096 colours
Display	320x200 in 16 colours, 640x200 in 4 colours, or 640x400 monochrome
ROM	256KB TOS ROM
RAM	1MB ST RAM planned
PC CPU	80286-class processor planned
ST CPU	Motorola 68000 at 8 MHz