Atari 520STE

The Atari 520STE updated the 512KB ST with a BLiTTER graphics accelerator, a 4,096-colour palette, hardware scrolling and two-channel stereo DMA sound. SIMM memory sockets simplified upgrades, while two enhanced controller ports supported additional joysticks, paddles and other devices.

Released in 1989, the 520STE preserved the original ST screen modes and broad software compatibility while addressing several areas in which competing computers had moved ahead. It became a popular games machine, particularly after expansion to 1MB or more.

Notable Features

• Added a 4,096-colour palette, hardware scrolling, BLiTTER graphics and stereo DMA audio.
• Used accessible SIMM memory and added two enhanced controller ports.

Historical Significance

• Modernised the original ST design in 1989 while preserving its established display modes and compatibility.
• Enhanced games could use smoother scrolling, richer colour selection and sampled stereo sound.

Collector’s Notes

• Many 520STE computers were upgraded to 1MB or more, so original memory configurations are less common.
• Very early machines may use SIP memory rather than the later convenient SIMMs.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Atari 520STE
Manufacturer	Atari
Launched	Sunday, October 1, 1989
Discontinued	1992
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola MC68000 at 8 MHz
Units Sold
I/O	MIDI In/Out, RS-232 serial, Centronics parallel, ACSI, cartridge, monitor and joystick/mouse ports, stereo audio and RF television output
Controllers	Two standard joystick/mouse ports plus two enhanced controller ports
Storage	Internal double-sided 3.5-inch 720KB floppy; ACSI hard-disk support
Sound	YM2149 PSG plus two-channel 8-bit stereo DMA audio
Graphics	BLiTTER, hardware scrolling and enhanced palette
Colour Palette	4,096 colours
Display	320x200 in 16 colours, 640x200 in 4 colours, or 640x400 monochrome
ROM	256KB TOS ROM
RAM	512KB; SIMM sockets, expandable to 4MB
CPU Speed	8 MHz