Atari Mega STE

The Atari Mega STE combined the professional desktop styling of the Mega ST with STE graphics and sound, a 16 MHz Motorola 68000 and a 16KB processor cache. Its modular case offered a detached keyboard, VME expansion slot and space for an internal SCSI hard disk.

Users could switch the processor between 8 and 16 MHz for compatibility, while 1MB, 2MB and 4MB configurations served different price points. Introduced in 1991, the Mega STE was Atari’s most refined 68000-based professional computer and a bridge between the ST and TT ranges.

Notable Features

• 16 MHz 68000 with 16KB cache and selectable 8 MHz compatibility mode.
• STE graphics and stereo DMA sound in a desktop case with detached keyboard.
• Included a VME expansion slot and internal SCSI hard-disk bay.

Historical Significance

• Represented the final and most capable production development of Atari’s 68000-based ST architecture.
• Offered a lower-cost professional alternative alongside the 68030-based TT030.

Collector’s Notes

• Factory RAM and hard-disk configurations vary, commonly from 1MB to 4MB.
• Matching keyboards, internal SCSI hardware and VME accessories add to completeness.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Atari Mega STE
Manufacturer	Atari
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1991
Discontinued	1993
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola MC68000 at 16 MHz
Units Sold
I/O	MIDI, serial, parallel, ACSI, SCSI, LAN, monitor and joystick ports
Expansion	VME expansion slot
Storage	Internal 1.44MB floppy and optional internal SCSI hard disk
Sound	YM2149 PSG plus two-channel 8-bit 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	TOS 2.05 or 2.06
RAM	1MB, 2MB or 4MB
CPU Speed	16 MHz with selectable 8 MHz mode and 16KB cache