Philips VG 8020

The Philips VG 8020 was a full-memory MSX1 home computer with 64 KB of RAM, standard colour graphics and a broad range of cartridge and cassette software.

It became one of Philips’ best-known first-generation MSX systems in Europe and provided a capable base for disk expansion.

Notable Features

• 64 KB RAM
• MSX1 cartridge compatibility
• Full complement of common MSX peripheral ports

Historical Significance

• It became one of Philips’ best-known first-generation MSX systems in Europe and provided a capable base for disk expansion.

Collector’s Notes

• Keyboard membranes and power supplies deserve inspection, and regional versions differ in keyboard and video output.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Philips VG 8020
Manufacturer	Philips
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Country	Netherlands
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Units Sold
Form Factor	Keyboard console
Power	Internal or external mains supply depending on model
Networking	None built in
Operating System	MSX BASIC
Expansion / I/O	Cartridge slots, cassette, two joystick ports, printer and display outputs
Keyboard	Integrated keyboard
Storage	Cartridge and cassette; optional floppy disk
Sound	AY-3-8910 three-voice PSG plus noise
Colours	16
Graphics	TMS9929A: 256 x 192 pixels with sprites
Display	Television or monitor
ROM	32 KB MSX BIOS and BASIC
RAM	64 KB
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz