Sharp X68030

The Sharp X68030 was the final major performance evolution of the X68000 platform. Released in March 1993, it replaced the 68000 with a 25 MHz Motorola 68EC030 and increased standard memory to 4MB.

Human68k 3.0 and SX-Window 3.0 accompanied the faster processor, while the familiar custom graphics and sound hardware maintained compatibility with much of the established X68000 software library.

Notable Features

• 25 MHz Motorola MC68EC030 processor.
• 4MB RAM standard and SCSI storage support.
• X68030-HD configuration included an 80MB hard disk.

Historical Significance

• Represented the fastest production generation of Sharp’s original X68000 architecture.
• Extended the platform into the 68030 era while retaining its celebrated multimedia chipset.

Collector's Notes

• Some older software has compatibility or timing problems on the 68030 processor.
• X68030 models are among the rarest and most expensive systems in the family.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp X68030
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Sunday, January 3, 1993
Country	Japan
CPU	Motorola MC68EC030 at 25 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	Compact single-tower desktop
Expansion	Two expansion slots
Graphical Environment	SX-Window 3.0
Operating System	Human68k 3.02
Storage Interface	SCSI
Storage	Two 3.5-inch high-density floppy drives; HD configuration included 80MB SCSI hard disk
Sound	Yamaha YM2151 FM and OKI MSM6258 ADPCM
Graphics	Sharp X68000 custom graphics chipset
RAM	4MB standard, expandable to 12MB
CPU Speed	25 MHz