Sord M343

The Sord M343 was a 16-bit Japanese business computer built around an Intel 8086 and optional 8087 arithmetic processor. Its large integrated cabinet contained a 12-inch display and disk storage, while 256KB of standard memory could expand to 768KB.

High-resolution colour graphics, Japanese text support and a broad choice of operating systems positioned the M343 for demanding office and technical installations. Later M343SX multi-user versions extended the family with greater memory and hard-disk capacity.

Notable Features

• Intel 8086 architecture with optional 8087 arithmetic coprocessor.
• High-resolution 640x400 graphics and Japanese-language display support.
• Four S-100 slots preserved access to established Sord expansion hardware.

Historical Significance

• Announced in September 1982 as Sord’s 16-bit kanji business-computer family.
• Carried the PIPS software environment into a system also capable of MS-DOS and CP/M-86.

Collector’s Notes

• M343, M343SX and later SX-II/SX-III systems have materially different multi-user and memory configurations.
• At roughly 70 pounds, the integrated system requires careful handling and substantial desk space.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sord M343
Manufacturer	Sord Computer Corporation
Launched	Wednesday, September 1, 1982
Discontinued	Mid-1980s
Launch Price	Approximately ¥1,300,000
Country	Japan
CPU	Intel 8086 at 5 MHz with optional Intel 8087
Units Sold
Operating System	RMDOS/RDOS; MS-DOS; CP/M-86; UCSD p-System; PIPS
I/O	Four S-100 slots, four serial ports and one parallel port
Keyboard	Integrated professional keyboard with numeric keypad
Storage	5.25-inch or 8-inch floppy; optional second drive and approximately 7.9MB hard disk
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	640x400 graphics, up to 16 colours
Display	Integrated 12-inch monochrome display; colour monitor optional
ROM	System and Japanese character firmware
RAM	256KB standard; expandable to 768KB
CPU Speed	5 MHz