Torch Quad X

The Torch Quad X upgraded the company’s modular Unix workstation with a 16.67MHz Motorola 68020, floating-point and memory-management processors, 4MB RAM and an 80MB hard disk. A Torch-designed OpenChip controller handled high-speed data movement.

It retained SCSI, Ethernet and X.25 networking while supporting larger displays and Unix System V Release 2.2. The Quad X was Torch’s most advanced proprietary workstation before the company’s independent hardware business faded.

Notable Features

• 68020 CPU was accompanied by 68881 floating-point and 68851 memory-management units.
• Torch OpenChip RISC-style DMA controller accelerated system transfers.
• Standard 4MB RAM expanded to 16MB, with an 80MB hard disk.

Historical Significance

• The technical peak of Torch’s distinctive British Unix workstation programme.
• Reached market after refinancing in 1988 but faced powerful competition from established Unix vendors.

Collector’s Notes

• A later 20MHz version supported 1024 x 768 output.
• Custom OpenChip and workstation boards make intact systems especially important for preservation.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Torch Quad X
Manufacturer	Torch Computers
Launched	Tuesday, March 1, 1988
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Motorola 68020 at 16.67 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Unix System V Release 2.2 with OpenTop; X Window System available
I/O	SCSI, Ethernet, X.25, VME and serial interfaces
Keyboard	Detached professional keyboard
Storage	720KB floppy and 80MB hard disk with SCSI
Sound	System audio
Graphics	Bitmapped colour graphics; later version up to 1024 x 768
Display	High-resolution colour workstation monitor
ROM	System and OpenChip controller firmware
RAM	4MB standard; expandable to 16MB
CPU Speed	16.67 MHz; later 20 MHz version