Amstrad CPC - 464, 664 and 6128

Games Reviews

The Amstrad CPC at first glance looks very similar to the ZX Spectrum technically. Both machines are based around the Zilog Z80 processor and both carry the AY-3-8912 sound chip. The Amstrad however, packs some extra punches under it's multi-coloured keyed exterior.

Firstly, unlike the Spectrum, there is no colour clash, which allows the Amstrad to field much prettier, sharper graphics. There's also more colours available, meaning the CPC graphically appears more like a C64 than the generally colourless Speccy. Compared to the original, non Amstrad Spectrums, the CPC is much more professional in looks and use. The machine generally came with a monitor, and the tape or disk loader was built into the main unit.

Specs

Main processor - Zilog Z80a at 4mhz

Graphics - Motorola 6845 address generator and pixel generator combo capable of 160 x 200 pixels in 16 colours, 320 x 200 in 4 colours and 640 x 200 in 2 colours from a pallette of 27 colours

Memory - 64k (464, 664) to 128k (6128)

Sound - General Instruments AY-3-8912, three sound channels with noise generator.

Built in tape drive (464) or 3 inch disk drive (664, 6128)

Single Atari style joystick port (Splitter needed for two player games)