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Atari VCS gets Ryzen / Vega spec boost but is further delayed

by Mark Tyson on 19 March 2019, 11:11

Tags: Atari (EPA:ATA), AMD (NYSE:AMD)

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HEXUS has been watching the development of the all-new Atari VCS with some interest. The new Linux-powered machine seems to deliver quite a bit more than a 'console', and indeed VCS is an abbreviation of Video Computer System. Today we have some good news and some bad news about the project. In brief, the good news is that the machine is getting a much newer as-yet-unannounced processor, and the bad news is that the change will require some delay to the availability of the Atari VCS.

The Atari VCS team posted outline details of the hardware change and schedule change on Medium a few hours ago. If you remember back to our last story about the Atari VCS, in May last year, you will remember the VCS was supposed to be released with the following key tech specs:

  • Processor: AMD SoC with Bristol Ridge A10 CPU and Radeon R7 GPU.
  • Memory: 4GB DDR4 RAM, 32GB eMMC storage.
  • Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 4xUSB 3.0
  • Other: 4-mic array, rechargeable joysticks connect via Bluetooth or USB C.
  • Physical: 14.5" x 5.3" x 1.6", 3 lbs, Plastic - Metal - Wood construction.
  • OS: Linux.
  • Games: 100+ classic Atari games come preloaded

The big spec change trumpeted by Atari concerns the processor. It says that it made the decision to upgrade the processor "in partnership with the team at AMD," to make the VCS a more attractive proposition. In place of the aging Bristol Ridge APU bullet pointed above will be an unspecified future processor from AMD built on 14nm. Atari says the processor will feature two Zen cores plus the "high-performance Radeon Vega graphics architecture".

The attractions of the newer processor are several fold, with it expected to be "faster, cooler, and more efficient," bringing benefits not just to performance but design of the VCS (compact thermal design, lower noise). Ethernet, Native 4K video with modern HDCP, and a secure frame buffer that fully-supports DRM video (Netflix, HBO, etc.) are all features supported by the unannounced AMD processor / chipset.

Atari had promised to ship the $329 VCS during 2018 and IndieGogo backers have been patiently waiting but it looks like they, and others, will have to wait about a year beyond their initial expectations. The latest timeframe signalled by Atari is of a "delivery window... at the end of 2019 for Indiegogo backers".

Atari promises to keep those interested and its crowdfunding backers up to date with regards to the processor, the newfound performance, the refinement of the VCS user experience, game and media partnerships, and to narrow down the hardware shipping schedules as the year progresses.



HEXUS Forums :: 4 Comments

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Let's hope it gets 8GB as well, and maybe a larger storage given the price reductions in the past year.

How many Vega cores are active on that APU however? I know AMD has a 2C4T with Vega 3 SKU already, but maybe this is slightly custom (6CU from 2300U, 2C from 2200U).
sykobee
Let's hope it gets 8GB as well, and maybe a larger storage given the price reductions in the past year.

The spec at Indiegogo lists 8GB dual channel RAM. The APU listed there is A10-9630P. I assume that the specs in the news item are earlier specs.

sykobee
How many Vega cores are active on that APU however? I know AMD has a 2C4T with Vega 3 SKU already, but maybe this is slightly custom (6CU from 2300U, 2C from 2200U).

I think it's unlikely to have anything more than 3 CU. Still, an Athlon 200GE can beat the A12-9800 quite soundly in many games (though it loses in others), so even with 3 CUs it should be an upgrade.
This will look lovely next to my Spectrum VEGA, ohh wait.
wozzawozere
This will look lovely next to my Spectrum VEGA, ohh wait.

Now you've got me wanting to put a Vega64 inside a ZX Spectrum case.

Just to see whether the plastic is thermosetting or thermoplastic…. i.e. will it burn or will it melt?