Difference between revisions of "Disk drives"

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[[Category:Hardware]][[Category:Peripherals]][[Category:Stub]]
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[[Category:Hardware]][[Category:Peripherals]][[Category:Stub]][[Category:DATA Storage]]

Revision as of 15:12, 8 October 2009

The Disk Drive is a common Mass Data storage from the 80's.

Alongside other technologies :

  • ROM used in Cartridges or Hardwired... Faster but so expensive.
  • Cassettes. Awfully slowler and not that reliable.


In modern day, the Cassette port can easily be replaced by any modern audio device : MP3 or CD readers.


Amstrad 464 (Plus or OLD) lack the extra ROM sofware and Disc Controller needed to use a Disk Drive. That's why external Disk Drive for CPC include such ROM.


Despite this, Disk are one of the easiest way to read softwares on Amstrad 8 bits, especially 6128 or 664 models.

The most common trick is to use a 3"1/2 disk drive, as this is the easier to find nowadays. You can even replace the 3" dick drive from a 6128+ with a proper 3"1/2 disk drive, by filing some plastic.


Abbreviations in French :

  • K7 = cassettes ("Ka Sept")
  • D7 = Diskettes ("Dé Sept")

Amstrad parts numbers

  • 30001 P.C.B. 3" Disc drive
  • 30002 P.C.B. 3" Disc drive
  • Z70312 P.C.B. 3" Disc Drive
  • Z70313 P.C.B. 3" Disc Drive
  • Z70341 P.C.B. 3" Disc Drive
  • Z80264 P.C.B. 3" disc drive

Existing models


Alternative technologies

  • Virtual disk Drive : cards emulating Disk Drives, using modern Flash memories or USB connection to a PC

Usefull Pages