Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 10, 2026

Amstrad PC2286

The Amstrad PC2286 was launched 1989. It was part of the 2000 series, that consisted of three models: PC2086 (8086), PC2286 (80286) and PC2386 (80386DX).

Last revised
Jun 10, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
429 w
Citations
26
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Amstrad PC2286
ManufacturerAmstrad
TypePersonal computer
Released1989
Introductory price
£999
Media5.25 inch or 3.5 inch FDD
MS-DOS 4.01, Windows 2.1 and GW-BASIC
CPUIntel 80286 CPU @ 12.5 MHz
Memory1 MB (expandable to 4 MB)
Storage40 MB HDD;
Display12" and 14" monitors
GraphicsVGA
InputSerial, parallel, mouse
PredecessorPC1512/1640

The Amstrad PC2286 was launched 1989.12 It was part of the 2000 series,1 that consisted of three models: PC2086 (8086), PC2286 (80286) and PC2386 (80386DX).34567

The series launched as a professional follow on to the PC1512/1640, using a plastic case similar to previous models, but this time the main computer unit had its own power supply unit built in. The machine's BIOS setting were battery-backed, using four AA batteries mounted on top of the base unit.

The PC2286 came with 3.5" floppy drives as standard,8 with a side port enabling an external 5¼" disk drive to be connected. A range of monitors where available, with 12" and 14" screens both in monochrome and colour.9

Due to a problem with the Seagate ST277R hard disk shipped with the PC2386 model, these had to be recalled and fitted with Western Digital controllers. Amstrad later successfully sued Seagate with a 1997 judgement in their favour. Due to bad press at the time, due to the hard disk problems, Amstrad lost its lead in the European PC market.10

Specifications

The differences across the range were mainly the CPU, memory and hard drive capacity.

References

References

  1. "Amstrad PC2286". Lo-tech Wiki.
  2. "Amstrad PC2286". www.museo8bits.es.
  3. "Amstrad PC2086/30". MCbx Old Computer Collection. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
  4. "Amstrad PC2086 S". Computing History. Retrieved 2025-10-13.
  5. "Retro Heaven: Amstrad - PC2286".
  6. Cusack (April 3, 1989). "Amstrad wraps service with 286 and 386 PCs". Computerworld.
  7. Pane (April 3, 1989). "Amstrad expands PC line with 12-MHz 286, 20-MHz 386". InfoWorld. p. 29.
  8. "Amstrad PC2286 -". peacon vintage blog. September 1, 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-09-01.
  9. "L' Amstrad PC2286". MO5.COM : Musée des Machines. Archived from the original on 2022-08-17.
  10. Computer Contracts - Merchantable Quality in Hardware Contracts - Amstrad plc v. Seagate Technology "Richard Cole Must Computer Contracts always be fit for Purpose". Archived from the original on 5 September 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2009.
  11. "Amstrad advert: Can your computer keep pace with the Amstrad PC2286". nosher.net.
External links