SSD & RAM Upgrade

M.2 SSD Storage

The Atari VCS has an open M.2 slot on the motherboard, which allows you to add an M.2 SSD for additional storage.

M.2 SSD Installation Guide

Detailed instructions regarding M.2 SSD installation can be downloaded here: Link.

M.2 Compatibility

The Atari VCS is compatible with M.2 SATA SSD drives. The SATA format has both a B and an M key -- the two notches at the bottom in the picture below. The NVMe format, which is incompatible with the Atari VCS, has only one notch. There is no known restriction on storage capacity.

Time and Effort

Installing an M.2 SSD in your Atari VCS is not an overly difficult task but does require some care to ensure you do not damage your VCS during the installation process. Do not attempt the installation if you have any uncertainty about the project. Atari is not responsible for any damage you do to your device.

 

SODIMM RAM Modules

The Atari VCS comes with two 4GB SODIMM RAM modules for a total of 8GB of RAM. The RAM can be upgraded to a maximum of 32GB.

RAM Installation Guide

Detailed instructions regarding M.2 SSD installation can be downloaded here: Link.

RAM Compatibility

The Atari VCS is compatible with DDR4-2400 SODIMM RAM. You must add RAM in pairs, so to achieve the maximum capacity of 32GB you would add two 16GB modules. Please note, SODIMM RAM is a different format that RAM used in desktop computers. Desktop memory will not fit in the Atari VCS.

Time and Effort

Installing RAM in your Atari VCS is an advanced project and requires extreme care to ensure that you do not damage your VCS during the installation process. Installing the RAM itself is easy, but accessing it is much more difficult as the RAM is located on the bottom of the motherboard. To reach it you will need to remove the heat shield and unscrew the motherboard from the chassis. You may find this task to be challenging if you do not have experience assembling or upgrading computers. Do not attempt the upgrade if you have any uncertainty about the project. Atari is not responsible for any damage you do to your device.