MACHINE REFERENCE

BBC Micro Model B

BBC Micro Model B — released in 1981 by Acorn as part of the BBC’s Computer Literacy Project.

Why it matters

The BBC’s decision to commission an official ‘Computer Literacy Project’ machine put Acorn’s design directly into UK classrooms, giving it an outsized influence on a generation. Its extensive expansion capability and comparatively robust build quality made it a favourite for schools that needed machines to survive years of use.

BBC Micro rear expansion ports — A famously expandable machine — the rear panel alone tells the story.

What to check before you buy

Keyboard and case are famously durable, but check for cracked ports from expansion use
Power supply units are a known failure point — test before relying on it long-term
Disc interface upgrades were common and add real value if present and working
Verify RAM/ROM configuration — Model A vs B and various upgrade combinations exist

Released

1981

CPU

MOS 6502, 2 MHz

RAM

32 KB

Launch price

£399 (1981)

Manufacturer

Acorn

Form factor

CPU

MOS 6502, 2 MHz

Chipset

RAM

32 KB

ROM

Graphics

Up to 640×256, various modes/colour depths

Audio

3-channel sound generator

Storage

Cassette, or 5.25″ floppy via disc interface

Ports

PSU

Units sold

Successors

Keyboard and case are famously durable, but check for cracked ports from expansion use
Power supply units are a known failure point

test before relying on it long-term
Disc interface upgrades were common and add real value if present and working
Verify RAM/ROM configuration

Model A vs B and various upgrade combinations exist