XEGS Memory Upgrade

[Luigi301]

How difficult is it to upgrade the memory in an XEGS? I've ordered a SIDE2 cartridge but I understand that you need more than 64K to get everything out of it. I'm mostly interested in homebrew and programming rather than commercial games.

[flashjazzcat]

If you're already getting a SIDE2, perhaps order an Ultimate 1MB as well. The two devices together give you a PBI-style bootable HDD using a stock operating system, 1 Meg of RAM, built-in high-speed SIO, and other developer-friendly features.

[Luigi301]

Okay, cool. I've read that it's hard to install in the XEGS due to needing to desolder the ROM and MMU though. I've got soldering experience but I've never tried desoldering a surface-mounted chip before...

[flashjazzcat]

I've read that it's hard to install in the XEGS due to needing to desolder the ROM and MMU though.

The issue applies equally to later edition 800XLs and 65/130XEs, but yes: if you're uncomfortable desoldering ICs prior to fitting sockets, either seek out someone to do it for you, or practice on a dead board first. There are a few discussions regarding desoldering techniques on the forum too, if you search for them.

[Eyvind Bernhardsen]

Okay, cool. I've read that it's hard to install in the XEGS due to needing to desolder the ROM and MMU though. I've got soldering experience but I've never tried desoldering a surface-mounted chip before...

 

It's a bit scary, but it's not that bad. The chips aren't surface mounted, they're standard DIP packages (28 pins for the ROM, 20 for the MMU). If you're lucky one or both might already be in sockets; I had to desolder both in my XEGS, but POKEY and the CPU were socketed from the factory.

[gilsaluki]

I upgraded my XEGS to 128K per instructions/photos found here on this site. It was certainly NOT as easy as the 600xl, but doable. Must have the proper gage wire (not too thick), and patience. It's all true, the traces on the XEGS's are VERY THIN, the pads are ubber thin. So, with that said, make sure you have good soldering equipment, flux, and solder suckers. Good luck. I love my 128K XEGS the best of all my Ataris.