Atari VCS 32GB Memory & SSD Upgrade - install steps

[@mikeianneo3432]

Absolutely enjoying your series on the Atari VCS. Keep it going I’m learning so much.

[@RetroAxis]

You bet! Thanks. more on the way

[@ProdigalMonkey216]

This is an excellent guide - I just completed both upgrades today on my old VCS (repurposing it from a kids today into a stylish MAME emulator). Everything was very clear and the upgrade only took a few minutes thanks to this video (I know this is very old but wanted you to know it's still useful!)

[@boydpukalo8980]

Awesome video. I was interested in this aspect of the Atari. I still remember going to Meijers in 1978 (maybe later) with my mom and dad to get the original Atari 2600! Those were exciting times.

[@cloudouterman]

very helpful, always like your videos. Glad for more VCS stuff from you :)

[@RetroAxis]

Thanks so much!

[@dboymax1]

So basically the Atari VCS can be turned into a cheap gaming pc then? Neat!

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

It's neither cheap or a gaming PC, a low end PC with a stylised case would be more accurate. It's a budget APU which can do some things pretty well, gaming is not one of those things. When you look at it objectively it's a PC nobody would buy without the console branding and case.

[@LoloandMo]

I’m so happy I found your channel! You do a great job at explaining things. Keep up the great work!

[@RetroAxis]

Hi thanks alot for tuning in! I am glad you are getting some information from this content.

[@ClayGravil]

Overall great vid, but minor correction, You touch the edges of components because of static discharge, not oils. Your fingerprints aren't going to cause ram chips or SSDs to overheat and burnout, but ESD will kill them in a millisecond.

[@RetroAxis]

Thanks!

[@beedwarf]

This is a very useful, thorough step-by-step demonstration; however, don't believe I will upgrade my Atari VCS as my high-end game playing days are practically over. I really want the Atari VCS for the entire Atari 2600 essential collection, Activision essential collection, Atari 400/800 essential collection, Atari STs and maybe a few Homebrew titles. Appreciate the demonstration of opening up the Atari VCS chassis.

[@Cremulox]

Thanks there is so little info out there right now and I wanted to make sure Im getting the right ram and doing it right :)

[@cgomes1607]

Thank you for another great video.

[@rangerthederpgoat2326]

Thanks for the video, looking to get into my VCS soon.

[@misterwin2393]

My computer runs the same 8gb of RAM the VCS does and a slower Intel APU, and it runs PS2 and Xbox 360 games just fine! Of course it'll emulate Gamecube games and such, I want to see how it handles GTAV and Cyberpunk with the full upgrade package!

[@dalep05]

Got 16G of RAM turning up today, pretty excited 😂

[@switchd9812]

Any way you can do a video of the upgraded system running modern games? Thanks!

[@deandio1067]

Great video, thanks! Is there a video on how to install a dual boot with either windows or Batocera without losing Atari OS?

[@marssmarss1752]

Thanks for the video 😁

[@gaborkovacs8765]

Cool video! Thanks for show it us 👍💪

[@MySasasasasasasasas]

Master!

[@bjpa1151]

Congrats for the great video. So no nVme... Is sata considerably slower ?

[@garystinten9339]

I would say there might be

[@Brbos06]

I really enjoy this Atari VCS series! Question, have you had any luck seeing if it can emulate Atari Jaguar? Or any of the less common consoles like 3DO or CD-i?

[@RetroAxis]

Yes, it can emulate the Jaguar. I have only tested a few games, but it does work. I have. It yet tested 3DO support, but it is on my list.

[@Brbos06]

@@RetroAxis really appreciate the response. I'm looking into getting one of these and definitely upgrading it when I do. Like to make it an all in one Atari system, everything from 2600, 52, 78, Jaguar and Lynx as well as some of the contemporary games.

[@Brbos06]

@@RetroAxis I'm also hoping they or some other seller will consider doing custom front pieces for the VCS. So we can have Onyx, Woodgrain, or whatever.

[@David-he7nw]

That m.2 had me crying on the inside...

[@NewmanOnGaming]

same. seeing it bend down from lack of m.2 nut had my OCD for pc building going crazy.

[@RetroAxis]

I did fix it by adding another but below the card as a standoff. But yea, was a bad idea to push it down like that. Funny, the official Atari video, the guy doesn’t even bother to secure it. Just leaves it loose.

[@DPGLITV]

Tell us MORE about that tool kit in the back!!!

[@RetroAxis]

Yes, I have been asked about the tools several times. I picked them up several years ago at Lowes in the holiday bargain section. The quality is not great for serious jobs, but for an electronics workshop, they are decent. I think I paid around $20.00 USD in 2018? I have never seen this set offered since, but someone found it on amzn.

[@skylord1984]

Hey. Will the Crucial 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 SODIMM. Also operate with the system ?

[@smillstill]

This is a bit crazy, but for some reason, every time I reboot the VCS from a USB, the old stored data on the SSD becomes inaccessible. As a result I have like 20+ GB inaccessible of the 32GB due to reboots from USB and game files that are locked from accessing (games don't show up anymore). There is no way from the GUI to delete or move any of it from the primary USB or to reformat it. Do you know any way I can get the memory back? EDIT: Never mind. By some miracle of the Atari gods, when I re-downloaded all 20GB of games to a USB stick, it removed the locked versions from my main SSD. Weirdly, the storage listed for the "Atari OS" went from 18GB down to 2GB in the process. I went from 10GB free to 20GB. Not sure where the other 6GB went...

[@JA-uz7se]

really struggling to find any 16gb or 32gb RAM in the UK. If i do its either out of stock or extremely expensive around £150+

[@Eremon1]

I've never heard about the oils from a person's hands being harmful to ICs. It's true for incandescent light bulbs, but not electronic components. The reason manufacturers state to handle components by their edges is to reduce the risk of ESD or static discharge from occurring.

[@RetroAxis]

Very true about the ESD part also. I seem to remember the heat issue with certain types of chips, perhaps not all IC’s. I could be mistaken, but for some reason I’ve kept this as a best practice over the years. Certainly keeps the thermal grease off one’s fingers when messing with heatsinks if nothing else.

[@RetroAxis]

www.circuitinsight.com/programs/49429.html Certainly not a convincing article about gloves and oils with PCBs, but somewhere along the way I started this practice.

[@Eremon1]

@@RetroAxis The reason oils on a lightbulb are bad is due to the oil cooling one point in the thin glass structure. This temperature variance will cause the glass to break in that spot which then allows oxygen to react with the tungsten filament causing it to break. This is not a problem for IC's and other electrical components because they aren't made of glass, don't depend on a vacuum and generally don't heat up anywhere near the point of an incandescent bulb. I could see oils being bad for electrical contacts on any connectors. The oils can help oxidize certain metals thus disrupting proper contact.

[@RetroAxis]

Really great explanation. I did read about PCB contamination due to dirt and oils when assembling boards and components that could lead to failures. Thanks for sharing that information, really helpful. I think another reason I used to wear gloves when I worked on stuff, was due to sharp solder points for through hole mount. Almost everything now a days is surface mount. Thanks again!

[@Eremon1]

@@RetroAxis Oh yes, definitely. The oils will most definitely make soldering a nightmare! Sometimes finger prints can be left behind and make bad joints even with lots of flux. With those kinds of bad solder connections you never know when they'll give you trouble either. They can work flawless for a time and then quit. When ever doing solder work or making new circuits it's a great idea to wear gloves. One less problem to worry about. Cheers.

[@richa9073]

Question - not interested in making dual boot - BUT I am close to running out of room on the original drive since I have gotten so many games/apps installed. Will this internal 2nd SATA SSD M2 drive be seen by atari os to use for more apps? Or do I just need to add an USB Flash Drive? Also will the additional RAM help the existing Atari Games - say load faster or run better or is it a waste of money if I don't plan to dual boot for say Windows install?

[@Ultimategc13]

Can you use an external HDD for games and additional stuff? Can you run steam on this ?

[@iTower_Prime]

is there an easy fix if you watched someone else's video before yours and they didn't warn you about the wifi wires and you broke them off the board?

[@Sammy10100]

Can u please do a step by step video on installing retroarch on a psvita. Great channel as I just subscribed. And thank you.

[@adonian]

Glad to see that it can handle 32GB, I was hoping it could go over 16 YAY!! ouch... no stand off for the SSD? that's no bueno

[@RetroAxis]

Yes, I went back and used an M3 nut as a temporary standoff. Atari should include one in the case.

[@Zoyx]

How hard would be to install a bootloader... like GRUB or Clove?

[@RetroAxis]

OpenSuse uses grub, so once it is installed, Grub menu is started on boot. I suppose other distros are similar.

[@Zoyx]

@@RetroAxis - Will the bios let you make the m.2 that you installed the first boot device?

[@RetroAxis]

You cannot change the BIOS settings, Atari has a password by default on the system that is unknown.

[@Zoyx]

@@RetroAxis - Good to know, thanks for the info. Hopefully, that will change.

[@cheycheyc]

Since it’s a ryzen apu wouldn’t faster speed memory help? Been reading 3200mhz with a low response time helps out a ryzen apu a lot.

[@carywise6291]

Is it possible to get playstation plus on the new atari vcs? has anyone tried?

[@SC-lc7tm]

not possible.

[@rushmore3927]

Wouldn't it be cheaper just getting a Ryzen mini pc with windows already installed? Performance better as well.

[@ChuyEVC]

At a price point of $300? Not a chance.

[@rushmore3927]

@@ChuyEVC Adding the ram, sd and Windows isn't $300 price point.

[@ChuyEVC]

@@rushmore3927 upgrading to 32 was probably around $120 which was excessive for this system. A 16gb kit would run at about $60-70 and would've made more sense. The 500gb nvme was probably around $60 as well. Regardless of the matter for the price of $300+120 in upgrades you'd be lucky to build a PC with a Ryzen CPU, 500gb nvme, 16gb DDR4, Motherboard, PSU, Case, fans,etc. Besides it won't offer the custom case and other features the vcs offers. I'm still not buying this thing but for the price you're really paying for what you get.

[@kaizerkoala]

I build Asrock A300W back then at around $400. Yes, at this price point it's pretty competitive but that's more of a lack of competition more than anything. It beat out Udoo bolt V3 which is nice but in the end R1606G is intended to use in ATM and Casino machine.... What's that mean is up to you.

[@DoctorTheSushi]

where do I source the screw for the M.2 SATA chip?

[@RetroAxis]

I hacked mine and use a metric hex bolt that I had on-hand. But I did find a set on Amazon.

[@williamhart4896]

Oils and static are both bad for your electronics I tend to carry a large volume of static and have killed video cards by touching them . Sata only for the m2 slot dang that's a downer .

[@carlosnettoportugal]

I would like to install Windows 10 to enjoy the steam games, so 16 GB would be enough? thanks for your attention

[@RetroAxis]

Hi Carlos, remember that Steam is an app store platform that manages the purchase and installation of independent games. Each game on Steam will have different requirements. 16GB might be enough for some, but not enough for others. Also, memory is not the only consideration. GPU and GPU memory are also relevant. Hope this helps. Cheers!

[@carlosnettoportugal]

When installing the SSD m2, is it necessary to install a spacer between it and the motherboard to avoid overheating? or even a heatsink on the SSD? Thanks

[@RetroAxis]

You are supposed to screw in a standoff underneath the drive and use a screw that holds the card in place to the standoff. But even the Atari video that was put out show him just inserting it and leaving it to flap loose. Unless you are going to be rough with your vcs, you can probably just insert it.

[@carlosnettoportugal]

@@RetroAxis Thank you friend, now you have just won a follower, greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@reallifewithjeromypodcast]

Would a loose Ram card make it not power on? My VCS will not power on at all. I didn't upgrade anything. Just wondered if it could be loose.

[@RetroAxis]

Has it powered on at all out the box? Does the Atari logo on the front bezel illuminate?

[@reallifewithjeromypodcast]

It worked the first day, then never powered on again.

[@reallifewithjeromypodcast]

Does nothing at all.

[@RetroAxis]

No idea, sounds like you need to contact Atari support.

[@carlosnettoportugal]

Hello, forgive me for the question but I don't know much about updates, but could installing two 16gb memories cause the atari to overheat? Thanks

[@RetroAxis]

In most cases, no. It is more likely you accidentally unplugged the fan cable when adding the memory chips. Or you have a faulty unit. I would suggest putting back the original memory and testing if you can reproduce the over heating problem again.

[@gaborkovacs8765]

You need a washer under the ssd

[@RetroAxis]

Do you mean a standoff?

[@gaborkovacs8765]

@@RetroAxis yeah, i think 2mm You bended the ssd littlebit, if You screwd it in

[@RetroAxis]

Yea, I actually backed it out this morning after reviewing the video. I encountered an unrelated problem with the wireless card in Ubuntu, where the log files are getting filled up with error messages.

[@gaborkovacs8765]

@@RetroAxis 😳

[@RetroAxis]

I went back and added an M3 nut under the card and that removed the flex. The card is now level. Additionally, I determined the issue with the Wifi Card is Linux Driver related. the rtw_88_core driver is causing issues in the 5.8 kernel of Ubuntu 20.04. I did not have this issue in SuSe, so I am not sure exactly. The workaround for now, was to unload the kernel driver using 'rmmod', but that of course disables Wifi networking. Bluetooth still works though.

[@TheSoulmarine]

You did not add M.2 SSD standoff !!

[@RetroAxis]

As mentioned several times. This was corrected after. I may pull this video...

[@TheSoulmarine]

@@RetroAxis no need to pull video just add overlay text in yt on that part. Great vid btw!

[@garystinten9339]

How much memory maximum can the VCS take.. Both storage and ram.. Would love also to see a custom 10GB ram share for the video memory too.

[@RetroAxis]

32GB Max is what Atari has spec'd. As of now, you cannot adjust VRAM b/c the BIOS has a firmware password by default that Atari has not shared.

[@valthrudnir]

@@RetroAxis 32GB is the maximum for that processor

[@paddy1414]

Why would you choose m2 sata over nvme :/ and touching the ram chips is fine

[@RetroAxis]

Atari’s manual is explicit about SATA in their upgrade guide.

[@MichaelArlt]

Because of the port specification. You can't even install 2,5" SATA SSD inside a PCIE Slot on the Board. Its not related to preference but to the specification. He even installed it without the standoff which is bit unprofessional. Best choice is to order the standoff and the screw aswell. If you want to educate yourself: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.2

[@franciscoprado6196]

Retro Axis there is some other performance improvement that can be made to atari vcs?

[@RetroAxis]

Without BIOS access, it is hard to know. Otherwise, Linux tuning is the only way

[@johneygd]

But how does the os recognize that extra ram and bigger ssd drive, does it ever accept such higher storage medium?? Unless you somehow hacked that os to accept it , Also concider your self lucky owning the atari vcs since it is not released yet.

[@RetroAxis]

The linux OS probes the hardware on boot and sees the additional RAM and the SSD. You do have to format the 2nd SSD before the VCS OS can use it.

[@teekay929]

Thanks so much for this!! I have a small question...when I installed ubuntu, booted it up fine but my atari freezes after a few moments of use. Becomes completely unresponsive and the fans go on max. I have to reboot it manually. I installed lubuntu instead and it seemed okay until I did a live update....it froze and same thing, fans on max. Can you recommend anything? Am I doing something wrong? is my unit defective? Have you run into the same issues? My 32 gig ram sticks will be here tomorrow. Think it'll help? This is probably the most exciting console I've purchased this year and I have both series X and PS5. Making this an emulator box would be amazing!

[@RetroAxis]

See if the /var/log dir is filling up the root file system. That keeps happening on my Ubuntu install.

[@teekay929]

@@RetroAxis I'll try it! Thanks!

[@bjpa1151]

Why you don't just buy a Ryzen mini PC with Vega graphics... Most mini PC's are way more powerful than the VCS and you can easily find the VCS OS (there's several youtube videos of PCs running it) or just install oll Atari emulators in a frontend like retroarch, hyperspin etc... I like the VCS but it's nothing more than a mini PC and there's better solutions for the price. If it costed 150-200$ that could be a good deal

[@BrentB]

Can I add one of my 16GB SODIMMs and leave one of the 4GB SODIMMS? They are the same speed. Also can you sync a bluetooth Logitech keyboard?

[@RetroAxis]

I believe the RAM has to be matching pairs, according to the atari faq. As far as the keyboard, you probably can pair any Bluetooth input device, just depend if the Linux is has the driver and capability in the UI. Most keyboards and mice are generically supported in Linux.

[@BrentB]

@@RetroAxis cool thx for the response I might try it and let ya know. As for the keyboard, it’s a Logitech k830. I tried on the Atari device setup under Bluetooth and didn’t see it show up.

[@BrentB]

Your video was very helpful. I did add one of the DDR4 SODIMMs from my Precision 5510 Laptop and it WORKED with lubuntu usb disk. It shows up with 18GB of RAM dmidecode shows 1 16GB DDR4 at 2133 MT/s and the 4GB DDR4 is at 2667 MT/s. I assume it will run at 2133 MT/s. I would love to try opening it again and using my 2 32GB DDR4 DIMMS. that would be epic if it worked! I just ordered a 1TB M.2 SATA SSD as well. Going to load Windows 10 Pro on it. Will it dual boot once I install or is there a keystroke I use like to choose the disk when booting? Also the K830 worked under Ubuntu but not the Atari VCS OS for some reason which was a total bummer. Ill let ya know but pretty stoked.

[@BrentB]

@@RetroAxis Can I just add the M.2 Drive or do I need a standoff or something? What did you add?

[@RetroAxis]

I ended up using an M3 Nut below the drive as a stand-off. A standoff will also work.

[@JA-uz7se]

Can you let us know if the extra ram did anything to the performance? Also is 32gb in total the max you can put in? Also why did you choose SATA over NVE

[@RetroAxis]

I choose SATA over NVME because the Atari only supports SATA, sadly. Regarding the performance, I did not go with a lower latency memory, and my end goal was not performance specifically. The additional memory capacity is more to explore how this machine can be used practically in other ways. Stay tuned, and I will likely discuss this in an upcoming episode.

[@JA-uz7se]

@@RetroAxis ahh ok perfect thanks for telling me as I was going to order some ram too! Did not know about that. Reason I was asking was because I heard that you can stick in 32gb sticks each so total 64gb. I’m hoping Atari give the password out to release the 2gb for video. Waiting for your next video so can see any improvements with what you have done so far.

[@loch3765]

Do you know if Google Stadia runs well on this?

[@RetroAxis]

I have not tested it.

[@loch3765]

@@RetroAxis I'm really considering buying this especially if I can stream my games.

[@causerDAguv]

I'm .....actually....shocked....at this console

[@raoullangner-macmillan7655]

Thanks for your Video. I like Atari, but 400 Bucks - without controller - and then I have to upgrade the system at my own. Nothing for me, I have a PC in my living room. So no need for that for me..

[@kanwang4220]

The original 2x4GB DDR4 RAM seem to be 2666 MHz which is slightly higher than your new ones. (Although it could be running at 2400 MHz speed? I recall seeing that in another video with Atari VCS running Windows 10) Not sure about actual latency as I could not find the CL number for the original kit.

[@FireSloth1134]

The AMD chipset for this APU only supports up to 2400. Faster RAM like 2666 or 3000 automatically steps down to 2400 speeds as dictated by the motherboard.

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

Realistically 32gb ram is pointless on that thing, 16gb would be fine and you can run any current game with that at settings way beyond what this is capable even at 1080/30. Looks like it's stuck with 2400mhz too, the spec sheet lists this as the max supported speed. Bit of a waste of money tbh, would have been an okayish TV box 3 years ago.

[@captkenway6397]

Atari needs to go and change some things on that design real quick cuz this is NOT what i call "upgradable" when you have to basically tear it a part to change either the ram or ssd. Hello have they ever seen a laptop???

[@FireSloth1134]

They never claimed it was EASILY upgradable, did they? 😁

[@captkenway6397]

@@FireSloth1134 u right andy!!! U right lmao

[@austenfairbanks5604]

Please viewers please don't waste your money on this and then proceed to waste even more on upgrades for vega 3 graphics. Just build a cheap emulation pc/station. Wayyy cheaper and more options. Nice video though

[@RetroAxis]

I am reaching the same conclusion. Which is why Atari need to make the console part more compelling with a games library. Otherwise just a PC in a set top box with a custom Linux UI

[@SimbaSeven.]

Me? I would've slapped in a 4TB NVMe.

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

It doesn't support NVME, you're stuck with SATA speed M.2 drives which are more than fast enough for this APU.

[@SimbaSeven.]

@@MegaTerryNutkins Well, that stinks. You can go up to 2TB then.

[@Nanarchy_2k7]

Oh, lordies. Got me triggered on the SSD install. There should have been a mounting screw, then a smaller screw that goes into it and holds the SSD parallel to the motherboard. The way you did it leaves the SSD at an angle. Spend 50 cents and grab the correct parts, please.

[@RetroAxis]

Yes, I have already corrected that. The standoff i has was too tall, so I went back and found an m3 nut to sit beneath the card

[@twoface4703]

Why would anyone buy this?

[@MegaTerryNutkins]

The case, lack of knowledge. Truth be told it would be a nice media PC and low end emulation box for the living room if you don't care about paying over what something is worth.

[@omega_sauce]

Click bait. Saw the sledgehammer and was hoping this was a different kind of video.

[@RetroAxis]

You never know when a mallet will come in handy. Sometimes those pesky ram chips get stubborn and need a talking to.