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68K+ A1200 Build, which would be best?

68K+ A1200 Build, which would be best?

So I have been thinking about doing a new A1200 build some point this year, (i got to wait for A1200.net to get me the Cd32 addition case) but have been debating about what to put in it, the new 68K+ platforms are all offering their own unique features and qualities,

Pi5 / mini x86 self build emulation system

My Original plan, and likely the one I’m still most likely to do, so I can have more freedom on what I can do with the system and what feature I want to add to the platform. Plus this if I go this very high end route would be the only system able to run a fast emulated AmigaOS4 system.

Vampire V4 / Apollo v4

  • Good Points
    • FPGA system, much more accurate
    • Access to 68080, SAGA, ApolloOS
    • Supporting a cool Amiga effort 
  • Bad Points
    • Cost is a bit high
    • Slowest system
    • Some software issue I’v heard

I always liked the goals of this project and the What If, Motoroal kept developing the 68K platform its presents. The only thing that slightly put me off it was the price and software support (the software support seem to have improved in terms of stabilities, which is good to see.

A1200NG

  • Good Points
    • Likely Easiest DIY effort for A1200 system
    • Access to Amibench
    • Loads of new Amiga apps and software or setup ready to go
    • Looks to have good dev support
  • Bad Points
    • Bit pricier than a self build could be
    • Emulation, not 100% accurate
    • Not as fast / powerful as a self build could be

The newest choice / platform on this list from Amigakit, I mean its kinda what my original plan I was going to be, but its all setup and ready to go. It very tempting choice, I wish the system was a little cheaper and faster, as I feel a self build could be done cheaper, however you are supporting one of the few manufactures/stores left in the Amiga scene. Plus the software you get loads of classic Amiga apps updated and a very promising Amibench OS developments.

A1200 + Pistorm

  • Good Points
    • Could go complete Re-A1200 level 
    • 100% original hardware
    • Pistorm Speeds
    • Build would be farily easy
  • Bad Points
    • Some software issue
    • Not as fast as emulation can be
    • Costs

Pistorm is an amazing addition to the Amiga scene and gives you a super fast Amiga. Plus there is something about still having original hardware in your machine.

PocketStorm / Amicube F1200 / Minimig + Pistorm

  • Good Points
    • Cheaper FPGA than Vampire
    • Most are in development stages, may need to wait
  • Bad Points
    • Cost could still be higher than Self build
    • Not as fast as emulation can be
    • Still be a bit DIY

A very new idea has been to combine FPGA with a Pistorm to give you a super fast and importantly can be a fairly cheap Amiga.

So as you can see, the Amiga world is far from not having choices, its kinda amazing and I wish to thank all the devs who have made all these choice so competitive with one another. So which platform would you do?

https://poll-maker.com/poll5460175x01A84740-162

https://amigaworld.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=45467&forum=2

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