FM Towns:Model List

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FM Towns Computer came in multiple models over its lifetime. The most iconic is the tower models.

It should be noted all parts can be interchanged from other models in the series of computers it belongs in. For example, the motherboard from a 2F can be used in a 1H model. Some models were educational models that were placed in schools and are identical to their retail counterpart in the series.

Towers

To tell the difference between the tower models is quite easy. Pay attention to the buttons on the front panel of the computer. They're different for the 4 different tower-types.

All towers come stock with a 386DX CPU clocked at 16mhz.


Generation 1 Tower Models

There is no SCSI connector on this computer and it requires a special SCSI add-on card to use a hard drive/hard drive emulator. The model number for the SCSI card is FMT-121.

Generation 1 Tower models
Model CPU Integrated Memory Maximum RAM slot 1 Maximum RAM slot 2 Maximum RAM slot 3 Maximum Memory Memory Timing FDD Other Notes
Model 1 Socketted 1MB 1MB 2MB 2MB 6MB 100ns One 2Mode FDD N/A
Model 2 Socketted 2MB 1MB 2MB 2MB 6MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD N/A
S1 Socketted 1MB 1MB 2MB 2MB 6MB 100ns One 2Mode FDD Educational Model
S2 Socketted 2MB 1MB 2MB 2MB 6MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD Educational Model

Generation 2 Tower Models

Generation 2 and onward have integrated SCSI controller and connector. They also have the optional ability to have an internal HDD which is not recommended.

Generation 2 Tower models
Model CPU Integrated Memory Maximum RAM slot 1 Maximum RAM slot 2 Maximum RAM slot 3 Maximum Memory Memory Timing FDD Other Notes
1F Socketted 1MB 2MB 2MB 2MB 7MB 100ns One 2Mode FDD N/A
2F Socketted 2MB 2MB 2MB 2MB 8MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD N/A
1H Socketted 1MB 2MB 2MB 2MB 7MB 100ns One 2Mode FDD 20MB HDD
2H Socketted 2MB 2MB 2MB 2MB 8MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD 40MB HDD
SF Socketted 2MB 2MB 2MB 2MB 8MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD Educational Model
SH Socketted 2MB 2MB 2MB 2MB 8MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD 40MB HDD, Educational Model

Generation 3 Tower Models

Generation 3 towers appear to be the most widespread models specifically the 20F model. The CPU for Generation 3 and onward are soldered and require expert-level desoldering to perform an upgrade.

Generation 3 Tower models
Model CPU Integrated Memory Maximum RAM slot 1 Maximum RAM slot 2 Maximum RAM slot 3 Maximum Memory Memory Timing FDD Other Notes
10F Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns One 2Mode FDD N/A
20F Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD N/A
40H Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD 40MB HDD
80H Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD 85MB HDD


Generation 4 Tower Models

Generation 4 Towers are the best models introducing FAST mode for software that supported it.

Generation 4 Tower models
Model CPU Integrated Memory Maximum RAM slot 1 Maximum RAM slot 2 Maximum RAM slot 3 Maximum Memory Memory Timing FDD Other Notes
CX10 Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns One 2Mode FDD N/A
CX20 Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD N/A
CX40 Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD 40MB HDD
CX100 Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD 100MB HDD
SF2 Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD Educational Model
SH2 Soldered 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Two 2Mode FDD 40MB HDD, Educational Model


All-In-Ones

The U* models had the CRT built into them similar to the very old Mac Classic Computers. You can even use it as a CRT for other FMT and PC98 computers. It is extremely difficult to disassemble an all-in-one model for maintenance or troubleshooting purposes. It is strongly recommended to recap the PSU cards for the Computer and the CRT sections as fast as possible Drive can also be repaired a lot easier than many desktops and towers albeit extremely painful to access. It should also be noted that SCSI ID 0 can't be accessed by U* series due to BIOS limitations and the HDD must be Device 1-8 instead. U* series also cannot shutdown via TownsOS and must be shut off by the actual power button. There is a message similar to Windows 95 where it says "It's now safe to turn off the Computer".

UX series

Very first All-in-one computer. Has the same CPU as Marty except for a 32bit BUS instead of the 16bit one in Marty.

UX Series
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Maximum Memory Memory Timing FDD HDD
UX10 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 1 2mode FDD N/A
UX20 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD N/A
UX40 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD 40MB

UG Series

CPU Clocked at 20mhz but still 386SX. Has FAST mode.

UG Series
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Maximum Memory Memory Timing FDD HDD
UG10 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 1 2mode FDD N/A
UG20 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD N/A
UG40 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD 40MB
UG80 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD 80MB


UR Series

CPU is 486SX at 20mhz and also has FAST mode.

UR Series
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Maximum Memory Memory Timing FDD HDD
UR20 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD N/A
UR40 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD 40MB
UR80 2MB 8MB 10MB 100ns 2 2mode FDD 80MB


Desktops

All Desktops have 3 Mode FDD and usually come with 2 FDD unless noted.
All Desktops have 4 expansion slots with 1 for Video and 3 for generic cards unless noted.
All Desktops have FAST mode built in as an option.

HG Series

Very first desktops. CPU is 386DX at 20mhz.

HG/SG Desktops
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Slot 2 Maximum Slot 3 Maximum Maximum Memory Memory Timing Other information
HG20 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Example
HG40 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns 40MB HDD
HG100 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns 100MB HDD
SG20 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns Educational Model
SG40 2MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 26MB 100ns 40MB HDD, Educational model

HR Series

Not the same as HG-type desktops but looks similar. CPU is 486SX at 20mhz

HR/SR Desktops
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Slot 2 Maximum Slot 3 Maximum Maximum Memory Memory Timing Other information
HR20 4MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 28MB 100ns Example
HR100 4MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 28MB 100ns 100MB HDD
HR200 4MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 28MB 100ns 200MB HDD
SR20 4MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 28MB 100ns Educational Model
SR100 4MB 8MB 8MB 8MB 28MB 100ns 100MB HDD, Educational model

ME Series

CPU is 486SX at 25mhz. RAM timing requirement is 80ns or less. Unlike most desktops, this model has only 3 expansion slots and therefore the CPU upgrade cards must be shorter.

ME Desktops
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Slot 2 Maximum Maximum Memory Other information
SE 2MB 32MB 32MB 66MB Educational Model
ME20 2MB 32MB 32MB 66MB N/A
ME170 2MB 32MB 32MB 66MB 170MB HDD


MA/MX Series

CPU is 486SX at 33mhz for MA/SA series and 66mhz for MX series. RAM timing requirement is 80ns or less.

MA/MX Desktops
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Slot 2 Maximum Slot 3 Maximum Maximum Memory Other information
MA20 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB N/A
MA170 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB 170MB HDD
MA340 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB 340MB HDD
MX20 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB N/A
MX170 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB 170MB HDD
MX340 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB 340MB HDD
SA 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB Educational Model
SA170W 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB Educational Model, 170MB HDD, Comes with special video card?



MF Series

CPU is 486SX at 33mhz for MF series. RAM timing requirement is 80ns or less. Only 3 expansion slots and takes shorter CPU upgrade cards.

MF Desktops
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Slot 2 Maximum Slot 3 Maximum Maximum Memory Other information
Fresh 6MB 32MB 32MB N/A 70MB 170MB HDD
Fresh TV 6MB 32MB N/A 32MB 70MB 170MB HDD. Has TV Tuner card.
MF20 4MB 32MB 32MB N/A 68MB N/A
MF170W 6MB 32MB 32MB N/A 100MB Might come with special video card?
SF20 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 100MB Educational Model
SF170W 6MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 102MB 340MB HDD, Educational Model

Examine the drive letters on the front.

EA Series

RAM timing requirement is 80ns or less. Only 3 expansion slots and takes shorter CPU upgrade cards.
Very easy upgrade path for floppy emulators as it's plug and play.
Internally converts all video and outputs 31khz with a standard VGA connector.
Some models require CPU upgrade card to be present as the CPU footprint on the motherboard is empty.

EA Desktops
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Slot 2 Maximum Maximum Memory CPU Other information
Fresh E 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486DX2 66MHZ 260MB HDD
Fresh T 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486SX 33MHZ 260MB HDD
EA2 4MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486SX 33MHZ N/A
Fresh ES 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486DX2 66MHZ 360MB HDD, Only 1 3-Mode FDD
Fresh ET 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486DX2 66MHZ 360MB HDD, Has TV Tuner card, Only 1 3-Mode FDD
Fresh FS 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486DX4 100MHZ 540MB HDD, Only 1 3-Mode FDD
Fresh FT 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486DX2 66MHZ 540MB HDD, Has TV Tuner card, Only 1 3-Mode FDD
SI2 4MB 32MB 32MB 68MB 486SX 33MHZ Educational Model
SI26 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486SX 33MHZ 260MB HDD, Educational Model
SJ2 4MB 32MB 32MB 68MB 486DX2 66MHZ Educational Model
SJ26 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486DX2 66MHZ 260MB HDD, Educational Model
SJ2A 4MB 32MB 32MB 68MB 486DX2 66MHZ Educational Model
SJ53 8MB 32MB 32MB 72MB 486DX2 66MHZ 530MB HDD, Educational Model

HA Series

The last Desktops. Has two internal "Towns SCSI" ports inside as well as the outer SCSI port.
CD Drive is an extremely unreliable variant.
RAM memory timing must be 60ns.
Floppy emulator upgrade also easy to perform. EXT FDD Port is removed in these models as well.
Has a standard VGA port and performs internal video conversion. Outputs 31khz.
You can remove the front cover and the plastic molding is "ready" to add a Magneto Optical Drive.


HA Desktops
Model Integrated Memory Slot 1 Maximum Slot 2 Maximum Slot 3 Maximum Slot 4 Maximum Maximum Memory CPU Other information
HA2 4MB 32MB 32MB 32MB N/A 100MB 486DX2 66MHZ N/A
HA53 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB N/A 104MB 486DX2 66MHZ 530MB HDD
HB2 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 136MB Pentium 60mhz 100MB HDD
HB53 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 136MB Pentium 60mhz 530MB HDD
HB53M 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 136MB Pentium 60mhz 530MB HDD. Has a Magneto Optical Drive built in.
HC53 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 136MB Pentium 90mhz 100MB HDD. One FDD.
HC53M 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 136MB Pentium 90mhz 530MB HDD. One FDD. Has a Magneto Optical Drive built in.
SK53 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 136MB Pentium 60mhz 530MB HDD. Educational model.
SL53 8MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 32MB 136MB Pentium 90mhz 530MB HDD. Educational model.


The Laptop

There was one Laptop made by Fujitsu distributed to schools making it quite rare and difficult to find since it is only an educational model.
It has 4MB RAM integrated capable of accepting 1 32MB module. Maximum RAM is 36MB.
cPU is 486DX2 at 66mhz comes standard in a flat chip package and cannot be upgraded with any CPU cards. It is possible to upgrade to a 5x86 CPU with extremely precise soldering/desoldering skills.
Comes stock with a 530MB HDD and 1 FDD.
Commonly has screen problems if you can even find it for sale.
It is generally accepted to be better as a collector's piece and not for general gaming use.


References and other information