Motherboards in early 520STFMs

[JezC]

In my 30+ STF/M models, a mix of 520s & 1040s, none have a blitter or even a socket for one (though lots do have the footprint for the socket).

My Mega4 does have one fitted.

Also, the 20+ 'junk' motherboards I got from Exxos looked never to have had a socket or a blitter fitted.

Not by any means conclusive but it seems to contradict the advertising

[atari030]

Late FM's were sold alongside E's. Atari wouldn't spend the cash on that.

Do you still have any copies of the Ad's? I have a ton of Pommy and US mags and can't recall seeing a blitter advertised. Not saying your wrong, it'd be an interesting to find they did.

[exxos]

I've never seen a STFM with a socket, space for one yes. Eary ST's didnt even have the footprint for one. Some MEGA ST's had a blitter, but not all of them. IIRC there might have been supply issues.

[polbit]

Technically then, getting a 520STFM is better than the 1040STF(M) because there is a higher probability of a newer MB, not the silly layout, and less RAM to desolder when upgrading...

[exxos]

STFMs are generally better machines to go for. But with so many versions of the motherboards, its still just down to luck.