Which ACSI2STM card shall I buy ?
So you want to purchase an ACSI2STM to add a hard drive solution to your Atari. But you are not sure which one to choose?
Here is a summary of all ACSI2STM card available and information to help you to choose the best model for you.
WARNING: GAMES on Atari ST
If you goal is to play games on your Atari ST, then an ACSI2STM or any other hard drive solution may not be the best option for you.
Games on Atari ST were released on floppy disks. Very few were designed to run from hard drive. Most also use special sector or hidden files on the floppy to prevent copies. Even cracked games do still require to be launched from a floppy drive A.
You cannot just copy the file to your hard drive and run them.
Most solution to run "converted" games from hard drive involve loading an image into a RAM disk (In RAM) to emulate the A drive. This require more RAM: 1Mb minimum or 2Mb-4Mb.
If your only want to play games, get a GOTEK.
Your options:
The ACSI2STM classic.
This is the most popular by far. This model offers all the functionalities.
3 slots for 3 SD. You can run GemDrive mode and ACSI mode at the same time.
You can add a battery to use the RTC (Real Time Clock)
You can tinker with it, change the IDs
It works well on Atari ST, STF, STE, Mega ST
It may block the VME port on the Atari TT and MegaSTE.
This model does not fit at the back of a MegaFile (Atari hard drive)
The ACSI2STM NANO.
This is a cut down version of the classic ACSI2STM
Only one SD slot
No RTC
Address can only be set to 0 or 1
But it is perfect to plug at the back of an Atari MegaFile. If you want to backup your MegaFile 30 or MegaFile 60, this model will fit at the back on the unit without issue.
Changing its address is done via a micro switch.
The ACSI2STM for Mega STE
This is the internal version of the ACSI2STM for Atari Mega STE. It will not fit in any other model.
You still have the 3 SD slot and RTC.
You can use a microSD extension cable to make one of the slot available without having to open the case.
For your Atari:
You have an Atari ST, STF, STE or Mega ST: get the classic ACSI2STM
You have an Atari MegaFile: you want to backup or use with the ACSI2STM, get the NANO verison
You have an Atari Mega STE: you can use all 3
You have an Atari TT: you can use the classic and NANO
You have a Falcon 030: You cannot use any of them. The Falcon does not have a DMA port.