Opinions / Info - AmigaOS 4.x Systems

[Kernel]

I'm curious if anyone knows of any FAQ's, or has any direct feedback, on the various incarnations of OS 4.x Amiga's that have come across to date.  I may be in the market for a used one or even an X-#### model and would like to know what I'm getting into ahead of time if possible.

For example, I seem to recall one motherboard has an audio issue due to a missing capacitor or resistor?

I'm particularly interested in info on the Sam440/460 models as I've seen them advertised more than others.

Thanks!

[carvedeye]

I'm curious if anyone knows of any FAQ's, or has any direct feedback, on the various incarnations of OS 4.x Amiga's that have come across to date.  I may be in the market for a used one or even an X-#### model and would like to know what I'm getting into ahead of time if possible.

For example, I seem to recall one motherboard has an audio issue due to a missing capacitor or resistor?

I'm particularly interested in info on the Sam440/460 models as I've seen them advertised more than others.

Thanks!

 I used to have a sam440ep and I really miss it so wish that I never sold now

OS 4 is fantastic loved every bit of it, if commodore didn't go down the drain I think they would have done a system very similar.

[spirantho]

I'm getting all the bits for my x1000 tomorrow I would recommend a second hand Sam 440 first, though, as they're cheap and give a good idea of the OS. They're plenty fast enough for most uses, but too slow for hi-def video and the browsers are a bit sluggish... but if you find you like it you can then sell that without any loss, probably, and go up to the next level like a 460, or even an x1000 which is very expensive but very nice! And if you don't like it, you can still sell it and not lose anything.

[utri007]

I'm getting all the bits for my x1000 tomorrow I would recommend a second hand Sam 440 first, though, as they're cheap and give a good idea of the OS. They're plenty fast enough for most uses, but too slow for hi-def video and the browsers are a bit sluggish... but if you find you like it you can then sell that without any loss, probably, and go up to the next level like a 460, or even an x1000 which is very expensive but very nice! And if you don't like it, you can still sell it and not lose anything.

I have Sam440 Flex, wich I can recomend. It is well supported machine, it has a working 3D drivers, all mobo devices has a working drivers, etc.

800mhz model works OK with web browsing and NTCS/PAL quality videos are played just fine.

[Kernel]

I'm getting all the bits for my x1000 tomorrow .

Yeah... if I could talk the wife into spending 3K right now it would be a done deal, but sadly...

[spirantho]

@Kernel
That's why the Sam range is there....

[vox]

For example, I seem to recall one motherboard has an audio issue due to a missing capacitor or resistor?

I'm particularly interested in info on the Sam440/460 models as I've seen them advertised more than others.

Thanks!

There is no defenete winner.

Pegasos 2 - Fast, cheap, avail only used, hard to get OS4 copy, can run MorphOS too

SAM 440 - Cheapest and best supported but limited CPU, no probs with sound or 3D

SAM 460 - Limited expandability, much faster then SAM 440, but its PCIE cards have only 2D

X1000 - Most expensive big box, fast and expandable, but its PCIE cards have only 2D and has to use Linux to be fully used

X5000 -Beats main disadvantage of X1000 and that is relatively slow CPU, but is in beta testing. Worth of waiting.

Main point is we need OS 4.2 to get all modern features of last 3.

[vox]

Yeah... if I could talk the wife into spending 3K right now it would be a done deal, but sadly...

Then try getting Peg2 used with OS4 and MorphOS if not possible then go for SAM440. It will not destroy your budget.

I do use both SAM460 and X1000, its nice to have em, but man, they are not fully used by OS, starting with more modern gfx cards that work 2D only and SAM 460 has many pecularities SAM 440 doesnt have. Some days I wish I had Peg 2 or SAM 440.:rtfm:

[yssing]

I can also recommend getting a used SAM440. Amiga OS responsive nature makes it feel like you are using a very fast computer

[amoskodare]

I too recommend the Sam440-flex with Radeon 9250 as your first OS4 machine

It's pretty cheap, it's very well supported and feels snappy enough. You can always then buy a faster one if you feel you need more grunt in the CPU department...

And OS4.1 fully upgraded to Update 6.

[Duce]

I have a 440ep, using the onboard gfx still, running dual 32 GB SSD's in it.  Boots almost instantly.  I bought it via pre-order in '08 via Amigakit and have been very pleased with it, but my usage case is very light.  I just run a BBS on it, so it's got more than enough grunt for what I need.

I haven't had one single lick of problems with it, but if you're looking for a NG box to run games or do video stuff, you might want something with a bit more grunt, power wise.  Plenty of people complain that the 440ep is a bit anemic power wise, but I've never had any issues with mine and they are relatively cheap ($300 or so, MB, RAM and OS) via the second hand market these days.

A lot of people love the A1 and Peg machines, but I detest IDE drives with a passion.  SAM's are all SATA, thankfully.  I've also had zero issues with USB at all, which can be a complaint the A1 and Peg guys have had in the past.  I've literally never had a USB error, the machine has been 100% plug and play for me, USB wise, and I use USB sticks and external USB drives a *lot*.

[yssing]

My Sam440 boots faster than my windows machine shuts down. And with the new UAE jit, playing old games is no problem.

[duffsta]

Hey guys, where is the best place to find a used Sam440 or 460 motherboard that would ship to new zealand can't see any on ebay, any recommends? i couldn't find any on amigakit guessing only used ones available now? And how much do these 2 motherboards usually sell for these days? thanks

[danbeaver]

Try going to the Marketplace section on this site and the wanted section on Amibay's site and ask.  Sometimes you will get an offer that day.

[SamuraiCrow]

Hey guys, where is the best place to find a used Sam440 or 460 motherboard that would ship to new zealand can't see any on ebay, any recommends? i couldn't find any on amigakit guessing only used ones available now? And how much do these 2 motherboards usually sell for these days? thanks

Note also, the AmigaOne 500 is a Sam 460-based complete system.