Chess Computer Collection
Chess computers I have owned. I keep only those marked in blue.
Click on the photo to see more details.
Fidelity Chess Challenger
Year: 1977
CPU: 8080 - 2 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 2 KB
RAM: 512 Bytes
Programmer: Ron Nelson
ELO approx.: 850
Fidelity Chess Challenger 10(B)
Year: 1978
CPU: Z80A - 4 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 4 KB
RAM: 512 Bytes
Programmer: Ron Nelson
ELO approx.: 1300
Novag Chess Champion MK I
Year: 1978
CPU: Fairchild F8/3850 - 1,78 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 2 KB
RAM: 256 Bytes
Programmer: David B. Goodrich & Associates
ELO approx.: 985
Applied Concepts Boris Master
Year: 1979
CPU: Fairchild F8/3850 - 1 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 4 KB
RAM: 256 Bytes
Programmer: David Lindsey
ELO approx.: 1270
Fidelity Voice Chess Challenger
Year: 1979
CPU: Z80A - 4 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 12 KB (Speech ROM not counted)
RAM: 1 KB
Programmer: Ron Nelson
ELO approx.: 1170
Fidelity Voice Sensory Chess Challenger
Year: 1980
CPU: Z80A - 4 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 20 KB (Speech ROM not counted)
RAM: 1 KB
Programmer: Ron Nelson
ELO approx.: 1190
Mephisto I
Year: 1980
CPU: CDP1802 - 3,58 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 6 KB
RAM: 1 KB
Programmer: Thomas Nitsche & Elmar Henne
ELO approx.: 1220
Applied Concepts
Morphy Edition Master Chess
Year: 1981
CPU: 6502 - 2 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 8 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: John Aker
ELO approx.: 1500
Novag Super Sensor IV
Year: 1981
CPU: 6502A - 2 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 8 KB (upgradeable to 24 KB)
RAM: 1 KB
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1300
Fidelity Champion Sensory Chess Challenger
Year: 1981
CPU: 6502B - 1.95 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 28 KB (Speech ROM not counted)
RAM: 3 KB
Programmer: Dan & Kate Spracklen
ELO approx.: 1570
Fidelity Chess Challenger Mini Sensory
Year: 1981
CPU: 8049H - 11 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 2 KB
RAM: 128 Bytes
Programmer: Ron Nelson
ELO approx.: 1000
VEB Mikroelektronik Erfurt (RFT) "SC 2"
Year: 1981
CPU: VEB U880 (Z80 clon) - 2,5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 9 KB
RAM: 256 Bytes
Programmer: ?
ELO approx.: 1300
Fidelity Sensory Chess Challenger 9
Year: 1982
CPU: 6502A - 1,4 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: Dan & Kate Spracklen
ELO approx.: 1570
Mephisto "Brikett" Multi-Program project
Year: 1983
CPU: CDP1802 - 6,144 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: from 6 to 32 KB
RAM: from 1 to 4 KB
Programmer: Thomas Nitsche & Elmar Henne
ELO approx.: from 1200 to 1500
Novag Constellation
Year: 1983
CPU: 6502A - 2 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1600
Milton Bradley
Year: 1983
CPU: 6502A - 2 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: Mark Taylor
ELO approx.: 1300
CXG Chess 2001
Year: 1983
CPU: D780C/Z8400A (Z80) - 4 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: Richard Lang
ELO approx.: 1650
Fidelity Sensory Chess Challenger 12B
Year: 1984
CPU: 65C02 - 3 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 20 KB
RAM: 4 KB
Programmer: Dan & Kate Spracklen
ELO approx.: 1750
CGL Computachess Champion 10MHz
Year: 1984
CPU: D780C/Z8400A (Z80) - 4 MHz [8-bit] -> Upgraded @10 MHz
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: Richard Lang
ELO approx.: >1700?
Novag Super Constellation
Year: 1984
CPU: 65C02 - 4 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 4 KB
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1810
Fidelity Excellence (Mod. EP12)
Year: 1985
CPU: 65C02 - 3 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: Dan & Kate Spracklen
ELO approx.: 1800
Mephisto Modulset MM II "Special"
Year: 1985
CPU: 65C02 - 3,7 MHz [8-bit] -> Upgraded @7,40 MHz
ROM: 32 KB -> Upgraded with HG240 (+16 KB)
RAM: 4 KB
Programmer: Ulf Rathsman
ELO approx.: 1885
Mephisto Modulset MM II +HG240
Year: 1985
CPU: 65C02 - 3,7 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 32 KB -> Upgraded with HG240 (+16 KB)
RAM: 4 KB
Programmer: Ulf Rathsman
ELO approx.: 1885
SciSys Astral
Year: 1985
CPU: HD6301Y0 - 8 MHz (Ø = 2 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 16 KB*
RAM: 256 Bytes*
Programmer: Julio Kaplan, Craig Barnes
ELO approx.: 1600
Elektronika IM-01
Year: 1986
CPU: К1801ВМ1 - 4,61 MHz [16-bit]
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: V. Petrenko
ELO approx.: 1310
Novag Constellation 3.6MHz (1986 Ed.)
Year: 1986
CPU: 65C02 - 3,6 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 16 KB (from Novag Constellation Quattro)
RAM: 2 KB
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1750
Mephisto Modulset Rebell 5.0
Year: 1986
CPU: 65C02 - 5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 32 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Ed Schröder
ELO approx.: 1875
Fidelity Par Excellence 16MHz (Upgrade)
Year: 1986
CPU: 65C02 - 16 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 32 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Dan & Kate Spracklen
ELO approx.: 2050
Fidelity Excellence (Mod. 6080B)
Year: 1987
CPU: 65C02 - 3 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 32 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Dan & Kate Spracklen
ELO approx.: 1800
VEB Mikroelektronik Erfurt (RFT) "Chess-Master Diamond"
Year: 1987
CPU: VEB U880 (Z80 clon) - 4 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 3 KB
Programmer: Rüdiger Worbs & Wolfgang Pähtz
ELO approx.: 1300
Mephisto Modulset MM IV
Year: 1987
CPU: 65C02 - 5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 32 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Ed Schröder
ELO approx.: 1920
Tandy Chess Champion 2150
Year: 1988
CPU: 65C02 - 3 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Julio Kaplan, Craig Barnes
ELO approx.: 1750
Mephisto Mondial 68000XL
Year: 1988
CPU: Motorola 68000 - 12 MHz [16-bit]
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 16 KB
Programmer: Richard Lang
ELO approx.: 1990
SciSys Turbo King
Year: 1988
CPU: 65C02 - 5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 64 KB (+ optional 32 KB Endgame ROM)
RAM: 16 KB
Programmer: Julio Kaplan, Craig Barnes
ELO approx.: 1850
Novag Super VIP
Year: 1989
CPU: HD6301Y0 - 9,83 MHz (Ø = 2,45 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 48 KB (16 KB* + 32 KB)
RAM: 2,25 KB (256 Bytes* + 2 KB)
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1690
Saitek Renaissance
Year: 1989
CPU: HD6301Y0 - 10 MHz (Ø = 2.5 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB (16 KB* + 16 KB)
RAM: 8,25KB (256 Bytes* + 8KB)
Programmer: Julio Kaplan, Craig Barnes
ELO approx.: 1600
Optional Modules: Maestro, Analyst, Brute Force and SPARC
Novag Super Expert C
Year: 1989 / 1990
CPU: 65C02 - 6 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 96 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 2040
Mephisto Academy
Year: 1989
CPU: 65C02 - 5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Ed Schröder
ELO approx.: 1980
Novag Supremo "Limited Edition"
Year: 1988 / 1990
CPU: HD63A03Y - 8 MHz (Ø = 2 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 2 KB*
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1650
Saitek Blitz
Year: 1990
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 10 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: Julio Kaplan, Craig Barnes
ELO approx.: 1860
Mephisto Europa A
Year: 1990
CPU: HD63B01Y0 - 8 MHz (Ø = 2 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 16 KB*
RAM: 256 Bytes*
Programmer: Frans Morsch
ELO approx.: 1780
Novag Super Nova
Year: 1990
CPU: HD6301Y0/HD63A03Y - 16 MHz (Ø = 4 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB (*Internal ROM disabled)
RAM: 2,25 KB (256 Bytes* + 2 KB)
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1810
Mephisto Modulset MM V
Year: 1990
CPU: 65C02 - 5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 32 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Ed Schröder
ELO approx.: 1980
Mephisto Mobil + Modul MM V
Year: 1990
CPU: 65C02 - 5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 32 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Ed Schröder
ELO approx.: 1980
Novag Scorpio 68000
Year: 1991
CPU: Motorola 68000 - 16 MHz [16-bit]
ROM: 96 KB
RAM: 16 KB + 64 KB for Hash tables
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 2040
Mephisto Milano / Nigel Short
Year: 1991 / 1993
CPU: 65C02 - 5 MHz [8-bit]
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 8 KB
Programmer: Ed Schröder
ELO approx.: 2020 / 2030
RadioShack Chess Champion 2150L
Year: 1992
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 8 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: Julio Kaplan, Craig Barnes
ELO approx.: 1750
Saitek GK 2000
Year: 1992
CPU: Hitachi H8/323 - 10 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 16 KB*
RAM: 512 Bytes*
Programmer: Frans Morsch
ELO approx.: 1950
Novag Ruby
Year: 1993
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 20 MHz (Ø = 10 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1920
Novag Sapphire
Year: 1994
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 26,6 MHz (Ø = 13,3 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 64 KB (32 KB* + 32 KB)
RAM: 1 KB* + 128 KB for Hash tables
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 2110
Systema Challenge
Year: 1994
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 10 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: Gyula Horvath
ELO approx.: 1790
Mephisto Mythos
Year: 1995
CPU: Hitachi H8/323 - 10 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 16 KB*
RAM: 512 Bytes*
Programmer: Frans Morsch
ELO approx.: 1950
Chess Wizard IQ V
Year: 1995
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 26,6 MHz (Ø = 13,3 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1990
Mephisto Milano Pro
Year: 1996
CPU: SH7034 - 20 MHz [32-bit]
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 4 KB
Programmer: Frans Morsch
ELO approx.: 2130
Novag Sapphire II
Year: 1997
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 16 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 64 KB (32 KB* + 32 KB)
RAM: 1 KB* + 128 KB for Hash tables
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 2150
Saitek Centurion
Year: 1998
CPU: Hitachi H8/3214 - 10 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: Frans Morsch
ELO approx.: 2010
Novag Aquamarine Risc II 26.6MHz
Year: 1998
CPU: Hitachi H8/325 - 26,6 MHz (Ø = 13,3 MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1990
Saitek Cougar
Year: 1998
CPU: Hitachi H8/3214 - 16 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: Frans Morsch
ELO approx.: 2020
Novag Quartz
Year: 2000
CPU: ?? - 8 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 16 KB*
RAM: 768 Bytes*
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 1450
Novag Obsidian
Year: 2005
CPU: Hitachi H8/3614 - 20 MHz (Ø = ? MHz) [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 2000
Novag Citrine
Year: 2006
CPU: Hitachi H8/3687 - 20 MHz [16-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 56 KB*
RAM: 3 KB*
Programmer: David Kittinger
ELO approx.: 2040
Mephisto Explorer Pro (Mod.)
Year: 2007
CPU: Hitachi H8/3214 - 16 MHz [8-bit Single-Chip*]
ROM: 32 KB*
RAM: 1 KB*
Programmer: Frans Morsch
ELO approx.: 2050