In part two of my Amstrad PCW 8256 restoration and upgrade series, I open up this classic 1985 Z80-based CP/M computer and replace the original 3-inch floppy disk drive with a modern GoTek USB floppy emulator. This upgrade dramatically improves reliability, convenience, and software loading for one of the most iconic word processing and productivity systems of the 1980s.
Originally released by Amstrad as an affordable all-in-one CP/M word processor, the PCW 8256 combined a monochrome monitor, keyboard, floppy drive, printer, and Zilog Z80 processor into a highly successful productivity machine that became especially popular throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Today, aging 3-inch floppy drives and deteriorating belts are among the most common issues affecting surviving Amstrad PCW systems, making GoTek upgrades increasingly popular within the retro computing community.
This video documents the complete installation process including opening the PCW 8256 case, removing the original 3-inch floppy drive, examining the internal analog board and Z80-based motherboard, installing the GoTek drive using a custom 3D-printed bracket, and testing the upgraded system by booting directly into CP/M Plus from a USB flash drive.
Also featured are demonstrations of classic Amstrad PCW software and gaming including Batman by Ocean Software, along with discussion about the system's upgraded memory configuration. Although the RAM upgrade installation itself was not recorded, the machine was expanded from 256 KB to 512 KB of RAM, significantly increasing the size of the built-in CP/M RAM disk shown during the boot process.
Additional hardware details include documenting the Orion CRT monitor tube model for future repair and restoration reference, along with close-up looks at the ports, internal layout, and expansion possibilities of the Amstrad PCW platform.
This one is a good fit for viewers interested in Amstrad computers, CP/M systems, Z80 hardware, GoTek floppy emulators, and retro computer restoration projects. This upgrade demonstrates how modern storage solutions can help preserve and extend the life of classic 1980s computer systems.