The Amiga 500 is getting a serious performance boost, thanks to the PiStorm and a CM4 board. Future Retro Fusion recently tested the setup, pushing the limits of what’s possible with the classic machine.
At the core of this upgrade is a GPIO Extender that connects the CM4 module to the PiStorm. The result? A seamless multitasking experience with AGA capabilities on an Amiga 500. To put it to the test, Pinball Fantasies was loaded up and played directly on the system. While playing one-handed made things tricky, the game ran well—especially for hardware that wasn’t originally built for AGA titles.
Multitasking on an Amiga 500? Yes, Really
One of the most impressive aspects of this setup is its ability to multitask. A quick key combination brought up the Workbench, allowing files to be opened and windows to be moved around—all while the game continued running in the background. The sound was trimmed down to 11 kHz mono, which isn’t ideal, but given the performance improvements, it’s a reasonable trade-off.
More RAM, More Games
For users with an Amiga 1000, 2000, or any system with limited Chip RAM, this solution opens up the possibility of playing games that require more memory. The PiStorm’s speed helps smooth out gameplay over time, reducing hiccups that might appear initially.
RH Launcher and Windowed Mode
Another useful addition is RH Launcher, which provides an easy way to load games. Titles like International Karate can run in a windowed mode, keeping them separate from other applications. The mouse integrates seamlessly into the window, making it feel more like a modern emulator.
CM4 Performance and Overclocking
To keep things running efficiently, the CM4 module in this setup is overclocked and paired with a 5V fan and heatsink. Even under heavy use, temperatures stay below 40°C, ensuring stability.
While there are occasional slowdowns, particularly when juggling multiple tasks, the performance gains outweigh the drawbacks. This setup transforms an Amiga 500 into a more capable system, removing RAM limitations and enabling a wider selection of games and applications.
For those looking for a budget-friendly way to get more out of their Amiga, the PiStorm and CM4 combo is a solid choice—offering more speed, better multitasking, and the ability to play AGA games on hardware that was never meant to support them.
