In a recent episode of CRG, a damaged and partially stripped Amiga 500 Rev 3 board finds new life. Purchased as a parts board, this rare early revision sparked curiosity and determination. Despite the missing components and visible damage, Glen decided it was worth saving. He walks viewers through the restoration step-by-step, sharing the quirks, surprises, and challenges along the way.
The Amiga 500 Rev 3 is uncommon and known for its factory-level bodges and subtle differences from later models. This one was missing Agnes, Denise, a CIA, and three major ports. The RGB area was especially rough—traces torn, pads missing, and signs of overheated removal. Nonetheless, Glen tackled the recap and damage head-on, inspecting every suspicious area with a microscope before breaking out the patch wires.
Though early boards like the Amiga 500 Rev 3 aren’t favored for stability, their design tells a unique story. Glen uncovered modifications that alter how composite sync is routed and how power is isolated in the video section. He also discovered that this board lacks the ability to disable the low pass filter—explaining some puzzling audio behavior during testing.
After several failed boot attempts, the issue was narrowed down to a faulty CIA chip—the very replacement Glen had installed. Once swapped with a known-good part, the machine booted and passed Amiga Test Kit diagnostics. With a clean bill of health (minus those oversized capacitors), Glen now faces the final decision: restore it fully, or keep it as a showpiece?
The video isn’t just about fixing old tech. It’s about preserving forgotten variants and understanding why someone may have discarded them in the first place. Glen’s dry wit and precision make this a satisfying and informative watch for any Amiga fan.
