---
title: EXXON 500 Series
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1982'
cpus:
- Z80-A
params:
  name: 500 Series
  image: /media/museum/photos/exxon_520_system_1.jpg
  company: /companies/exxon
  company_name: EXXON
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: 500 Series
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Exxon
  - label: TYPE
    value: Professional Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: U.S.A.
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1982'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: None
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Full-stroke 97 keys with 12 function keys and arrow keys
  - label: CPU
    value: Z80-A
  - label: SPEED
    value: 4 Mhz
  - label: CO-PROCESSOR
    value: None
  - label: RAM
    value: 64 KB (510 version) or 128 to 256 KB (520-530 versions)
  - label: VRAM
    value: Unknown
  - label: ROM
    value: 1 KB (Boot loader)
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 80 columns x 25 lines
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: None
  - label: COLORS
    value: Monochrome
  - label: SOUND
    value: Beeper
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: Unknown
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: Parallel printer, FDD unit, serial (option)
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: |-
      External dual 5.25'' 600 KB FDD unit (510 - 520 versions)\
      5 or 10 MB HDD (530 version)
  - label: OS
    value: CP/M 2.2
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Built-in power supply unit
  - label: PRICE
    value: $9200 (510 version)
  forum_thread: 604
  oc_id: 617
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230608081756/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=617
    date: '2023-06-08'
---

Exxon Computer Division, a branch of the Exxon Oil Company, sold this computer in the U.S.A and Europe.

This computer was built in 1982. The system is composed of CPU box, monitor, dual disk drives and a keyboard. It was delivered withe software on 5.2 disks, manuals, training materials.

This office computer was primarily a word processor with calenders, ticklers and file sharing capabilities. It ran on the Z-80 chipset with a 64 KB architecture running a CPM like OS. In some regards it is a monument to the arrogance of Senior Exxon management who felt that they were so good at managing an oil company, that surely they could manage a successful computer company.

Exxon owned Zilog, the creators of the Z80, which they purchased in 1980. The Z80 based Exxon 510 was the first system to grow out of that purchase. It has been argued by some the if Exxon had not purchased Zilog, that Zilog left alone would have rivaled Intel today. Exxon Office Systems was based on the purchase of Vydec and Zilog with the machines being developed by Compucorp and the printers being built by Qume.

Unfortunately, Exxon really mismanaged the companies and they sold off the business in 1985.

The **510** version was the basic 64 KB system.\
The **520** version offered 128 KB of RAM expandable up to 256 KB.\
The **530** version featured a 5 MB or 10 MB HDD.

---

Contributors: David Gallaher

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>