---
title: Matra MAX 20
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- France
years:
- '1984'
cpus:
- Intel 8088
params:
  name: MAX 20
  image: /media/museum/photos/matra_max20_system_1.jpg
  company: /companies/matra
  company_name: Matra
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: MAX 20
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Matra
  - label: TYPE
    value: Professional Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: France
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1984'
  - label: END OF PRODUCTION
    value: '1986'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: None
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Full stroke 92 keys with numeric keypad and arrow keys
  - label: CPU
    value: Intel 8088
  - label: SPEED
    value: 4,77 Mhz
  - label: CO-PROCESSOR
    value: Optional 8087 math co-processor
  - label: RAM
    value: 64 kb (up to 1 Mb)
  - label: ROM
    value: 2 kb
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 80 chars x 24 lines
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: Unknown
  - label: COLORS
    value: Monochrome green
  - label: SOUND
    value: Built-in speaker
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: 42 (W) x 51 (D) x 38 (H) cm
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: Parallel, optional Serial and Network
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: 5.25'' disk-drive - 320 kb
  - label: OS
    value: MS-DOS & CP/M 86
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Built-in PSU - 65W
  - label: PERIPHERALS
    value: Printers, disk-drives, V24 communication card, high resolution card, modem
  - label: PRICE
    value: Unknown
  forum_thread: 935
  oc_id: 959
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20221205023127/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=959
    date: '2022-12-05'
---

The MAX-20 (for Matra AX-20) was the same machine as the [Axel 20](/museum/axel-ax-20/). The main difference between them was the removal of the function keys in front of the monitor. The 'E' version probably meant 'Education'

Although the machine was well conceived and the case offered a nice design, it had no success in the private sector because of its poor compatibility with the IBM-PC standard. However, about 1000 systems were sold to the French Department of Education as network servers (first networks established in schools, called 'Nano Réseau').

Furthermore, as the computer was built by **Comterm-Matra**, a Franco-Canadian subsidiary of Matra, the Canadian Department of Education obliged schools to order the MAX-20 instead of the Apple [Macintosh](/museum/apple-macintosh/). Thee first deliveries occurred in early 1985. One year later, after having delivered 9000 computers, Comterm-Matra met with financial difficulties and ceased production. Thus, the machines quickly became obsolete and unusable in schools.