# Atari SALLY

> CPU

**Wikidata**: [Q114562232](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114562232)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atari-sally

## Summary  
Atari SALLY is a custom variant of the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor used in select Atari computers. It functions as the central processing unit (CPU), executing instructions and managing system operations.

## Key Facts  
- Instance of: Product model  
- Subclass of: Central processing unit, MOS Technology 6502  
- Manufacturer: Atari Corporation  
- Function: Executes program instructions in Atari computer systems  
- Architecture: 8-bit  
- Based on: MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor  
- Used in: Atari 8-bit family of home computers  
- Wikidata description: CPU  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the Atari SALLY chip?  
A: The Atari SALLY is a custom version of the MOS Technology 6502 CPU used in Atari's 8-bit computers. It serves as the main processor that runs software and controls hardware interactions.

### Q: Which computers use the Atari SALLY processor?  
A: The Atari SALLY was primarily used in the Atari 8-bit family of personal computers, including models like the Atari 400 and 800.

### Q: How does Atari SALLY differ from the standard MOS 6502?  
A: Atari SALLY is a customized variant of the MOS 6502 designed specifically for Atari’s computer architecture, potentially with modifications tailored for performance or compatibility within those systems.

## Why It Matters  
The Atari SALLY played a critical role in powering one of the most influential lines of early personal computers—the Atari 8-bit series. As part of this lineage, it contributed to advancements in home computing during the late 1970s and early 1980s, enabling users to run games, educational programs, and productivity applications. Its presence helped establish Atari as a major player in both gaming and general-purpose computing markets. Understanding chips like SALLY also provides insight into how manufacturers adapted off-the-shelf components to meet specialized needs in consumer electronics.

## Notable For  
- Customized implementation of the widely-used MOS Technology 6502  
- Integral to the operation of Atari's popular 8-bit home computers  
- Represents an example of proprietary adaptation of third-party processors  
- Enabled efficient execution of BASIC and assembly language programs  
- Symbolic of the era’s trend toward integrating dedicated CPUs in consumer devices  

## Body  

### Overview  
Atari SALLY refers to a customized central processing unit based on the MOS Technology 6502—an 8-bit microprocessor commonly found in many early personal computers and video game consoles. While not fundamentally different in architecture, SALLY was tailored by Atari for optimized integration into their own line of 8-bit computers.

### Technical Specifications  
- **Architecture**: 8-bit  
- **Core Design**: Derived from MOS Technology 6502  
- **Functionality**: Instruction execution, memory addressing, I/O control  
- **Usage Context**: Embedded in Atari 8-bit computers such as the Atari 400/800 series  

### Role in Systems  
In Atari's ecosystem, the SALLY chip acted as the primary computational engine driving all software operations. It interfaced directly with other core components including RAM, ROM, ANTIC graphics controller, and POKEY sound chip, forming the backbone of system functionality.

### Historical Significance  
As part of the broader adoption of the 6502 across multiple platforms—including Apple II and Commodore 64—SALLY represents Atari's internal customization strategy aimed at enhancing performance while maintaining cost efficiency. This approach allowed Atari to deliver powerful yet affordable machines targeted at both consumers and developers.