*'''Amstrad CPC464''': This computer lacks the disc controller hardware and the software to use a disc drive. To use discs on an Amstrad CPC464 the most compatible interface is the DDI-1 (this includes AMSDOS ROM). Normally this interface came with one FD-1 3" disc drive.
*'''Amstrad 464+''': This computer lacks the disc controller hardware and the software to use a disc drive. The PCB of the 464+ is the same as the 6128+ but with the components removed. So it is possible to add all the extra components required to get a disc interface and Amstrad Action published an article about how to do this. However finding all the components is not so easy now. A DDI-1 can be fitted to the 464+, but you will probably need a conversion cable; to convert the connector on the expansion to the old edge connector on the DDI-1, but also the DDI-1 interface needs modifying to be compatible.
*'''Amstrad CPC664, CPC6128, 6128+''': These computers all come with disc interface and AMSDOS ROM integrated into the computer. In addition they all come with an internal 3" disc drive.
Disks are one of the easiest way to use programs on the Amstrad.
AMSDOS is designed for single sided drives. This means it will only read 1 side of a double sided disc.
The standard AMSDOS format is 178K per side.
For 5.25" drives:
* You can cut another write-protect notch on the other side. Then you can turn the disc over and insert it the other way up. With standard AMSDOS format you now have 2 * 178K for each disc.
For both drives:
* Use another DOS on CPC, one which can read/write 2 sided discs (ParaDOS, ROMDOS etc). The disc formats supported by the other DOS each have their own capacity.* Install a [[Side Select Switch|side switch]]. This gives you manual control over which side is accessed. With standard AMSDOS format you now have 2 * 178K for each disc.
===Number of Tracks ===
* 1.44MB 3.5" PC MS-DOS formatted discs
The Amstrad 's disc controller can only read Double density discs.AMSDOS is limited to it's own disc formats so it can't read PC formatted discs, the filesystems are not compatible.If you want to read PC double density disc formats use DOSCopy on the Amstrad. 3.5" high density Floppy discs have an extra hole. The drive detects the hole and automatically switches to high density recording mode. It is advised that you either cover the holes with some opaque tape, or you use true double density discs. 5.25" high density floppy discs are the same as 5.25" double density discs, e.g. there is no physical difference except for the surface of the disc itself.
The density of the media determines the total capacity of the drive.