This monthly publication, usually referred to as ACU by its readers, concentrated more on the hardware and technical side of the Amstrad range, although it had a small dedicated games section as well.

CPC 464 User’s only editorial credit in the launch issue was Consultant Editor Gareth Jefferson.

Content in these early months included News, Overview (an in-depth look at the CPC 464), Q&A, Software Reviews, Listings, Programming and more.

Following the release of the CPC 664, the June issue is the first to display the renamed title; the familiar Amstrad Computer User.

December 1985’s issue 12, and ACU’s 1st birthday, a bumper 148 page issue, featuring a re-design of the games reviews, again; which has a new ratings box that has marks out of 20 for Graphics, Sound, polish, First impression, lasting impression, value and a final comment.

A new Adventure feature ‘Seek and Ye Shall Find’ starts in the February issue March 1986 and another re-design; clearer layout and main content sections include Regulars, Features, Listings, Reviews and ABC (Amstrad Business Computing).

The long running column ‘Hairy Hacker’ debuts this issue; a feature that looks into getting the most out of the CPC including game pokes.

Starting October 1986, and ACU credits its publisher as Avralite Ltd.[1] November 1986 issue seems to be a letters page for professional programmers as Graham Blighe, Andrew and Philip Oliver write in to comment on recent ACU games reviews.

Many new reviewers are credited on the games pages, including Matt, Adrian, Colin, Paul, Billy, Tony and Rik.

June 1989's issue reviews Emlyn Hughes International Soccer, by Audiogenic, and it becomes the first game to gain over 90% overall rating with a 91%.

June 1990 and, after a longer than usual stint of stability in the editorial line up, there are more changes; Chris Knight moves up to editor and Marc Jones is the sole reviewer credited.

December 1990 and a completely revamped design; new main logo, a re-established 'ACU Gold Award' accolade which is given to Electronic Zoo’s table top game conversion Subbuteo.

[4] ACU’s successor, CPC Attack from HHL Publishing, which even advertises for staff in this issue and has a two-page preview slot, will concentrate more on the games playing scene.