Altera Quartus Ii 13.0 Free Download Best (2024)

The free version of Altera Quartus II 13.0, known as the Web Edition, is officially discontinued and often difficult to find on the primary Intel/Altera Download Center. However, it remains a critical release for developers working with legacy hardware like Cyclone II or MAX 7000/3000 CPLDs, which later versions do not support. Where to Download

Official Archives: You can check the Altera Device Support page, which sometimes provides direct links to the last supported software version for specific legacy families.

Community Repositories: Due to its legacy status, many users rely on the Internet Archive to find original installation files for version 13.0.1.232.

Third-Party Tech Portals: Sites like Software Informer may host stand-alone components like the Programmer. Installation Guide

To successfully set up the Web Edition, you generally need three components downloaded into the same directory before running the installer: Quartus II Software: The main application (~1.6 GB).

Device Support Files: Specific files (e.g., .qdz) for your FPGA family (Cyclone II, IV, etc.). Without these, you cannot compile designs for your hardware.

ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition: Optional but required for functional simulation of your designs. Key Features of Version 13.0

Quartus II Web Edition Design Software Version 13.0 ... - Altera

Altera Quartus II 13.0, specifically the Service Pack 1 (SP1), remains a popular version for developers working with legacy FPGA hardware like the Cyclone II family, which is not supported in newer Quartus Prime versions. While Intel (which acquired Altera) has discontinued many older versions, 13.0 SP1 is still accessible for specific development needs. Download Options There are two primary ways to obtain the software for free:

Quartus II Web Edition (Free): This version does not require a paid license and supports a wide range of entry-level and legacy FPGAs, including the Cyclone II, III, and IV families.

Official Intel/Altera Download Center: You can typically find 13.0 SP1 by navigating to the Intel FPGA Software Download Center and selecting the "Legacy" or "Archives" section.

External Archives: If the official site is unavailable due to discontinuation notices, some users rely on the Internet Archive for verified copies of the installer. System Requirements altera quartus ii 13.0 free download

Before downloading, ensure your system meets these specifications:

4. Supported Devices in Quartus II 13.0 Web Edition (Free)

  • Cyclone II, III, IV (E/GX)
  • MAX II, MAX V
  • Cyclone V (partial – better support in newer versions)
  • Arria & Stratix families are not supported in Web Edition.

1. Overview

Quartus II 13.0 is a legacy version of the FPGA design software from Altera (acquired by Intel in 2015). It is widely used for programming older FPGA families such as Cyclone II, Cyclone III, Cyclone IV, MAX II, and MAX V.

This version is significant because it is the last release to support Windows XP and some obsolete device families that newer versions (Quartus Prime) have dropped.

2. Finding the Software (The Challenge)

Since this is legacy software, direct "Free Download" links on the main Intel FPGA page are often removed.

  • Method A: Intel FPGA Self-Service Licensing Center You need an Intel account. Log in and navigate to the "Legacy Software" or "Archives" section.
  • Method B: Intel Download Center (Archives) Intel hosts an archive server for older tools. You are looking for Quartus II Web Edition (this is the free version; the Subscription Edition requires a paid license).

The Target File: You are looking for a file typically named: Quartus-web-13.0.1.232-windows.tar (approx 2.5 GB).

4. Licensing (Free vs. Paid)

Quartus II Web Edition: The version you downloaded is likely the "Web Edition." This version does not require a paid license file for supported devices (like Cyclone IV E).

  1. When you first run Quartus II 13.0, it will ask for a license.
  2. Select: "Start the Quartus II software (does not require a license)."
  3. This allows you to compile designs for Web Edition devices indefinitely for free.

Quartus II Subscription Edition: If you somehow have the Subscription Edition installer, you must purchase a license from Intel or use a university license file to use it.

Conclusion: Is Quartus II 13.0 Still Worth Downloading?

Absolutely – for the right use case.

The Altera Quartus II 13.0 free download is not abandonware; it is a fully functional, professionally supported FPGA IDE that continues to serve thousands of engineers and students worldwide. Its stability, low resource usage, and support for classic but still capable FPGA families make it indispensable.

By downloading directly from Intel’s official archive and following the installation steps outlined in this guide, you can have a safe, legitimate, and fully functioning Quartus II 13.0 environment on your Windows or Linux machine within an hour.

Whether you are reviving a vintage Cyclone II board, teaching digital logic design, or building a retro computing project, Quartus II 13.0 remains a powerful, reliable, and free tool. The free version of Altera Quartus II 13

Resources & References:

Last updated: 2025. This guide is not affiliated with Intel Corporation. Altera and Quartus II are trademarks of Intel. Always adhere to Intel's software licensing terms.

Altera Quartus II 13.0 Web Edition is the final version to support several "Legacy" device families, making it a critical download for those working with older FPGA hardware. You can find this version on the official Intel FPGA Download Center Why Version 13.0? Legacy Support : This is the last version to support Cyclone II Web Edition

(now called Lite Edition) does not require a paid license for these devices. Built-in Simulation : It typically includes ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition

, allowing for functional and timing simulations without extra cost. Altera Community Key Download Components

To get a fully functional environment, ensure you download the following from the Intel Download Center Quartus II Software : The core compiler and IDE. Device Support : You must specifically download the files for your hardware (e.g., Cyclone II, Cyclone IV). ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition : For testing your HDL code. Altera Community Installation Quick Tips Single Directory : Place the installer and the device support files ( same folder

before running the setup; the installer will automatically detect and install the hardware libraries. Operating System

: Version 13.0 is compatible with Windows (7/8/10) and certain Linux distributions. : After installation, you may need to manually install the USB-Blaster driver found in the

subfolder of your installation directory to program your board. , or do you need help setting up the USB-Blaster

Is there a free student version of Modelsim - Altera Community

ModelSim-Altera is included and you can download it without cost. on Intel homepage. All you need is a no-cost license. Altera Community Cyclone II, III, IV (E/GX) MAX II, MAX

Downloading & Installation of Intel Quartus Prime & ModelSim [2022]

Altera Quartus II 13.0 (specifically ) is a critical legacy version of the software. It is the final release that supports several older device families, making it essential for users working with vintage hardware like Cyclone II Altera Community How to Download (Official & Alternatives)

Intel (which acquired Altera) has discontinued many older versions from its primary download center due to security screenings. Official Archive: You can still sometimes find it in the Intel FPGA Download Center

by selecting the "Archive" tab and navigating to version 13.0sp1. Internet Archive:

A reliable backup for the "Web Edition" (free version) is hosted on Archive.org , which includes the installation files for Windows. Local Distributors:

If official links fail, you can request legacy software through distributors like Key Features of Version 13.0 Expanded Device Support: This was the last version to support Cyclone II MAX 3000/7000 devices. It also introduced support for the Cyclone V SoC SDK for OpenCL: Introduced the first production-ready

solution for FPGAs, allowing software programmers to target FPGA hardware using C-based code. Faster Compilation: Promised an average of 25% faster compilation times compared to version 12.1. Qsys System Integration:

Enhanced tools for connecting IP functions and subsystems, specifically adding support for interfaces. DSP Builder:

Included new high-performance fixed- and floating-point algorithms and parameterizable FFT blocks. Altera Community Web Edition vs. Subscription Edition Quartus II 13.0sp1 | Altera Community - 312724 5 Jan 2022 —

3. USB-Blaster driver not recognized

Fix:

  • Navigate to C:\altera\13.0\quartus\drivers\usb-blaster.
  • Right-click usbblaster.inf → Install.
  • Reconnect your FPGA board.

2. "Can't find device family" error

Fix: Re-run the installer and install the specific device family (e.g., Cyclone II). Do not rely on the default selection.

For Subscription Edition (Paid - for large devices)

If you have a paid license, set the environment variable LM_LICENSE_FILE to point to your server or file.

✅ Confirmation: The Web Edition supports all Cyclone II, III, IV, and most low-density Arria II devices – more than enough for typical student and hobbyist projects.