Commodore 64

Retro

Commodore 64

The Commodore 64 (C64) is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982. It is recognized as the highest-selling single computer model of all time.

Key Details

  • Manufacturer: Commodore Business Machines (CBM)
  • Type: Home computer
  • Release date: August 1982
  • Introductory price: US$595 (equivalent to $1,880 in 2023)
  • Discontinued: April 1994
  • Units sold: 12.5 – 17 million
  • Operating system: Commodore KERNAL/BASIC 2.0, optionally GEOS
  • CPU: MOS Technology 6510/8500 @ 1.023 MHz (NTSC) / 0.985 MHz (PAL)
  • Memory: 64 KB RAM + 20 KB ROM
  • Graphics: VIC-II (320×200, 16 colors, sprites, raster interrupt)
  • Sound: SID 6581/8580 (3× osc, 4× wave, filter, ADSR, ring)
  • Connectivity: 2× CIA 6526 (joystick, GPIO/RS-232/keyboard), Power (+5V DC & 9V AC), ROM cartridge, Video/audio (RF/A/V), Serial IEEE 488 bus (floppy disk/printer), Digital tape
  • Predecessor: VIC-20, MAX Machine
  • Successor: Commodore 128, Amiga

Fun Fact: CBM vs. IBM

Did you know that Commodore Business Machines (CBM) and International Business Machines (IBM) had an interesting rivalry in the early days of personal computing? Although IBM, founded in 1911, is much older than Commodore, which was established in 1958, the two companies became fierce competitors in the home computer market during the 1980s. IBM, known for its business-oriented machines, entered the personal computer market with the IBM PC in 1981. Meanwhile, Commodore’s aggressive pricing and mass-market appeal with the VIC-20 and later the Commodore 64, launched in 1982, captured a significant share of the home computer market. While IBM focused on business users, Commodore brought computing to the masses, making personal computers more accessible and affordable. This rivalry helped shape the computer industry, driving innovation and bringing computers into homes around the world.

History and Impact

  • Introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 1982.
  • Named for its 64 KB of RAM.
  • Dominated the low-end computer market in the 1980s.
  • Achieved a market share of 30-40% in the US between 1983-1986.
  • Notable competitors: Atari 400/800, Apple II, ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, Amstrad CPC 464.
  • Sold in regular retail stores, making it more accessible to the general public.
  • Approximately 10,000 commercial software titles available, including development tools, office productivity applications, and video games.
  • Credited with popularizing the computer demoscene.
  • Recognized for high brand recognition even years after being discontinued.

Technical Achievements

  • Superior visuals and audio compared to other systems due to custom hardware.
  • Used for a wide range of applications, from gaming to business productivity.
  • Production cost managed through in-house manufacturing of parts.
  • Low initial price point made it competitive against other home computers and video game consoles.

Legacy

  • Research in 2011 showed an 87% brand recognition for the Commodore 64.
  • Sales peaked during the mid-1980s, with 2.6 million units sold in 1984.
  • Production continued until April 1994.
  • Estimated 12.5 million units sold worldwide.
  • Continued use by computer hobbyists and emulated on modern devices.

Capacitor exchange

  • Model PCB ASSY NO. 250469
  • Model PCB No. 252311 Rev.4
  • Buy new capacitors: https://www.retroleum.co.uk/c64-capacitors
  • RF Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuSuG4ZlQDs
  • 1 x 2.2uf 50v (C44)
  • 1 x 4.7uf 25v (C59)
  • 1 x 10uf 25v (C77)
  • 1 x 47uf 16v (C36)
  • 1 x 100uf 16v (C58)
  • 1 x 220uf 16v (C43)
  • 1 x 220uf 25v (C65)
  • 1 x 470uf 35v (C66)
  • 1 x 1000uf 16v (C63)