Commodore 64
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Commodore 64
“The C64 was lightning in a bottle. We took the best parts of the VIC-20, added Bob Yannes’ incredible SID sound chip, and Al Charpentier’s amazing VIC-II graphics, then packaged it all at a price that blew everyone away. It wasn’t just a computer—it was a phenomenon that changed the world.” - Al Charpentier, VIC-II Graphics Chip Designer
The Commodore 64 (C64) is an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International. It is listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest selling single computer model of all time, with independent estimates placing the number sold between 12.5 and 17 million units.
Overview
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
- CPU
- MOS Technology 6510 @ 1.023 MHz (NTSC) / 0.985 MHz (PAL)
- Memory
- 64 KB RAM + 20 KB ROM
- Graphics
- VIC-II (320×200, 16 colors, 8 sprites, smooth scrolling)
- Sound
- SID 6581 (3 channels, 8 octaves, 4 waveforms per channel, filter, ADSR)
- Storage
- Commodore 1530 Datasette (tape), Commodore 1541 (floppy), cartridge
- Ports
- 2× joystick, cartridge, tape, serial (for disk drives/printers), TV/RF, A/V, power
- Operating System
- Commodore KERNAL/BASIC 2.0
Features
- Graphics: The VIC-II chip provided advanced graphics capabilities for the time, including sprites, scrolling, and multiple display modes.
- Sound: The SID (Sound Interface Device) chip offered three-voice synthesis with multiple waveforms, filters, and modulation capabilities, making it one of the most advanced sound chips in home computers.
- Expandability: The C64 had multiple expansion ports, including a cartridge port, user port, and serial bus for connecting disk drives and printers.
- Software Library: Over 10,000 commercial software titles were released for the C64, including games, productivity software, and development tools.
Impact and Legacy
The Commodore 64 had a profound impact on the home computer market and popular culture. It was particularly popular for gaming but was also widely used for programming, music production, and business applications. The C64 is credited with:
- Democratizing computing by making powerful technology affordable
- Inspiring a generation of programmers and game developers
- Establishing many conventions in home computing and gaming
- Maintaining an active enthusiast and development community to this day
Variants
Several variants of the C64 were released, including:
- Commodore 64C: A cost-reduced version with a redesigned case (1986)
- Commodore 64G: A German market variant with different keyboard layout
- SX-64: A portable version with built-in 5” color monitor and 1541-compatible disk drive
- Commodore 128: A backward-compatible successor with 128KB RAM and CP/M capability
Emulation and Preservation
Today, the C64 lives on through emulation, with several high-quality emulators available for modern systems. The C64 Mini, a licensed re-release of the system, was released in 2018, and TheC64 (a full-sized replica) followed in 2019.