RasterCore
← [RETURN_TO_ARCHIVES]

Commodore 64

LAUNCH_YEAR: 1982

The best-selling single computer model of all time. 64KB of RAM and the legendary SID chip.

Historical_Context

Released in August 1982, the Commodore 64 demolished the competition (Atari 800, Apple II) simply by being cheaper and better. Commodore owned MOS Technology, the chip foundry, so they could vertically integrate components at rock-bottom prices.

The C64 is defined by two chips: the VIC-II (Video) and the SID (Sound). The SID, designed by Bob Yannes, was essentially a synthesizer on a chip, offering features like ring modulation and oscillator sync that were unheard of in home electronics.

Despite its slow CPU and disk drive, the C64 remained a viable commercial platform well into the early 90s, with a demoscene that is still hyper-active today.

Notable_Models

Commodore VIC-20

1980

The Friendly Computer. First computer to sell one million units. Only 5KB RAM but spawned a generation of programmers. The C64's direct ancestor.

MOS 6502 VIC (6560/6561)

Commodore Plus/4

1984

The computer nobody asked for. Better BASIC and built-in software but no sprites, no SID. Failed in the West but beloved in Hungary.

MOS 7501/8501 TED 7360

Commodore 64

1982

The Breadbin. The best selling single computer model in history. Defined by the SID chip and VIC-II graphics.

MOS 6510 VIC-II

Commodore SX-64

1984

The first portable color computer. Heavy "luggable" suitcase design with a built-in 5" color CRT and floppy drive.

MOS 6510 VIC-II

Commodore 128

1985

The last 8-bit hero. A dual-CPU machine containing a Z80 for CP/M mode and an 8502 for C128/C64 modes.

MOS 8502 + Zilog Z80 VIC-IIe + VDC

Commodore 64C

1986

A cosmetic refresh. Updated the "breadbin" case to a sleek "wedge" profile matching the C128 and Amiga.

MOS 8500 VIC-II (8565)

Commodore 64GS

1990

Game System. A C64 without a keyboard, designed to compete with the NES. A disaster.

MOS 8500 VIC-II

SX-64

1984

First portable color computer. Built-in 5" CRT and floppy drive.

C64C

1986

New "wedge" case styling to match the C128/Amiga.

C64GS

1990

Game System. A C64 without a keyboard. A commercial failure.

Tech_Specs

  • CPU MOS 6510 @ 1.023 MHz (NTSC) / 0.985 MHz (PAL)
  • RAM 64 KB
  • Graphics 320x200 (HiRes), 160x200 (MultiColor)
  • Audio SID 6581 / 8580 (3 Osc, Analog Filter)

Key_Silicon

MOS 6510 CPU

A 6502 variant with an integrated I/O port for memory banking.

VIC-II Video

Hardware sprites, scroll registers, raster interrupts. 16 fixed colors.

SID Sound

Sound Interface Device. 3 voices, ADSR, Filter. The greatest chip ever made.

CIA I/O

Complex Interface Adapter. Timers, joystick, keyboard scanning.