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Commodore 64

C64 · 1982–1994 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: MOS Technology 6510, 1.023 MHz (NTSC) / 0.985 MHz (PAL)
Ram: max: 64 KB directly addressable; up to 512 KB with a Commodore REU (1700/1750/1764) bank-switched into the address space · base: 64 KB
Ports: Expansion/cartridge port · Serial IEC bus (disk drive, printer) · 2× joystick/control ports · Cassette port · RF, composite, and (later boards) S-video out · User port
Display: VIC-II chip: composite/RF video, 40×25 text, 320×200 in 16 colors
Storage: base: Commodore Datasette cassette recorder (no internal storage) · options: Commodore 1541 5.25" floppy drive (170 KB per disk, serial IEC bus)
Os Support: latest: Commodore BASIC 2.0 / KERNAL in ROM (GEOS available as a third-party GUI) · shipped: Commodore BASIC 2.0 / KERNAL in ROM
Release Price: $595

Variants

Models

C64 (breadbin)C641982 original tall case design

C64CC64C1986, redesigned slimmer, lighter case

SX-64SX-641984 portable with built-in 5in color monitor

C64GC64Gcost-reduced variant for the German market

Upgrade paths

RAM

512 KB via a Commodore RAM Expansion Unit (REU) plugged into the cartridge port · REUs use DMA to bank RAM in and out; most useful with software written to support them, like GEOS.

~$150-$200 for a 1750 REU at the time

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