Task: Purchase a Commodore 64 8-Bit Computer
Needed: Web browser
Time: 30-60 minutes
Introduction
I have previously posted about the Commodore VIC-20 that helped set a baseline for relatively inexpensive home computers in the early 1980s. Commodore followed up on the VIC-20 with the 64 model in 1982 that featured 64K of RAM and an improved VIC video chip, the VIC-II, that had better resolution (320×200 pixels) and up to eight easily moveable sprites for better games. The 64 also featured the MOS 6581 SID sound chip that became quite popular because of its mixed digital and analog circuits that produced complex and interesting sounds and distortions. As with the VIC-20, the 64 came with built-in BASIC for programming.
The 64 went on to become the best-selling home computer of all time with more than 12 million units sold between 1982 and 1994. This was believed to be due to the SID and VIC-II chips that helped produce many popular games. For this reason, this is a must-have computer from the 1980s.
The early Commodore 64s are affectionately called ‘breadbins’ because they like kitchen bread storage containers. In 1986, Commodore released a newly designed model called the 64C that had a more modern design. This model is preferred by some because the chips used tend to be more reliable than those used in the older models. This difference in reliability has been noted by those who do a lot of repairs on the 64s. I have both models as shown in the photo below.
Instructions
Commodore 64 breadbin models are plentiful on eBay and you should be able to get one without any extras for around $100 to $200. Be sure to buy from a trusted seller who has experience selling old computers with good reviews. Preferably, the computer should be listed as tested and working with a photo showing a successful boot. The Commodore 64C models are also frequently available on eBay in the same price range.
Other options include Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. These are good options if there are some you can pick up locally to avoid shipping damage. Local sellers are sometimes more willing to answer questions.
I recommend picking up a newly made power supply to avoid possible damage to the circuit board.
Comments
If you can only buy one, I recommend the 64C model due to its improved reliability. The MOS chips and MT RAM chips found in many of these are highly prone to failure. I got a chance to chat with Bil heard at VCF SoCal in 2024 and he talked about how Commodore shipped many units that had known bad chips to improve sales numbers.
Because so many Commodore 64s were sold, there is an enormous community interested in preserving its history and developing new software and hardware for the system. This makes it a really fun computer to own. I will post about some of these developments later.
Here is a Commodore 64 TV ad from 1984. More can be found on YouTube.
