-40%

Commodore 64 Computer Restored, Recapped, Fully Tested, Cleaned. Dust Free. NTSC

$ 145.19

Availability: 17 in stock
  • Vintage: Yes
  • Type: Home Computer
  • Item must be returned within: 60 Days
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
  • Brand: Commodore
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
  • Modified Item: Yes
  • Modification Description: Electrolytic capacitors replaced with new ones.
  • Condition: Computer has been completely torn down, new capacitors installed, cleaned and reconditioned. System has been burned-in tested for 24+ hours and passed testing afterward. Plastic case parts have been taken apart, scrubbed, soaked, scrubbed again and dried to remove all contaminates and dust from use prior to reassembly. More than average color discoloration to the case, to which the price has been adjusted down to accommodate. See pictures for detail. All parts have various scratches, blemishes and cosmetic deviations, to be expected of hardware of this age. None of the cosmetic flaws affect performance.”
  • Model: Commodore 64
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted

    Description

    Note:  DO NOT USE AN ORGINAL COMMODORE 64 POWER SUPPLY with this computer.  I recommend one from Electroware as I've tested their power supplies extensively and they're great.  Other modern replacements are probably also good however, The original power supplies can fail in ways that aren't detectable, until your computer is dead from over voltage.  From a wise guru Ray Carlsen: "
    Although the Commodore PS was designed with a current capacity of 1.5 Amps,
    it runs hot inside with a load of less than 1 Amp (C64 with cart plugged in)
    because it's a sealed-in-epoxy unit. This prevents user tampering and electric
    shock hazard but it holds the heat in and "cooks" those internal components
    eventually. It cannot be repaired if it fails and the heat cannot easily escape
    except through the epoxy case which is a relatively poor conductor of heat.
    There are several modes of failure for a linear PS.
    The worst and most destructive PS failure is caused by a bad
    regulator that shorts out internally so its input voltage (more than 11 volts) is
    passed directly to its output! Most semiconductors (transistors and IC's) inside
    the computer run at 5 volts DC and can withstand a minor voltage overload without
    damage... but some cannot. The eight RAM chips in a C64 are especially vulnerable
    to over-voltage damage. Those IC's have an "absolute maximum rating" of 5.5 volts
    and are quickly destroyed above that maximum level. I've seen several CBM bricks
    that always worked normally when cold but would output excessive voltage when warm.
    Those supplies went on to damage several users computers because the owners didn't
    realize the fault was repeatable. Any PS brick failure means it must be replaced.
    This version of the C64, sometimes called the "Long Board" is found in most C64s found in North America, as they the original process ICs and the original chip count. This particular unit has the 250407 version of the motherboard, which was the second major version made of the classic "Longboard". The SID sound chip here is the 6581.
    Electrolytic capacitors wear/dry out over time, especially ones over 30 years old, so replacing them prevents the most common failures and prevents additional damage from occurring, it is for this reason that I replace these capacitors in all Commodore hardware that I sell.  Any MOS logic chips, other than the custom video generator or other customer chips have been proactively replaced.
    The plastic case pieces have been meticulously scrubbed and cleaned.  System board has been fully cleaned of any grime from age and excess flux from the original manufacturing removed. Dust free!  60 day returns for any reason, with no cost on return shipping (Domestically in the US).  Buy with confidence.
    Why do I test for 24 hours? I've seen a lot of C64s pass testing fine and then around hours 8-14 something will fail, the system will lock-up, etc.  Sometimes this requires a few days to track down what is an intermittent failure.  The computer might appear to be fine most of the time under, but then fail seemingly randomly on occasion.  Thus, I take extra time to ensure that everything is running 100% before listing.
    Computer only.  No power supply, cables, controllers etc.
    Capacitors replaced on ASSY 250407 version of the motherboard:
    C8
    10uf
    50v
    C12
    10uf
    50v
    (Rev B)
    C13
    10uf
    50v
    C14
    10uf
    50v
    C15
    10uf
    50v
    C17
    10uf
    50v
    C19
    2200uF 16v
    C24
    10uf
    50v
    C34
    10uf
    50v
    C57
    10uf
    50v
    C62
    10uf
    50v
    C65
    10uf
    50v
    C88
    1000uF
    25v
    C90
    470uF
    25v
    C91
    100uF 16v
    C94
    10uf
    50v
    C102 10uf
    50v
    C108 10uf
    50v
    C107 10uF
    50v
    (Rev C)
    C108 10uF
    50v
    (Rev C)
    C38
    4.7nF capacitor installed to correct the amount of force needed for the Restore key to function.