Commodore 64x: Difference between revisions

From RetroWikipedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Personal computer}}
{{Short description|Mini-ITX personal computer in a retro-styled Commodore 64 case}}
{{ infobox computer
{{Infobox computer
| name          =
| name          = Commodore 64x
| logo        =
| image        = [[File:C64x side.png|frameless]]
| image        = [[File:C64x side.png|frameless]]
| caption      = Hardware<!-- include if image is not a logo -->
| caption      = Commodore 64x system in retro chassis
| developer    =
| developer    = Commodore USA (original), My Retro Computer Ltd (current)
| manufacturer  =
| manufacturer  = Commodore USA, My Retro Computer Ltd
| carrier      =
| family        = [[Commodore]]
| family        =
| type          = [[Home computer]]
| type          = [[Home computer]]
| generation    =
| releasedate  = {{Start date|2011|04}} (original), {{Start date|2022|06}} (relaunched)
| releasedate  = {{Start date|2011|04}}
| price        = [[United States dollar|US $]]295–1499 (original), £129–£1149 (2022 relaunch)
| lifespan      =
| os            = [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] 10.10, [[Commodore OS Vision|Commodore OS Vision 2.0/3.0]], [[Windows 11]], Modern Linux
| price        = [[United States dollar|US $]]295–895 (April 2011)<!-- this is price at initial release, not the current price. -->
| cpu          = Originally: Intel Atom D525 or Core i7 (Sandy Bridge); Currently: Intel N100 or AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
| discontinued  =
| memory        = Up to 64 GB DDR5 (Infinity), up to 32 GB DDR4 (Legend II)
| unitssold    =
| storage      = M.2 PCIe (x2), SATA (x2–4), up to 3 TB HDD (original), user-configurable
| unitsshipped  =
| graphics      = Nvidia Ion 2, Intel HD Graphics (original); Radeon 780M iGPU (current Infinity)
| media        =
| sound        = Realtek ALC662 (original), motherboard-integrated HD audio
| os            = [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] 10.10{{\}} [[Commodore OS]]
| connectivity  = USB 2.0/3.0, HDMI, DVI-D, VGA, RJ45 LAN (1Gb/2.5Gb), Wi-Fi 6E (Infinity), SATA, GPIO, PS/2, CIR
| power        =
| weight        = Approx. 3.1 kg (varies by config)
| cpu          = Dual-core [[Intel Atom|Intel Atom D525]] @ 1.80 GHz (Ultimate), [[Core i7#Core i7 2|Intel Core i7]] @ 2.2 GHz [[Sandy Bridge]] (Extreme)
| website      = {{URL|https://www.myretrocomputer.com}}
| storage      = 1 [[Terabytes|TB]] [[hard drive]] (Ultimate), 3 TB (Extreme)
| memory        = 2 [[Gigabytes|GB]] [[Random-access memory|RAM]] expandable to 4 GB (DDR2 667/800 single-channel) (Ultimate), 8 GB expandable to 16 GB 2 × [[SO-DIMM]] [[DDR3]] 1066/1333 dual channel(Extreme)
| display      =
| graphics      = [[Nvidia Ion]] 2 with 512 MB memory, [[Intel HD Graphics]] (Extreme)
| sound        = [[Realtek]] ALC662 6-CH HD Audio [[Nvidia]] [[L-PCM]] digital audio (HDMI 1.3); can support 7.1 output with external decoder (Ultimate)
| input        =
| location      = <!-- GPS or Wi-Fi based -->
| controllers  =
| output        =
| camera        =
| touchpad      =
| connectivity  = mini [[PCI Express]] x1 Slot, [[RS-232]] serial header, 4 [[SATA Revision 2.0]] 3 Gb{{\}} s Connectors with [[RAID]] 0, 1, [[JBOD]] functions (SATA#3,#4), [[8 bit GPIO]] header, [[Consumer IR|CIR]] header, [[9-pin Audio Connector]], Front Panel Connector, Fan Headers, 4-pin power connector, [[12V DC]] jack, 1 × [[PS2]] KB{{\}} Mouse connectors, 1 × [[HDMI]], 1 × [[DVI-D]], 1 × [[VGA]], 4 × [[USB 2.0]], 1 × [[Modular connector#8P8C|RJ45 LAN]] (10{{\}} 100{{\}} 1000), 3 × [[3.5 mm Audio]] with [[S/PDIF]] out, [[WiFi N]] (Ultimate), mini [[PCI Express]] x1 Slot, [[RS-232]]{{\}} [[RS432]]{{\}} [[RS-485]] serial header, 2 × [[SATA Revision 3.0]] 6Gb{{\}} s connectors, 3 [[SATA Revision 2.0]] 3 Gb{{\}} s with [[RAID]] 0, 1, 5, [[JBOD]] functions (SATA#3,#4), [[8-bit GPIO]] header, [[9-pin Audio Connector]], 24-pin ATX power connector, [[12V DC]] jack, Front Panel Connector, fan headers, 4-pin power connector, 1 × [[PS2]] KB{{\}} mouse connector, 1 × [[HDMI]], 1 × [[DVI-D]], 1 × [[VGA]], 4 x [[USB 2.0]], 3 × [[USB 3.0]], 1 × [[Modular connector#8P8C|RJ45 LAN]], 3 × [[3.5 mm Audio]] with [[S/PDIF]] out, [[WiFi N]] (Extreme)
| service      = <!-- online service/s offered -->
| dimensions    =
| weight        = 3.1 kg
| topgame      =
| compatibility =
| related      =
| website      = {{url|http://www.commodoreusa.net}}
}}
}}


The '''Commodore 64x''' is a replica [[Personal computer|PC]] based on the original [[Commodore 64]], powered by [[x86]] [[Intel]] processors ranging from the [[Intel Atom]] to the [[Intel Core i7]]. It was sold by [[Commodore USA]] starting in April 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Iconic Commodore 64 All Set For Comeback|url=http://www.itproportal.com/2011/04/06/iconic-commodore-64-all-set-comeback/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Recreating the Legendary Commodore 64|url=http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714003638/http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_C64.aspx|archivedate=2011-07-14}}</ref> Because [[Commodore USA]] went out of business after the death of its founder, [[Barry Altman]], this machine, as originally intended to be configured with Extreme and Ultimate models, was not readily available with Commodore branding for a period of several years until it was publicly relaunched in June 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.amibyte.com/index.php/component/virtuemart/c64x/case-barebone-c64x-detail?Itemid=0|title=c64x: Case Barebone C64x|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808172012/http://en.amibyte.com/index.php/component/virtuemart/c64x/case-barebone-c64x-detail?Itemid=0|archivedate=2020-08-08|access-date=2022-07-16}}</ref><ref name="my_retro_computer">{{cite web|url=https://myretrocomputer.com/|title=My Retro Computer|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref> The Kickstarter was hit with a cease and desist letter from Italian Commodore Engineering who have since apologized with the result being the crowdfunding campaign going back online and achieving Kickstarter's Project We Love status.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hothardware.com/news/commodore-64-returns-pc-gaming-intel-cpu-geforce-gpu|title=Commodore 64 Returns As A PC Gaming Powerhouse With An Intel CPU And GeForce GPU|date=17 June 2022|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/myretrocomputer/posts/pfbid02Ze8vz5AM3PLiKsbccbS9ggoXiiagDS4mMviSDkkpgDaWY5SVJw6Z5XJJUfUU7VdFl|title=Copy of letter from the Director of Commodore|date=15 June 2022|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref>
The '''Commodore 64x''' is a modern [[Mini-ITX]] personal computer housed in a faithful replica of the original [[Commodore 64]] chassis. Originally introduced in April 2011 by [[Commodore USA]], it returned to the market in 2022 under the stewardship of UK-based '''My Retro Computer Ltd'''.
 
The system preserves the aesthetic of the 1982 classic while offering modern hardware and operating systems including Windows 11, Linux, and the enthusiast-developed [[Commodore OS Vision]]. Two prebuilt systems are offered today: the quiet, fanless '''Legend II''' and the high-performance '''Infinity'''.


== History ==
== History ==


The case of the C64x was designed to resemble the popular [[Commodore 64]] in response to "overwhelming demand" from [[Commodore USA]]'s customer base.<ref>{{cite news|title=Commodore 64: Welcome Back, Old Friend|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/04/08/commodore-64-welcome-back-old-friend/ | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Jennifer|last=Valentino-DeVries|date=8 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Commodore USA announces the PC64, in a replica Commodore case|url=http://color64bbs.com/?p=98|access-date=2011-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326082158/http://color64bbs.com/?p=98|archive-date=2012-03-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Commodore 64x was created in response to overwhelming demand for a retro-styled PC. Production began in 2011 with models ranging from the basic Atom-powered units to Core i7-equipped "Extreme" editions. Following the passing of Commodore USA founder [[Barry Altman]] and the company's closure, production ceased.


Volume production started in May 2011, with machines being released on to the market in June 2011<ref>{{cite web|title=Commodore USA CEO Announces Shipment of C64x|url=http://www.commodore-amiga.org/en/forum/27-commodore-usa/5142-theyre-on-their-way}}</ref> at a starting price of [[United States dollar|US $]]595 for the ''Basic'' model and up to [[United States dollar|US $]]895 for an Ultimate model, and as of August 13, an Extreme version fitted with an [[Intel Core i7]] chip with 8&nbsp;GB [[DDR3]] RAM and 3&nbsp;TB hard drive for US $1499. There was a case-only version of the C64x called the Barebones available for US $295. The Barebones is currently available for £129 from UK-based My Retro Computer which purchased the injection molds from the Altman estate.<ref name="my_retro_computer" /> A VIC20 colorway C64x, never previously available, is now an option using those molds. In the intervening years in which it was largely out of public view, original hardware accessories were developed for the C64x case such as a fan grill, internal exhaust pipe, Raspberry Pi 4 mounting kit, and vent plate.<ref name="my_retro_computer" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://commodoreusa.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html|title=Commodore USA Product Support Page: Driver and Software Support Page|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref> PC Gamer which reported on how to build in the Barebones case after Commodore USA had already folded announced the official return of the Commodore 64x from My Retro Computer in 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC Gamer|title=How to Build a Modern Commodore 64 PC|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-build-a-modern-commodore-64-pc/|author=Dexter, Alan|date=31 March 2015|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=PC Gamer|title=These Commodore 64 PC prebuilds are pricy, but the case looks great for DIY|author=Corrigan, Hope|date=22 June 2022|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/these-commodore-64-pc-prebuilds-are-pricy-but-the-case-looks-great-for-diy/|access-date=16 July 2022}}</ref>
In 2022, My Retro Computer Ltd acquired the original injection molds and reintroduced the system, complete with new internal mounting kits, venting systems, and DIY-friendly configurations. The relaunch included Kickstarter funding, which survived legal challenges and achieved “Project We Love” status.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hothardware.com/news/commodore-64-returns-pc-gaming-intel-cpu-geforce-gpu|title=Commodore 64 Returns As A PC Gaming Powerhouse With An Intel CPU And GeForce GPU|date=17 June 2022}}</ref>


It shipped initially with Ubuntu 10.10 Desktop Edition, and in November 2011, Commodore USA released their own Linux derivative called [[Commodore OS]].
== Models ==
 
=== 2011–2012 (Commodore USA) ===
* **Starter / Ultimate / Extreme**: Ranging from Intel Atom to Core i7, with 2–8 GB RAM and 1–3 TB storage.
* **Barebones Kit**: Case-only option for hobbyists, priced at US $295.
 
=== 2022–present (My Retro Computer Ltd) ===
* '''Legend II''': Intel N100, up to 32 GB DDR4, fanless, suitable for quiet retro builds.
* '''Infinity''': AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, up to 64 GB DDR5, Radeon 780M graphics, modern gaming capable.
 
All systems are Mini-ITX based and customizable with My Retro Computer offering full systems, components, or just the C64x case (in original beige or a limited RGB variant with swappable mechanical key switches).


== Software ==
== Software ==
[[File:Commodore OS 250px.png|thumb|left|Commodore OS desktop]]


The C64x is said to come bundled with [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]] 10.10. There is no hardware compatibility with the original C64, with software compatibility provided through the use of an emulator.<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|last=BBC News|title=Classic Commodore 64 lives again|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12997245|accessdate=1 August 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=7 April 2011}}</ref> Ubuntu is able to run VICE, an open source program which emulates 8-bit computers, such as the Commodore 64. VICE is available for free for almost all operating systems currently in use.
The C64x originally shipped with [[Ubuntu 10.10]] and [[Commodore OS Vision]] (v1). My Retro Computer now preinstalls [[Commodore OS Vision 2.0]], a custom Linux distribution designed to emulate the experience of the classic Commodore systems. A new version, Commodore OS Vision 3.0, is in development and installable on request.
 
The systems are compatible with:
* [[VICE]] C64 emulator
* Modern Linux distros (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)
* Windows 10/11
* Commodore OS 2.0 / 3.0 (community-supported)
 
== DIY Builds and Accessories ==
 
My Retro Computer encourages DIY builds with optional kits:
* Raspberry Pi 4 mounting plate
* Rear exhaust fan kits
* Internal venting mods
* Builders’ kits for both Legend II and Infinity
 
Customers are invited to submit YouTube videos or build guides to be featured on the official store page.
 
== Availability ==


As of 18 August 2011, [[Commodore USA]] announced it would be providing international keyboards and keys for its customers worldwide for the C64x, with new keyboards made with additional keys for countries/languages if it is needed. For customers outside of its main US support area, keys and keycap pullers will be provided for easy self-installation.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Wide Keyboard Coming to Commodore|url=http://www.facebook.com/notes/commodore-usa/world-wide-keyboard-coming-to-commodore/251327568218771}}</ref>
Available for purchase via [https://www.myretrocomputer.com MyRetroComputer.com] and through its official UK distributor [https://www.mini-itx.com Mini-ITX.com], systems are generally built to order with a 3–5 day turnaround.
{{clear}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{refbegin}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110630114431/http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_FutureModels.aspx Future models, planned for 2011]
{{refend}}


[[Category:Home computers|Comm5]]
[[Category:Home computers]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2011]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2011]]
[[Category:Commodore 64|X]]
[[Category:Commodore 64]]
[[Category:X86-based home computers]]
[[Category:Mini-ITX]]
[[Category:Linux computers]]

Latest revision as of 01:22, 26 July 2025

Commodore 64x
Commodore 64x system in retro chassis
DeveloperCommodore USA (original), My Retro Computer Ltd (current)
ManufacturerCommodore USA, My Retro Computer Ltd
Product familyCommodore
TypeHome computer
Release dateApril 2011 (2011-04) (original), June 2022 (2022-06) (relaunched)
Introductory priceUS $295–1499 (original), £129–£1149 (2022 relaunch)
Operating systemUbuntu 10.10, Commodore OS Vision 2.0/3.0, Windows 11, Modern Linux
CPUOriginally: Intel Atom D525 or Core i7 (Sandy Bridge); Currently: Intel N100 or AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
MemoryUp to 64 GB DDR5 (Infinity), up to 32 GB DDR4 (Legend II)
StorageM.2 PCIe (x2), SATA (x2–4), up to 3 TB HDD (original), user-configurable
GraphicsNvidia Ion 2, Intel HD Graphics (original); Radeon 780M iGPU (current Infinity)
SoundRealtek ALC662 (original), motherboard-integrated HD audio
ConnectivityUSB 2.0/3.0, HDMI, DVI-D, VGA, RJ45 LAN (1Gb/2.5Gb), Wi-Fi 6E (Infinity), SATA, GPIO, PS/2, CIR
WeightApprox. 3.1 kg (varies by config)
Websitewww.myretrocomputer.com

The Commodore 64x is a modern Mini-ITX personal computer housed in a faithful replica of the original Commodore 64 chassis. Originally introduced in April 2011 by Commodore USA, it returned to the market in 2022 under the stewardship of UK-based My Retro Computer Ltd.

The system preserves the aesthetic of the 1982 classic while offering modern hardware and operating systems including Windows 11, Linux, and the enthusiast-developed Commodore OS Vision. Two prebuilt systems are offered today: the quiet, fanless Legend II and the high-performance Infinity.

History

The Commodore 64x was created in response to overwhelming demand for a retro-styled PC. Production began in 2011 with models ranging from the basic Atom-powered units to Core i7-equipped "Extreme" editions. Following the passing of Commodore USA founder Barry Altman and the company's closure, production ceased.

In 2022, My Retro Computer Ltd acquired the original injection molds and reintroduced the system, complete with new internal mounting kits, venting systems, and DIY-friendly configurations. The relaunch included Kickstarter funding, which survived legal challenges and achieved “Project We Love” status.[1]

Models

2011–2012 (Commodore USA)

  • **Starter / Ultimate / Extreme**: Ranging from Intel Atom to Core i7, with 2–8 GB RAM and 1–3 TB storage.
  • **Barebones Kit**: Case-only option for hobbyists, priced at US $295.

2022–present (My Retro Computer Ltd)

  • Legend II: Intel N100, up to 32 GB DDR4, fanless, suitable for quiet retro builds.
  • Infinity: AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, up to 64 GB DDR5, Radeon 780M graphics, modern gaming capable.

All systems are Mini-ITX based and customizable with My Retro Computer offering full systems, components, or just the C64x case (in original beige or a limited RGB variant with swappable mechanical key switches).

Software

The C64x originally shipped with Ubuntu 10.10 and Commodore OS Vision (v1). My Retro Computer now preinstalls Commodore OS Vision 2.0, a custom Linux distribution designed to emulate the experience of the classic Commodore systems. A new version, Commodore OS Vision 3.0, is in development and installable on request.

The systems are compatible with:

  • VICE C64 emulator
  • Modern Linux distros (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)
  • Windows 10/11
  • Commodore OS 2.0 / 3.0 (community-supported)

DIY Builds and Accessories

My Retro Computer encourages DIY builds with optional kits:

  • Raspberry Pi 4 mounting plate
  • Rear exhaust fan kits
  • Internal venting mods
  • Builders’ kits for both Legend II and Infinity

Customers are invited to submit YouTube videos or build guides to be featured on the official store page.

Availability

Available for purchase via MyRetroComputer.com and through its official UK distributor Mini-ITX.com, systems are generally built to order with a 3–5 day turnaround.

References

  1. ↑ "Commodore 64 Returns As A PC Gaming Powerhouse With An Intel CPU And GeForce GPU". 17 June 2022.
Retrieved from "https://retrowikipedia.com/index.php?title=Commodore_64x&oldid=4803"