Thomas Christoph
Thomas Christoph | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation(s) | Hardware designer, software developer |
| Known for | Founder of COREi64, creator of CMD product replicas |
| Website | corei64 |
Thomas Christoph is a Canadian hardware designer and developer best known as the founder of COREi64.com, a website and online store dedicated to supporting the Commodore retrocomputing community. He is widely recognized for recreating and modernizing many of the legacy products originally released by Creative Micro Designs (CMD), including expansion hardware, storage devices, and peripherals for the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 platforms.
Career
Thomas Christoph began designing and manufacturing reproduction and enhancement hardware for Commodore computers in the 2010s. His work includes both faithful recreations and modernized iterations of CMD products such as:
- The CMD SuperCPU replica and related expansion tools
- Clone-compatible replacements for the CMD FD-series floppy drives
- Cartridge interfaces, memory expansion units, and keyboard adapters
- Custom-designed printed circuit boards (PCBs), cases, and hardware mods
COREi64.com, Christoph's online storefront, serves both hobbyists and preservationists seeking reliable new production parts compatible with vintage systems. Many of his projects are geared toward maintaining the usability and accessibility of aging 8-bit hardware in modern environments.
Contributions to the Retro Computing Community
Christoph’s designs are often praised for their build quality, engineering accuracy, and deep compatibility with original hardware and software. In addition to CMD products, COREi64 offers:
- Custom case designs and replacement parts for Commodore computers
- Homebrew accessories such as joystick adapters, diagnostic harnesses, and audio/video upgrades
- Unique commemorative hardware, including light-up badges and retro-themed cases
His work has earned him a strong following among retro enthusiasts and hardware modders. Many of his designs are featured in retro computing YouTube channels, forums, and expos.