Commodore 64 Returns As A PC Gaming Powerhouse With An Intel CPU And GeForce GPU

Almost 4 many years in the past, the Commodore 64 arrived and left an indelible mark on house computing. Still as we speak it’s acknowledged as the perfect promoting single-computer mannequin of all time, with gross sales estimates of round 12.5 million items throughout its lifetime (some estimates are a lot larger however is perhaps flawed). Now 39 years later, the Commodore 64 is again, and it is a lot burlier than the unique mannequin that shipped so way back.

Not that the Commodore identify ever really disappeared, it is simply modified arms over time. There have been a number of makes an attempt to money in on the nostalgia that surrounds the C64 branding too, just like the C64 Mini, a miniature reproduction with 64 built-in video games, and a full-size reboot known as TheC64 by the identical firm (Retro

Games).

What’s on faucet now could be fully completely different. It’s primarily an extension of the My Retro Computer after the corporate’s proprietor, Sean Donahue, licensed the Commodore identify to make use of on the the all-new Commodore 64x that he is providing on Kickstarter. It’s additionally a continuation of the trendy remakes that Barry Altman, founding father of Commodore USA, offered in 2010 till his demise in 2012.

Part of Donahue’s purpose is to make the Commodore model a family identify once more, and that does not come with out some drama. After the Kickstarter web page went up, it rapidly surpassed its $30,722 funding purpose, just for it to be delisted so Kickstarter might examine over a copyright declare. That declare turned out to be false, and the marketing campaign is now again up.

That’s the quick model. For a lengthier rationalization, this is what went down, in line with Donahue…

We’re glad all of it obtained sorted out as a result of this can be a actually cool venture. There are three fashions being supplied up: Commodore 64x Ultimate, Commodore 64x Extreme, and Commodore 64x Bareones. The Barebones mannequin is basically a keyboard-slash-case that customers can set up a Raspberry Pi or sure mini ITX motherboards inside.

The Extreme mannequin ups the ante with an Intel Celeron J6412 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 256GB M.2 SSD, whereas the Extreme mannequin is probably the most thrilling and highly effective of the bunch with a Core i9 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB of VRAM, 8GB of system RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD.

Both the CPU and GPU are embedded and to allow them to’t be upgraded, however the RAM is expandable to 64GB. There’s additionally an built-in docking station so as to add a 2.5-inch SATA SSD or HDD for extra storage. Other options embody an HDMI output, 4 USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, twin LAN ports, a DB9/M connector, a 3.5mm combo jack, and an SD card reader.

It’s clearly not the quickest PC on the planet, however definitely respectable and way more highly effective than the unique C64 from so a few years in the past. And the crowdfunding pricing, as proven above, is fairly affordable. Buyers also can select from an assortment of shade choices after the marketing campaign ends, should you’re not feeling nostalgic for beige.

Over 200 backers have pledged greater than $81,000 on the time of this writing, with nonetheless 29 days to go. You can hit up the Commodore 64x Kickstarter web page if you would like to affix them.