J-CPU64 6510/8500 replacement for the Commodore 64 (Pre-order)

Pre-orders are open!

• The long awaited MOS/CSG 6510/8500 CPU replacement is nearly here! Jani’s second major hardware product after the very successful J-CIA64 comes in the form of the J-CPU64. Beta testing has been completed and the final product is in process of parts sourcing.
• Pre-orders will be open for about 4 weeks, with an estimated shipping date of the first or second week of May 2024. Pre-ordering guarantees the buyer for a J-CPU64 out of this first production batch.
• Final PCB color of the product will be black, just like the J-CIAs.
• You can combine this pre-order with other readily available products from our store, but we will only ship the complete order when the J-CPU64s are available.

Description and features:

• FPGA based replacement for MOS/CSG 6510 & 8500 CPU chips.
• Lower power requirements, less heat! Actually; not discernible heat at all.
• Complete logic and all features of the original IC implemented, including illegal opcodes for maximum compatibility with all your favorite games and demos.
• All diagnostic & software tests passed 100%, including all tests in Wolfgang Lorenz’s test suite and Vice-project’s CPU-tests.
• Hundreds of demos and games already tested, with no known compatibility issues in tons of different configurations.
• Physically about the same size as the original CPU and drops right in place of the original chip without any board modifications or soldering required.
• Tested with all C64 mainboard revisions, SX-64 and with modern clones like the EVO64, Blue Pearl and the iComp’s Reloaded MKII.
• Tested with modern chip replacements like the VIC-II Kawari, PLA replacements like PLAnkton, NeatPLA etc, and of course J-CIA.
• Load of peripheral hardware tested and found to be compatible including (but not limited to) different types of floppy drives, fast loaders, Ultimate-II+, SD2IEC, TapeCart, Kung-Fu Flash, EasyFlash, Tapuino and more.
• Specially designed clock out signal circuitry (PHI2) for super strong and stable clock signals, with sharp rising and falling signal edges ensuring maximum stability and compatibility.

Installation:

• Although the J-CPU64 could be soldered directly to the mainboard, using IC sockets is highly recommended.
• Pins on J-CPU64 are gold plated round pins, which will work with all kinds of sockets, but the pins are a bit thicker than original IC-pins, which may cause slight stress to some leaf-type sockets. This is the same with all reproduction IC’s with turned pins. When in doubt, replace the leaf socket on the mainboard with a turned pin one.
• Be careful when pressing the J-CPU64 into a socket and make sure it is aligned properly and pressed down evenly to avoid bending or breaking of pins.
• J-CPU64 orientation: PIN 1 is marked with a number 1 on the PCB. That should match PIN 1 position on mainboard.
• There is also a half circle marked on the top of the J-CPU64. This relates to the notch on original IC’s and the notch on IC-sockets.
• On a C64 CPU PIN 1 is located on top left when looking from the front side.
• Original RF-shields may require insulating, modifications or even removal.
• Before turning on the power, check that the RF-shield metal does not touch the J-CPU64.

The small(er) print:

• J-CPU64 reproduces the functionality of the original MOS/CSG CPUs. Because it’s a reproduction, it cannot be ever fully like the original.
• Logic aims to be exactly like the original, but there may be very slight differences that have not been found yet, despite extensive testing.
• Electrically J-CPU64 is “close enough” and at some points every better to the original CPUs, but it is not exactly the same.
• Although tested with a LOT of hardware and software, compatibility with ALL hardware and software can never be fully guaranteed.
• Installing the J-CPU64 requires delicate handling and taking the proper pre-cautions to prevent antistatic discharges. The seller or manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any possible damage this product may cause to your equipment due to incorrect installation or mishandling of the product.