So You Want a Commodore 64? Getting started beginner’s buyer’s guide

On today's menu we give our top picks in a Buyer's Guide to get you started with a Commodore 64 in any country, along with the handy list below, all with help from our friends at PCBWay.com - PCB assembly only $30 + free shipping.
BECOME A SUPPORTER
🙏 Patreon: / perifractic
🙏 PayPal/KZbin/more: perifractic.com/support
MENU
00:00 Intro
02:27 Buy a C64
07:47 Power supply
09:56 Storage device
14:12 Video output
17:45 Pimp it up
21:24 Futureproofing
25:34 Play!
UPDATES SINCE VIDEO AIRED
🏳️🌈 The new full size THEC64 "Maxi" is a fine option for beginners (links below)
⚠️ Some "untested" items WILL be genuine & MAY work; we just couldn't recommend a beginner buy an untested 30-year old computer.
🇺🇲 My recommendations stand no matter what country you're in. You can also apply many of these tips to buying a VIC-20, C128, Plus/4, & SX-64!
🆕 Added emulators below, though not 'real' C64s
CHEF'S CHOICES* 1️⃣ BUY C64:
🏆 eBay 'recapped': ebay.to/2zxNPmo
🥈 eBay 'tested/working': ebay.to/2Lfdwxh
ℹ️ PAL preferred, NTSC is ok
💲 eBay recent sale prices: ebay.to/32cjdTE
Though not a 'real' C64 filled with genuine nostalgia, there are emulator/FPGA alternatives:
💻 Ultimate64: ultimate64.com
💻 THEC64®: 🇺🇲amzn.to/2EHhe3n | 🇬🇧amzn.to/36CVrU8
💻 C64 Reloaded: icomp.de
2️⃣ BEST POWER SUPPLY:
🏆 Electroware power supply (UK/USA/EU): ebay.to/2z2mIiQ
🥈 C64 Savers: ebay.to/2yY2ve8
🔌 Make your own PSU: • Commodore 64 DIY Cheap...
3️⃣ BEST STORAGE DEVICE:
🏆 SD2IEC (SD card sold separately): www.thefuturewas8bit.com/tag/... | retro-cloud.eu
🥈 Pi1541: sharewareplus.blogspot.com/20...
🥉 Ultimate II+: ultimate64.com/Main_products
💾 SD2IEC 3D Mount: www.thingiverse.com/thing:376...
📼 Cassette azimuth alignment program: drive.google.com/file/d/1hPbw...
4️⃣ BEST VIDEO OUTPUT:
🏆 XRGB Mini (super crisp image): amzn.to/3z481tY | ebay.to/2ZmQyOR
🥈 Retrotink Pro (not as crisp): www.retrotink.com
📺 Cables: www.retrogamingcables.co.uk
5️⃣ PIMP IT UP:
🏆 Slimline case (don't forget keyboard adapters): icomp.de/shop-icomp/
🥈 Brixty Four: bit.ly/brixty
🧱 Vote for The Brixty Four: ideas.lego.com/projects/45489...
⌨️ BrixKey4 keycaps: bit.ly/brixkey
⌨️ MechBoard64 keyboard base: www.breadbox64.com/blog/the-m...
6️⃣ FUTUREPROOFING: (optional)
🏆 Recap kit: retroleum.co.uk/c64-capacitors
🥈 Heatsinks for VIC, SID, CPU & PLA: retroleum.co.uk/c64-repairs-an...
♨️ Soldering gear: www.amazon.com/shop/retrorecipes | www.amazon.co.uk/shop/retrore... | hakkousa.com
🇬🇧 VIC-II² PAL/NTSC switch: bit.ly/vicii2
🔋 Recapping video: • Atari 400 Refurb! Part...
7️⃣ PLAY! - BEST JOYSTICK
🏆 Konix SpeedKing joystick: ebay.to/2ZysrMp
🥈 QuickShot II Turbo joystick: ebay.to/2Lnu46C
🥉 TAC-2 joystick: ebay.to/2MVU1NR
🕹️ Modern 9-pin joysticks?: IMHO there are non available that are as good as originals
🚀 Top games list: www.lemon64.com/games/votes_l...
📒 BASIC user guide: archive.org/details/commodore...
🗨️ Facebook group: / commodoresixtyfour
🍋 Lemon64 forum: www.lemon64.com/forum/
🎹 Music Keyboard: ebay.to/2L7Rr5d
🎛️ Cynthcart 64: ebay.to/2ZEelF4 | sharewareplus.blogspot.com/p/...
THE COOKING MUSIC
💿 Stream the music: perifractic.com/music
GET THE TOOLS I USE!
A specially curated list of the gear seen in my videos*:
🇺🇸 amazon.com/shop/retrorecipes
🇬🇧 amazon.co.uk/shop/retrorecipes
ЯRETRO T-SHIRTS & MORE
🇺🇸 bit.ly/2G8RWdc | 🇬🇧 bit.ly/2B7AQsP
🚘 Free Tesla supercharging: bit.ly/teslafractic
THANKS TO
🕹 Ladyfractic & Puppyfractic
🕹️ Ashleyfractic
🕹 Gaz Marshall
🕹️ Lau Brix at breadbox64.com for some images
🕹️ Retro Shih Tzu Cyclist: / @retroshihtzucyclist
🕹️ Evan-Amos
🕹️ Everyone else who helped or featured!
🕹 Wikipedia & Wikimedia Commons
🕹 Pablo Roldan: / elwoz
🕹 Gardenside Productions, Clue Detectives, & Paradise Radio
🕹 Every attempt was made to contact copyright owners before including content. All media featured is marked as public domain on Google Images or used with written permission.
CONTACT, COMMUNITY, SOCIAL
📧 perifractic.com/contact
All music & content © Perifractic's Retro Recipes 1988-2019.

[@SuperTekBoy1]

Its got electrolytes in it. It's what caps crave.

[@ThinkerOnTheBus]

Welcome to Costco, I love you!

[@Robert08010]

Just don't let them win the Superbowl or they will up-end their electrolytes all over the CPU. So no Madden NFL, ok?

[@repairupdaterepeat5815]

I've never seen 2 people matched so well..... but by ek he did well 😂

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you so much! 😊 BTW you misspelled "she". 😂

[@keithmcgerr3056]

@@RetroRecipes or did he lol

[@repairupdaterepeat5815]

Woooh pinned post! I've never had a post pinned before, do I get a special hat or something?....

[@RetroRecipes]

@@repairupdaterepeat5815 Only if it's re-capped 👍🕹️

[@KieronWray]

@@RetroRecipes lol touche

[@kaidynreece6200]

You guys are all awesome together! His voice is so relaxing and chill, and her smile is like a supernova! (and the puppy is a cutie!)

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@BobsBand]

@@RetroRecipes Now all we need is Christian to get a better hairstyle and they'll be perfect!

[@RetroRecipes]

@@BobsBand Hairstyle? That's a wig!

[@BobsBand]

@@RetroRecipes Lol. There's always hats!

[@ryanpaaz]

@@RetroRecipes Responding to comments on a video that's over 2 years old! Man is a legend!

[@workharder5923]

My friend had a Commodore 64 growing up. My mom knew I wanted a computer and bought me TRS80 color 2 . It came with a book on how to program and make your own games. I was hooked on learning how to program. I came upon your videos by accident, and now I am forever hooked. It takes me back in time.

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

This channel is not only bolstering with charisma, but also the technicals that I want. 5-Star content!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@Tannlore]

This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for to start my journey on owning a C64. Thank you so much to you both for doing this! (and to puppyfractic too!)

[@RetroRecipes]

That makes us so happy to hear! 👍🕹️

[@valentinoKun]

make sure, you have the manuals....i lost mine and had a hard time for programming ( learning )

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

I second that!

[@JohnSmith-xq1pz]

Hey who's this guy butting in on Ladyfractie's channel?

[@lunsj]

I don't know but I bet he has a dumb name ;)

[@guepardo.1]

Oh, that's Puppyfractic, of course.

[@FishcatGames]

💯

[@michwashington]

Your wife is beautiful! You’re so lucky to have a woman that embraces your computer enthusiasm for C-64’s and retrocomputing . Kudos to the both of you!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@ninpodarren]

I recently bought a Commodore 128 (twice the 64 in one package haha) advertised as not working for parts. Bought a new power supply and turned it on and it works!

[@RetroRecipes]

Welcome to the family 👍🕹️

[@Sparky1002]

its a gamble but from what I had Learned the C64 is Easy too Repair if you have knowledge Experience with a solder iron , if you Lucky it has the Sockets .. there is many websites in how too Repair a C64 or C128 as the the Most Common problem is the PLA Chip I took a chance on a Untested Atari 400 and a Untested Atari 800 both from 1982 and they Both WORK! got them Real Cheap ..36 Dollars for a Complete Set minus the Disk Drive .. I had taken a Chance also... on a two . untested . TI99/4a computers one was Dead the other a Video problem ( CAPS ) ..

[@TheTurnipKing]

Untested will probably be cheaper, but may well require more TLC, if it works at all. This is a buyers guide.

[@tetsujin_144]

Nice score! I used a C-128 from the mid-80s through the early 90s. Definitely had fun with it but I don't know if I'd call it "twice the 64" - it's more like "the 64 plus a bunch of stuff you probably won't use much". 64 mode is where most of the games are, and most of the added features of the 128 (extra keys, extra RAM, fast mode, 80 column mode, etc.) can't be used in 64 mode. Looking back I mostly feel like getting the 128 was a poor choice, though it did serve me well. That's great that the machine you bought worked out for you, though. Have fun with it!

[@jerricabenton842]

For people who like to do lots of recapping, it might be worthwhile to get an ESR(equivalent series resistance) meter (or a multimeter which can do ESR). That way you can test a cap while it is still in circuit. If the ESR is way high, then you know the cap needs to be replaced without having to bother to pull it from the board to test the capacitance.

[@jerricabenton842]

IIII think it works pretty well.. i mean it's pretty easy to tell when a cap has popped, the values are gonna be pretty wrong. only doesn't work if the caps are directly in parallel. it is said: don't fix what's not broken

[@crazy8sdrums]

I had to pause this a moment to hear Bjork talking about her TV. That was, um, different. Different. Bjork is different...and I love her for it!

[@ExperimentIV]

Crazy 8s Drums the whole video is amazing really. never let poets lie to you

[@Jammet]

I have pre-ordered the TheC64 that will be out by the end of this year, and I am so excited for that one! I know the innards are totally different, but I will be just another C64 user (as I have been, all my life, basically) :). I love the C64, and always have, since I was a little kid. I may not be able to swap physical disks with the new model, and I do see that a lot of people look down on it, but still, I love this community, and I enjoy it greatly! But no matter what, I love watching videos about the original hardware!

[@galaxyboots]

Me too!!

[@RetroRecipes]

A fine option! 👍🕹️

[@sethrd999]

So you program that one?, if so ( after the basic guides perhaps ) you might be interesting in these, 6502.org/ www.ajordison.co.uk/ www.zimmers.net/cbmpics/cbm/c64/vic-ii.txt skilldrick.github.io/easy6502/ books.google.be/books/about/What_s_Really_Inside_the_Commodore_64.html?id=ETfdtgAACAAJ&redir_esc=y www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Commodore_64_Programmer's_Reference_Guide I remember having to go back to these things for some SNES stuff I was playing with after the Amiga, yes I prefer 68k asm hands down.

[@Jammet]

@@RetroRecipes , Nigel, thanks so much for the many links! I might really try and get creative! :) Learn BASIC and see where I go from there...

[@subtledemisefox]

Thicc64

[@dgstephens]

Brilliant! This came out fantastically. I'm so glad you pointed out the SD2IEC's relative ubiquity and compatibility as well; definitely a great choice for a first foray into modern storage. I do wish there was a mention of a modern joystick for C64s (and others that share it's joystick port).

[@RetroRecipes]

Glad you liked it! I intentionally left out modern joysticks as there are none that are both available (in stock) or considered anywhere near as good as originals. Trust me I tried. I might add a note about that too the description. If you know of one that people like and is in stock, I'm open to that though! 👍🕹️

[@peterschroder8476]

Wow, so much work and love in these videos, appreciate it!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@AJB2K3]

I'm sorting through several boxes of C=64's I have had in storage and about to put on sale. Watching this eagerly!

[@mrjotz]

This was the first video of yours that I've seen. I'm glad KZbin recommended it! I've never used a C64, but I've been fascinated with them since watching The 8-Bit Guy for the last couple of years. At some point, I'd love to give the C64 a try. Thanks for a lovely video. You have a new subscriber!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️ Welcome!

[@fluffycritter]

You two are perfect together and I’m glad she’s been in more of your videos lately.

[@RetroRecipes]

Aw shucks thanks!!

[@Captain_Char]

I am happy to say, I still have my c64c, its due for a recap soon, and i have the IED2SD adapter for but still have working disk drives too, so im glad the old timer still works well as it did when I first got it

[@chrisamadeus4647]

Thank you so much, I just bought my first C64 and this was very informative and helpful. Lovely to see lady fractic and puppy again x

[@RetroRecipes]

So glad! 👍🕹️

[@erebostd]

That's true, this (very kind) guy reacts to nearly every comment if it's possible - even if you criticize his puns ;-) - regards from Germany (we take fun very seriously here, it's not a laughing matter! Oh no, now I'm doing it, too...) PS: I put a FPGA Mist in a old c64 shell, which is quite convenient and is as near as you can get to a real one with avoiding the known problems)

[@RetroRecipes]

I do not reply to any comments actually. Oh wait. 😂

[@mattnik]

This is a great video. Very helpful while being entertaining. KZbin at its best.

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@xerxese191]

I have absolutely NO INTEREST in old computers, but I can stare at this gal ALL DAY! 🥰

[@RetroRecipes]

Same!!

[@CommodoreComputerMuseum]

Another great video, your guide is exactly what I needed a year ago when i got back into owning a c64 again, very informative video, and will be really helpful for future buyers. Top quality video!

[@RetroRecipes]

Sorry for the delay 😬

[@judgementalmedia]

I got so lucky today, visited my sister today and she gave me one as a present in mint working condition. 😀

[@RobA500]

Well done Puppyfractic another great video, you've chosen your supporting cast well.

[@RetroRecipes]

🐾

[@TheDavo10001]

26:22 Quickshot II turbo! Wow there's a blast from the past. I had one of those in 1988 or thereabouts. We are fortunate in Australia that our C64s are all PAL. I must get around to buying a replacement for that old machine I sold to buy an Amiga 500 back in the day

[@lunsj]

Wow that was a nice upgrade!

[@thomassmith4999]

I did the exact same thing.. Sold my entire C64 setup in 1987 to fund the A500. I couldn't go on with my life like that as long as you have though and bought another C64 in 1989-90 ish

[@LurgsHowToGuides]

Great info. Love the background. Glad I stumbled on you guys, very interesting.

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@adamlazara2594]

This video and the links provided are an amazing resource for newbies to the C64 , like myself. I just purchased both a C64 and 128 a few days ago and the information you shared gives me so much more confidence to tackle the restorations. I’m stoked to be getting into the retro computing hobby because people like yourself have helped to make it accessible for the rest of us. Thank you!

[@RetroRecipes]

Great to hear!

[@danielschneider601]

Thanks so much for uploading this wonderful guide! Since I finally got to buy one myself recently, and get into it more, all this information is super helpful! Keep up the great work, and greetings to all of you three from Germany! :)

[@RetroRecipes]

That’s great!

[@DrTofu83]

Right what I needed: well, I've got already my old setup refurbished and fixed, but thanks to your vids and my game room my girlfriend, who missed most part of the 8bit era because her parents had her skip the 80s and start with MS-DOS in early nineties will catch up. She already gave me copies of old ads from her collection of kid magazines from the 80s (in that age, she read diligently the cultural parts, I got my old man Xerox the ads and searched bits and pieces for my room. Some of them surviving to show her, some bought anew in this age to show her) So, thank you for making this hobby enjoyable to laymen and everyone We, the fan and the usual customers, won't stick around forever We need to spread our passion out and you can do this better than anyone else :) PS: my doggie didn't recap anything lately. But he stole the antistatic bag of my Fastload and refused to give it back. That's a start :)

[@Galacticadude]

I never owned a C64 but my brother had one. When he was in high school they were using C64's. They used graph paper to design sprites. I made some Battlestar Galactica Vipers. Wish I could recreate them. Another enjoyable video!

[@KenWilliamson]

Utterly fantastic information, thank-you.

[@RetroRecipes]

You're welcome!

[@Cybernetic_Systems]

I love the husband and wife videos! I've even got my lovely non-geek wife to watch a couple with me and she would never considering watching any other retro videos with me! 👍

[@RetroRecipes]

That's great! Sounds like a keeper in any case!

[@Cybernetic_Systems]

Retro Recipes totally agree, after 10 years and 2 kids, she still buys me retro, movie and video game themed tshirts 🤓

[@RetroRecipes]

@@Cybernetic_Systems Now that's true love!!

[@terrabyte911]

This reminds me of 'Sheldon Cooper's Fun with Flags' on the Big Bang Theory. You gotta know how to hold and know how to fold them.

[@serialhobbyism_official]

I was supposed to be going to bed, and then I stumbled across this channel. Now I've been up all night watching. Absolutely love it! Keep up the good work!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@CJWarlock]

Great episode. So accurate information, well put together and spoken in a soothing voice. :) And the fun and the puns - I love them! :D Thank you for the video.

[@grimkupid8478]

I get a kick out of every time they are together in a video, he gets an English lesson lol

[@astorjupit6932]

The german C64s are also PAL. But they are around the same price as the UK ones. I personally own probably one of the earlier german units from 1983.

[@souljastation5463]

All European C64 are PAL

[@BBC600]

Souljastation 5 Wouldn’t Australian ones be too?

[@souljastation5463]

@@BBC600 Maybe, I'm not sure.

[@souljastation5463]

@Joe Musashi I think so, since that C64 couldn't work on a German TV/monitor.

[@acmenipponair]

Some of the later C64 with "made in West Germany" can be either PAL or NTSC. The reason is simple: ALL C64 from the later area were produced in Germany. From 1987 or so on Commodore didn't produced C64 or C128 machines anymore in the states - they switched over to Amiga and Commodore IBM compatibles. Meanwhile, the C64 was still huge in Europe, while the Amiga didn't had a big run and the PCs lost heavily against the Amstrad ones. So they produced the C64 for the whole world, in NTSC and PAL, and C128, completely in Germany. That's also the reason, why a GERMAN company (ESCOM) bought Commodore in the end: They wanted the production facilities of CBM to build their own computers. They just went bankrupt too fast for doing it.

[@thebiggerbyte5991]

A fantastic beginners guide! Informative and entertaining. Puppyfractic has got up-staging down to an art :)

[@mikepettengill2706]

Great advice, thanks!

[@RetroRecipes]

You're welcome!

[@ygstuff4898]

'Thumbs Up' for Lady- & puppy-fractic. :)

[@SwitchAndLever]

This is awesome! I love the videos you do together and the ribbing and riffing you do off one another! Thanks for the insights and the laughs!

[@RetroRecipes]

So great to know it works, and not just from our perspective lol. Cheers mate! 👍🕹️

[@blakenorthrup]

Great video, and sub'd. Seeing all of those old computers brought me into nostalgia mode. I had most of these devices growing up, and will be getting back into it. Your setup is awesome!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@cadburybunny]

Awesome Video. I have been looking at getting an "untested" model to refurbish as a project. But these tips are invaluable for getting a good working model. Thanks for taking the time to explain and provide links to assist. You are both indeed amazing!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@stephenbruce8320]

Great video as always. Ladyfractic put this one over the top. Emulating is a good way to experience a C64 but does not compare to having one especially if you have an old working monitor. Yes there is a big difference between a CRT and something more modern. The CRT displays things as they were intended while a modern display although looks sharp and clean does not quite display things as they were intended. While most will not notice the difference its definitely there. Similarly the SID chip sound is quite unique so having a real SID chip running vs a modern replacement or emulated SID there is a difference in the sound quality although when your old like me just being able to hear anything is a good thing so yea I can't tell the difference easily.

[@bit-ishbulldog2089]

I use S-Video on my LCD and CRT and notice one thing more than picture quality and that is lag, I notice it on the cursor when I type.. Just looks normal on the CRT. The only time I use it on my LCD is so I can use my audio devise connected to the LCD TV.. both screens look good with my Commodore 64.

[@Jammet]

There are some really advanced emulators that will nicely emulate how a CRT works. For instance, today "RetroVirtualMachine" got another new update, and the way it emulates the screen includes all kinds of interesting bits. Like ghosting. Mask details. Screen curvature. Vsync out of perfect alignments, amplitude, flicker, type of screen, interlace blending, overscan, noises, random offset, sharpness/softness, vignette, beam (looks like filming a screen), --- all these knobs it has just for making the screen go wild. It's so fun to play with these! :) I had an Amstrad CPC as a child, and this has been one of my favourite ways to "go back" to it, for a while now. :)

[@PittyGT]

Your videos are so fantastic and Ladyfractics are soooo cute. I like the "iku iku" screwdriver sound from her so much. Please more from this. Greetings from Germany! :)

[@RetroRecipes]

Greetings from California! Ee-oo-ee-oo

[@Colin_Ames]

Very informative, and entertaining at the same time.

[@stevejennings3960]

A truly fabulous video once again... you two bounce off each of so well!!!!

[@RetroRecipes]

We thank you! Bounce bounce...

[@stevejennings3960]

Retro Recipes you’re welcome chip dippers :)

[@TheRealShedLife]

I love how the "bad" editing mimics videos from the 80s when we couldn't edit frame-by-frame. This video is brilliant on so many levels. I love the bad sound. It's obvious they know exactly what they're doing. This is so meta, really good, and fun, made my day

[@zidwid]

"This is a gorgeous looking device" yes, yes she is.

[@MegaDraadloos]

just what I thought...

[@wobblyrampack9655]

Great vid! Quickshot 2 was my joystick back in the day also. An issue was auto-fire - easy to turn on/off by mistake with the heel of the hand.

[@hniels]

This perfect timing. I literally bought a C128D today and needed to figure out how to get it connected to a HDMI monitor

[@adventurerready3114]

10:55 It's the fabled Yugoslavian cassette azimuth alignment program, check out the Serbian text. :D

[@AlexiAnna2006]

Excuse me, Serbian language. Croatian and Serbian are the same except some minor dialects. For example, Croatian says: "na primjer", Bosnian (another republic before - it's federation now) says "na primijer", Serbs says "na primer". 😎

[@AlexiAnna2006]

Are you coming from Yugoslavia?

[@Schming]

You two are just bloody adorable together.

[@Schming]

Or 3, I should say.

[@RetroRecipes]

💁🐶👦

[@firepowerg]

Thanks for doing this. I have been able to use your advice to get my very first 8-Bit machine. A C64C. It needs a bit of retrobrighting which could be difficult in Hertfordshire in the winter but maybe I'll just have to tackle that when Summer comes back around.

[@RetroRecipes]

You're very welcome! Have fun with it! 👍🕹️

[@joederr8010]

The whole 'Fractic' family all in one amazing video. You have out done yourself on this video mate. Great job on all the links and help for those of us who are wanting to get back into Commodore 64 computing for the first time since we were kids! ❤️

[@mattt6600]

Now everyone's gonna want a C64... Is it too late to buy stocks in Commodore? :D

[@RetroRecipes]

Technically you can actually. The current Commodore Inc. offer stock options starting at $18 million. Seriously!

[@Comakino]

I wish they would get on and make some new computers already

[@CastleFamilyThe]

Never wanted one, ain’t gonna change now!

[@thisisrob8750]

@@CastleFamilyThe your on the wrong channel then

[@mrt1r]

Great video! I loved the cameo from Dave. A Star Trek reference from a Star Wars actor... So satisfying!

[@namakudamono]

Alan Toner Seriously? He was in Star Wars?

[@mrt1r]

@@namakudamono IMDb Christian Simpson

[@namakudamono]

Alan Toner Wow, thank you!

[@jameswalker199]

Dinotopia, too, according to the IMDB page. I seem to remember that fondly, but vaguely.

[@namakudamono]

The PCB Way part was great. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable video.

[@namakudamono]

...sorry, I meant recipode.

[@azariayehezkel9064]

Excellent video Cheers

[@fragalot]

NTSC is also used in Japan, so it's not exclusively a USA thing, plus NTSC is used all though out north america. On the other hand, PAL isn't exclusive to the UK, it's most of Europe.

[@christopherhanley507]

FRAG aLOT I live in Japan and have a NTSC system....getting pal to work here is cost prohibitive

[@saracade69]

I loved your channel before but the addition of more frequent visits with Lady Fractic makes it 500% better. If she had her own channel, I would totally sub.She just seems like a genuine great person.

[@RetroRecipes]

I couldn't agree more! Thanks Sara 😊

[@GuybrushThriftweed]

Tbh I would like this format more than her own channel. This adds something extra on top :)

[@ScottLahteine]

I purchased a breadbin C64 on eBay in great condition for more than I like to admit, and I also got the newest Ultimate64 FPGA full implementation board direct from the maker. Now I have a spare original C64 board to refurbish, recap, add chip sockets, etc. The Ulitimate64 allows you use the original SID chip from the C64, so my original C64 board will end up SID-less. I’m inclined to hold onto the original board. It’s a work of art.

[@RetroRecipes]

I love my U64 and have added it to the description 👍🕹️

[@ScottLahteine]

I’ll be in the market for an Atari 800 compatible soon, and would love to see a similar guide for that, since the Atari 8-bit is where I got started in coding. There are so many varieties of this architecture it is hard to choose.

[@davidjames579]

Just wanted to say I find the videos you three make very soothing. After needing to defrag my mind after doing heavy work projects, these are just the ticket.

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@davidjames579]

@@RetroRecipes Not at all. One of your videos popped up in my recommendeds, it looked interesting, and it turns out it's exactly what I needed. All the best with the channel, I'm really enjoying it.

[@Mrav79]

OMG the Azymuth program, in my language :D Serbo-Croatian FTW :)

[@RetroRecipes]

Greetings from California!

[@Mrav79]

@@RetroRecipes Should you need a translation ... I have that on a cartridge along with a "biorhythm" program.

[@RetroRecipes]

@@Mrav79 Well, I could always use more video caption translations! See link in description if interested 👍🕹️

[@danijelcar5184]

Yes I had this same cartridge on my C64 Greetings from Croatia!

[@Pinman1973]

Lovely couple! Your girlfriend does her very best to be interested.

[@chris8139]

Thought it was his wife. 🤷‍♂️ She is stunning though, I have a preference for long hair.....but 😍

[@GuybrushThriftweed]

@@chris8139 Don't get your caps up :)

[@davidherron9151]

Haha

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

Zarr0ch> Thought it was his wife. 🤷‍♂️ They're not wearing rings on that finger for the fashion…

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

I somehow want to believe that they met geeking out over the same something! ;)

[@douglaszirk8949]

Excellent video guys! I just got into retro computing after decades separating the days when I grew up with 8 bit computers. This video also doubles as a relaxing ASMR adventure 😉✌🏻

[@walterbenford]

What a team. Great video.

[@noscrubbubblez6515]

i was selling the vic 20 before the 64 came around. not retro enough for me.

[@nmlss]

These two look so disgustingly good it's almost unfair! D:

[@InekoBK]

I love how this is still a thing . My dad still has our original c64 from back in the 80's , complete with tape deck , disk drive and even a commodore monitor . As a kid I played so many hours on that computer , great times :-)

[@patrickcroce7019]

I stumbled upon your channel and was blown away by the professional content and execution. In full disclosure, I’m a guitar player who surfs in my free time for great videos to further explore my guitar passion. I gotta say I am not sure how I got hear, but I am happy I did. Learning a lot and think you guys are great. Cheers!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@lolwtf4800]

Jak sie masz? Bardzo dobrze :) Lady Fractic polish is really good.

[@BilisNegra]

I guess she's got it polished enough..

[@ReedsRedactions]

I swear your dog knows more than she's letting on. I'm starting to get suspicious.

[@RetroRecipes]

Lol me too! She even added that titling herself 😲

[@Evan490BC]

Their dog is a C++ programmer, actually.

[@johntrevy1]

@@RetroRecipes Dogs know a lot, but cats know everything.

[@kumsuk77777]

This is a must-see video for new Commodore 64 owners. Very well done

[@the8bitbarn836]

It's great to see that your wife has now joined you on your channel! I'm glad that she shares and enjoys your favorite hobby! Great Job guys!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@TheJeremyHolloway]

If you installed JiffyDOS, Commodore would finally be keeping up with you. Think about all of the saved minutes from loading games it would solve... :)

[@Peugeot306]

Ladyfractic is gorgious. 🤩

[@jerricabenton842]

yeah, y'all should make out on top of a pile of broken electronics

[@skjerk]

jerrica benton you’re an idiot!

[@chris8139]

Depends if it’s a hard disk or a floppy....

[@abotolo]

I’m in love with Ladyfractic 😀

[@vhfgamer]

My first and most important tactic I use to buy a C64 involves the following... "Price + Shipping: Lowest First"

[@shrimp_on_internet]

Just rescued a C64 from my old HS today, thanks for the buying guide!

[@Zardox-The-Heretic-Slayer]

"how much should you pay?" she asks, tricking him to come clean about how much he's REALLY been spending on old computers

[@RetroRecipes]

🤐 50p dear

[@Zardox-The-Heretic-Slayer]

@@RetroRecipes "I got the untested as is ones. honest!"

[@tommyzDad]

Just discovered your channel .... Ladyfractic is heart-breakingly gorgeous.

[@MegaDraadloos]

tommyzDad wonder if she has a sister

[@Anton680x]

Your description with its links to eBay really helped me make my purchase. Thank you so very much !!!! You guys are awesome !!

[@RetroRecipes]

Great to hear!

[@drewpaschal9294]

Good vid with lots of good information!

[@Tim_3100]

Lady fractic is so a-w-e-s-o-m-e she needs her own show 🙂

[@RetroRecipes]

This is her show 😊

[@RacerX-]

Can you have WiFractic call up Mrs. Zapp to get her into Retro? I say Retro she says NoNo. 🤣😉 Excellent list, Sir! Obie-Wan would be proud.

[@RetroRecipes]

Wifractic? Love it! Time for a rebrand 😉 Sure we'll call right now. Via 9600 baud modem... Eeeee oooooooooohhhh...

[@RacerX-]

@@RetroRecipes Cool. Unfortunately she never upgraded so she still has a 300 baud modem. No wonder she hates retro...

[@RetroRecipes]

Right but at least she randomly yells "I am Sparta!"

[@Eightbitswide]

Well done! Bravo!

[@RetroRecipes]

Encore!

[@KayoMichiels]

9:02 Also: if you have a floppy drive for the C64, i would suggest the 2 in 1 powersupply also from electrowave; it will power both the C64 AND the floppy drive.

[@Timmymantwo]

I have an old Commodore 64 at my grandparents. I don't even know if it works or not. It would be good to find out

[@RetroRecipes]

Do it!

[@Timmymantwo]

I will with the information provided. Thanks

[@loganmacgyver2625]

The cable hookups are really easy since you can't plug the wrong thing in the wrong place unless you force it, and you only need to learn two commands to play games. "load" for loading games from casettes (if you have a casette drive) and "LOAD "[file here]",8,1 ( "*" instead of the filename is for loading the first thing on a floppy and "$" instead of filename loads the directory of the disk and if you type "LIST" for listing the things on the disk)

[@tubical71]

If it doesn´t work...who cares....take the board out put in a RasPi...install VICE and you have a 99.9991% working C64.

[@Comakino]

9 dislikers were Spectrum fans

[@BertGrink]

I would consider myself a Spec-Chum first and foremost, but that doesn't mean that i downvote videos not about the Speccy; in fact i got myself a C128DCR earlier this year, so i now have a foot in the 'Commode' camp as well... i even hope i can get my grubby mittens on an Amstrad CPC at some point, too. _ALL_ retro computers deserve love IMO :D

[@alexmcd378]

I'd love to see an updated version of this video, or a part two. There's a lot of options and accessories like the ultimate 64 board or wifi64 card that you just stumble across in the community. Could also be a chance to cover your evolving opinion on original hardware vs modern substitutes for the new buyer. Thanks as always!

[@gabor222]

Yes, I think that modern substitutes are the greatest solution if it is for everyday use and not for a personal museum-collection. After playing with emulation for months I decided to preorder a Mega 65. It is expensive but eliminates the need for a separate storage-drive and a video-upscaler.

[@ThereWillBeCake]

I just got a bread bin C64. Thanks for the guide!

[@RetroRecipes]

Have fun!

[@hastonian]

These comments aren't quite as thirsty as I expected. We'll done guys. That said, the lady's eyes are intoxicating! lol

[@RetroRecipes]

Generally well behaved bunch we've got here huh! 👍🕹️

[@BertGrink]

@@RetroRecipes I'd say that your polite demeanour is contagious ;)

[@mvl71]

I got Lady No Cables No Old Junk Oh Was That Bit Important I Just Threw It In The Bin

[@bishopofrustyiron3101]

Just discovered this channel, great stuff!

[@whitneyeaton5585]

thanks for another great, fun video. keep it up.

[@generalbyzantine8735]

Considering how much she looks like a Nagel painting I'm surprised Ladyfractic doesn't write about the Amiga more often. :) One point that I was to reiterate is that because it was the most popular computer ever sold, there are probably lots of cheap C=64's still available in garage sales and thrift stores (if you get there before youtubers :) ). Buying the C=64 is only the first, and possibly cheapest, expense. Shipping those lead-filled 1541 disk drives can be more expensive that buying a C=64+modern IO device!

[@CJWarlock]

I've searched Patrick Nagel paintings. You're right, the similarity is there. Once you see it you can't unsee it. :)

[@JamesBrown-oz5bl]

I just can't really enoy c64 games, but I just need the real hardware to play the demoscene stuff

[@tubical71]

VICE runs it all, i haven´t found a DEMO jet, which VICE wasn´t able to execute.

[@JamesBrown-oz5bl]

@@tubical71 True, but there's something about running them on real hardware that makes the demos seem more incredible. You look at your breadbox and think yes it's really that 30 year old machine making these things on my screen.

[@tubical71]

@@JamesBrown-oz5bl And..... i had the SuperCPU back in the days ;)

[@juzujuzu4555]

@@JamesBrown-oz5bl C64 is 37 years old, and the distinction is pretty important because 30y ago we already had 486 released, and Amiga was already 4yrs old. But this is just nitpicking.

[@GeirEivindMork]

I watched just to see the dynamics in the family, I'm impressed she has watched your videos. That either shows great support or that she is just very curious about your other woman.

[@RetroRecipes]

Well, definitely the former. Why do you think I married her? 😉

[@miaumiaumiauaa]

Super great video!