Tech specs

The Commodore 64 Ultimate has two type of specifications, the real hardware specifications and the programmed specifications.

The 'Commodore 64' part is powered by FPGA hardware.

Fundamentally, an FPGA‑based Commodore 64 is a hardware recreation of the original computer.

The FPGA is programmed with the exact logic of the C64’s CPU, video, sound, and I/O chips, so it behaves just like the 1982 hardware—even though the underlying chip is far more powerful.

For the user, the experience is indistinguishable from using a real C64: the same keyboard, ports, video output, and timing, allowing original software to run unchanged.

The being said, the actual hardware has more resources then an original C64 ever had available.

Because of that, the C64U has configuration options that the original did not have, 'Comfort of life' options. You can easily switch between PAL or NTSC video output, and have the ability to simulate original hardware, like a Commodore datasette or floppy drive, allocate more RAM or even increase the clock speed.

You are not going to run Windows or something like this on the C64U 1) For those who want to run Windows on a C64 PC see C64X in the Commodore.net store but it can behave as an extremely souped up original Commodore 64.

Hardware specs

Core: AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA

Memory: 128MB DDR2 RAM (16 MB system, 16 MB REU, 16 MB GeoRAM (soon), remaining MB RAM Disk), 16MB NOR flash

Video:

1080p @ 50Hz (PAL) or 60Hz (NTSC)

HDMI-certified

Virtually Zero-lag

DVI-compatible via HDMI

Analog via DIN-8: CVBS, S-Video, or RGB

Audio:

2 × SID sockets (6581/8580) with auto voltage and filter detection

UltiSID octal core FPGA SID emulation

SID-TAP header

On board piezo speaker for disk sounds and more

Controls:

Rocker switch (power, reset, menu, freeze)

Storage & Compatibility:

Operating System: Standard Commodore 64 or GEOS

USB thumbdrives: FAT, FAT32, exFAT

File formats: .D64, .D71, .D81, .G64, .T64, .TAP, .PRG, .ROM, and more

Commodore 64 ROMs will be included under license or via guided ROM setup on first boot

ISO-9660 image support

Integrated Ultimate-II+ functionality with tape emulation and DMA loader

Keyboard:

66-key mechanical

Gateron Pro 3.0 55g switches (PTFE-free non-toxic lubed)

Original C64 layout and shapes

N-Key Rollover (NKRO): Press multiple keys at once - every one registers. No missed inputs.

Macros:

Run long commands with a single keystroke.

Lighting:

70 RGB LEDs

Only Starlight and Founders edition. The basic edition has also the headers and software for it

Case and keyboard lighting thoughtfully integrated into motherboard and configurable via menu

Adjustable patterns, speeds, brightness

Connections

USB: 3 × USB-A 2.0, 1 × USB-C

One of the USB-A ports is internal. Only the top internal one works

The internal USB-C port is used for the keyboard

Note: these ports are intended for use with mass storage devices only. It has been reported that USB keyboards do work. Other devices do not work with USB (like mouse, gamepad, joystick)

MicroSD:

Internal slot (card sold separately)

Display Output:

HDMI Video & Audio (1080p/16:9 compatible monitor req., cable included)

8-pin DIN (CVBS, S-Video, or RGB via optional cable)

Although a stereo audio jack may physically accept a 3.5 mm headphone plug, using it this way is not recommended and may potentially damage the device. It is advised to treat this connector strictly as a line‑out and use a headphone amplifier between the device and your headphones.

Audio:

3.5 mm stereo audio jack

Optical S/PDIF

Networking:

Ethernet (100 Mbps)

Wi-Fi (built-in)

Expansion & Peripherals:

Cartridge port (>99% compatible)

Datasette port (6-pin edge connector)

Disk drive port (6-pin IEC DIN)

2 × DB-9 joystick/paddle ports

User port (26-pin internal, adapter sold separately)

Power: 12V DC