***Installing this requires your c64 to have a socketed cpu!***
***This is an unassembled kit and requires soldering***
Contains:
- Preprogrammed Teensy with the MCL64-mini firmware
- PCB with pre-soldered SMD components
- Aluminum heatsink with adhesive and 3D printed bracket
- SD card (size may vary) containing the source code
- All required pin headers
- Assembly instructions and manual
The MCL64-mini accelerator, with a new smaller board than the original MCL-64 and firmware that has been upgraded by Athena Labs to be capable of running GEOS and many commercial games. Features a concise but detailed manual and 3 different compatibility modes. Source code is available on the included SD card. Not compatible with the Commodore 128
Pros:
- Compatible with both PAL and NTSC systems, as well as both the breadbin and C64C
- Great for speeding up your basic programs
- Great for GEOS and other processor intensive software
- Great for Stunt Car Racer and other early 3d titles
- Real world performance varies, but typical performance is around 7mhz for accelerated code (Live speed readouts are available over the debugging micro usb port for the curious).
- Able to use Kernal and Basic Rom images from the included SD card, such as JiffyDos
- It's also capable of being slowed down to stock speeds for demos and trickier games.
Cons:
- This is a small, independent project. While I do my best, support is going to be limited and bugs are to be expected. Because of this, we offer a 14 day no risk return policy. Keep your packaging, If it isn't what you want, and so long as the board isn't damaged, you can send it back for a complete refund (seller covers return shipping)
- Due to the nature of accelerators as an aftermarket modification, many pieces of software won't be compatible. Bugs, issues, and jank comes with the territory.
- Not compatible with ROM cartridges such as the Epyx Fastload. JiffyDos is strongly recommended as the fastloader of choice and is the most thoroughly tested. Certain utility cartridges such as GeoRam may work but have not been tested
- Not compatible with the REU (Keep your eyes peeled for an updated firmware with included REU emulation)
- If your C64 does not already have a CPU socket, installing one may damage your system board. Make sure that your system is in good working order before installing the MCL64-mini
- The MCL64-mini is less tolerant of poor quality power supplies than the original CPU. A failing PSU may cause erratic behavior even if the original CPU appears to work fine (Trust me, I've lost a not insignificant amount of development time to this one)
- The website for firmware and other information is still under construction
- It is physically larger than the original CPU and may have clearance issues with nearby chips (It doesn't on any of the boards I've tested but Commodore was well known for making many slightly different variations of the c64). The pins on the bottom are tall enough to have vertical clearance for a socketed IC right next to it, but short enough for the c64c case to fully close
- Not compatible with tape based software
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