EVO64
Modern C64 replacement motherboard with dual SID and HDMI output
EVO64: the Modern C64 Motherboard with Dual SID and HDMI
The EVO64 is a replacement motherboard for the Commodore 64, designed and built by Retrospective. It brings dual SID support, ClearVideo64 HDMI output, a programmable Multi-ROM system and optional tube preamp capability to your C64 case.
Unlike a full FPGA solution that replaces all chips, the EVO64 works alongside your original MOS chips. The board adds modern features and reliability while preserving the analogue character of real Commodore hardware. It also supports a wide range of modern SID chip alternatives including ARMSID, FPGASID and SwinSID.
The EVO64 is produced by Retrospective, a Dutch company dedicated to creating high-quality hardware for the Commodore 64 community. More information and current availability are at retrospective.shop.
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Key features of the EVO64
Dual SID support
Two SID chip sockets with support for the MOS 6581, MOS 8580, ARMSID, ARM2SID, FPGASID, SwinSID and BackSID. Configure both channels for dual-mono or true stereo output. The EVO64 is one of the most capable platforms for stereo SID music on real C64 hardware.
ClearVideo64
Improved composite video output and built-in HDMI, so you can connect the EVO64 to any modern television or monitor without needing an upscaler. The signal is clean and stable, with both PAL and NTSC modes supported.
Multi-ROM
Eight kernel slots, four BASIC versions and eight character sets, all stored on-board and fully reprogrammable. Switch between kernels and character sets without opening the machine. Load your favourite fastloaders, alternative BASIC environments or custom character graphics at any time.
Custom PLA
The original PLA chip is one of the most common failure points in vintage C64 hardware. The EVO64 replaces it with a custom FPGA-based alternative that is stable, reliable and not subject to the age-related failures that affect original PLA chips.
ESD protection
All joystick ports and I/O connections on the EVO64 are protected against electrostatic discharge. Original C64 hardware has no such protection, making ESD damage one of the most common causes of peripheral port failure. The EVO64 addresses this from the ground up.
Tube preamp support
The EVO64 is compatible with the NuTube64 and Triode64 optional audio preamp modules, which route the SID signal through a real vacuum tube for warm analogue tone. Neither module is required, but both are supported without any modifications to the board.
EVO64 in action
The EVO64 is a substantial build. The SMD components come pre-soldered, but assembly of the through-hole parts takes several hours. The result is a board that fits inside your original C64 case and gives you dual SID, HDMI video, Multi-ROM and ESD-protected I/O in a single upgrade.
Full documentation, assembly instructions and a bill of materials are available on the Retrospective support pages. The EVO64 is designed for builders who are comfortable with electronics assembly and want to take their C64 hardware to the next level.
All EVO64 resources▶
Triode64 Audio Preamp
The Triode64 is an optional audio preamp module that plugs into the EVO64 and routes the SID chip signal through a real vacuum tube. The tube adds warmth and harmonic richness to the SID sound, an analogue character that no digital processing can fully replicate.
The EVO64 is compatible with both the Triode64 and the NuTube64 preamp modules. Neither is included with the board and neither is required for normal operation. They are add-ons for enthusiasts who want to push the audio quality of their C64 further than the original hardware ever offered.
Both the stereo SID configuration and the tube preamp can be used together, creating a C64 audio setup that has genuine dual-channel SID output processed through a tube stage before it reaches your speakers.
Badgeman Triode64 demo
The Badgeman demo is a C64 demo specifically created to showcase the Triode64 audio preamp on the EVO64. It demonstrates the warm, tube-processed SID sound that the combination of dual SID chips and the Triode64 module produces.
The demo runs on real C64 hardware with the EVO64 motherboard and Triode64 preamp installed. It is a good example of what is possible when you combine a modern board with original SID chips and analogue tube amplification. If you want to hear what the SID chip sounds like at its best, this is a strong demonstration.
Technical specifications
| Form factor | C64 motherboard replacement |
| Creator | Retrospective (Netherlands) |
| PLA | Custom FPGA-based replacement |
| Video output | ClearVideo64 (composite + HDMI) |
| Video modes | PAL and NTSC |
| ESD protection | All joystick and I/O ports |
| Multi-ROM | 8 kernels, 4 BASIC, 8 character sets |
| SID sockets | Dual (socket 1 and socket 2) |
| SID chips supported | 6581, 8580, ARMSID, ARM2SID, FPGASID, SwinSID, BackSID |
| Kawari VIC-II | Compatible |
| Audio configuration | Dual-mono or true stereo |
| Tube preamp | NuTube64 or Triode64 (optional, sold separately) |
| Assembly | SMD pre-soldered, through-hole DIY |
Frequently asked questions
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