New C64C Owner - Bulletproofing/Upgrades?

[moonchilddave]

I just picked up a C64C off e-bay as I've always prefered the newer case style. Thankfully, I got one that has the original long board with the original SID in it. I also have an Ultimate-II+ (Warm Grey) with Tape Adapter on order. So, I have 2 main questions...

 

1) What can I do to the system to bullet-proof it for years to come? Heat sinks, capacitor replacement, etc? I'm fairly handy with a soldering iron - so no worries there.

 

and

 

2) What would you consider to be essential peripherals that I might want to consider getting/adding to the system - anything really, as long as it doesn't require modifying the case (which I'd prefer to keep stock). I heard someone mention the Nu-Brick power supply, but I can't seem to find where I'd purchase one of those from.

[moonchilddave]

Cracked it open to discover exactly what I had inside. Looks like I got this mainboard...

https://www.breadbox64.com/c64-hardware/commodore-64c/assy-250466/

[+sm3]

Cracked it open to discover exactly what I had inside. Looks like I got this mainboard...

 

https://www.breadbox64.com/c64-hardware/commodore-64c/assy-250466/

 

I just picked up a C64C off e-bay as I've always prefered the newer case style. Thankfully, I got one that has the original long board with the original SID in it. I also have an Ultimate-II+ (Warm Grey) with Tape Adapter on order. So, I have 2 main questions...

 

1) What can I do to the system to bullet-proof it for years to come? Heat sinks, capacitor replacement, etc? I'm fairly handy with a soldering iron - so no worries there.

 

and

 

2) What would you consider to be essential peripherals that I might want to consider getting/adding to the system - anything really, as long as it doesn't require modifying the case (which I'd prefer to keep stock). I heard someone mention the Nu-Brick power supply, but I can't seem to find where I'd purchase one of those from.

 

If you have a stock power brick that came with the 64C I'd suggest you stop using it and pick up a modern replacement. I can recommend this guy:

 

http://personalpages.tds.net/%7Ercarlsen/custom%20ps.html

 

He is well known in the US for Commodore repairs etc...

 

I personally have 2 of his white metal box type power supplies (I think they are $55) 1 for my 64 and 1 for the 128.

 

They are not the cheapest of course, but they will last and Ray stands by his work.

email: rcarlsen at tds dot net

[motrucker]

If this C-64c still has the original power supply, get rid of it! I agree that Ray Carlsen makes great power supplies.An excellent choice.

I doubt you will need to change any caps. They rarely go bad in a 64. That's a problem with later model Amiga machines.

A good heat sink on the PLA wouldn't hurt (if it's an original).

 

 

 

[carlsson]

Yes, if it is the long board the PLA chip is at risk. Of course you can wait until it breaks down to get a replacement solution.

 

Since you're getting the U2+, you are probably good regarding upgrades. It contains a software implementation for a secondary SID. If you don't like the sound, I suppose you could look for a dual SID board to install internally.

[ApolloBoy]

Also stick a heat sink on the SID, they get pretty hot too and can die from overheating.