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Commodore 64 VIC Chip Replacement

Device	Commodore 64
Difficulty	Very easy
Time	1 minute
Steps	5

This guide is by Silvanus Clarke on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

The Video Interface Controller (VIC) is is the graphics chip for the C64.

Tools: Phillips #00 Screwdriver

Step 1 :: Removing screws

• 1. Remove three 6.75mm ph2 screw heads from the casing

Step 2 :: Opening

• 2. Split the case of the C64 open by pulling up on the case towards you
• CAUTION: Do not pull too hard that you break the clips.

Step 3 :: Detach the keyboard from the motherboard

• 1. Detach the multi-colored wire bundles that's connected to the motherboard

Step 4 :: Pull up the VIC plate

• 2. Without using any tools prop up the metal VIC plate with both hands to expose the VIC chip.

Step 5 :: Removing the Chip

• 3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to pry up the VIC chip. Then, use your hands and with small pressure pull it away to remove it from the motherboard.
• NOTE: You can insert a new VIC chip by making it clip back in on the board

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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