SuperCPU
The SuperCPU is a processor upgrade for the {{nowrap|Commodore 64}} and {{nowrap|Commodore 128}} personal computer platforms. It uses the W65C816S {{nowrap|8/16 bit}} microprocessor, and takes the form of an expansion port cartridge, rather than a replacement for the 6510 CPU.
History
The SuperCPU was developed by Creative Micro Designs, Inc and released on May 4, 1997.{{cite web|title=SuperCPU coding competition for 2006. - Commodore 64 (C64) Forum |url=http://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19291|date=2006-02-26 |access-date=2013-05-26 |publisher=lemon64.com}} It used a device called the RamCard to increase its capabilities. The card is no longer sold by Creative Micro Designs as of 2001; the distribution was taken over from 2001 to 2009 by the U.S. company Click Here Software Co., but it is unclear if any were manufactured after 2001.
Technical description
The SuperCPU can have up to {{nowrap|16 MB RAM}} installed and sported a "Turbo" switch which when enabled, clocked a {{nowrap|Commodore 64}} or {{nowrap|Commodore 128}} up to {{nowrap|20 MHz}}.{{cite web|title=The Unofficial CMD Homepage - SuperCPU|url=http://www.cmdweb.de/scpu.htm|date=2010-04-18|access-date=2013-05-26|publisher=cmdweb.de|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523102618/http://www.cmdweb.de/scpu.htm|archive-date=2013-05-23}} The SuperCPU requires {{nowrap|0.4 A}} (400mA) and has a shadow ROM in {{nowrap|128 KB}} of RAM. Internal ROM was {{nowrap|128 KB}}.{{cite web|title=SuperCPU General Specifications|url=http://ftp.giga.or.at/pub/c64/supercpu/superspec.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623063229/http://ftp.giga.or.at/pub/c64/supercpu/superspec.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 23, 2009|year=1996|access-date=2013-05-26|publisher=ftp.giga.or.at}} Using the RamCard's fast page mode 1, 4, 8 or 16 MB SIMM memory modules can be used.{{cite web|title=The SuperCPU FAQ|url=http://supercpu.cbm8bit.com/faq.htm|date=2013-01-01|access-date=2013-05-26|publisher=supercpu.cbm8bit.com|archive-date=2013-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529140652/http://supercpu.cbm8bit.com/faq.htm|url-status=dead}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20220318220329/http://supercpu.cbm8bit.com/ The SuperCPU Home] (from 2022) with FAQ and software.
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080401103943/http://www.geocities.com/cdsixfour/cmdrevsc.htm archive.org/geocities.com: CMD Product review, CMD SuperCPU] (from 2008)