The Commodore 64’s VIC-II (Video Interface Chip II) can now be replaced by the VIC-II Kawari. This initiative aims to swap out the video chips used in breadbins. It is not (yet) possible to replace the 8562/8565 with a C64-C.
In addition to compatibility with the original VIC-II 6567/6569 chips, some additional functions are also available. Through the VIC-II connector on a C64 motherboard, the PCB communicates with a genuine C64 address and data bus. All of the VIC-II chip’s tasks, including DRAM refresh, light pen interrupts, PHI2 clock availability for the CPU, and, of course, visual output, may be performed by the board. (NOTE: Only a genuine CRT utilizing composite would support light pens.)
Features
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- No ‘VSP’ bug
- Configurable color palette (18-bit color space)
- No need for a working clock circuit
- Can software switch between NTSC and PAL
- Optional hardware switch for NTSC / PAL switching at cold boot
- An 80-column mode and (possibly) some new graphics modes
- Compatible with 1084-S, 1084-D, and 1080 monitors (with custom cable)
- It’s not an almost 40-year-old device that may fail at any time
Limitations
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- The dot clock is not propagated to Pin 6 of the cartridge port when using on-board oscillators
- Large board HDMI port not easily accessible unless RF shield removed
- The board can be powered by HDMI monitors requiring the monitor to be powered off
- ‘Native’ motherboard clock circuit not suitable for generating HDMI (sometimes)
 found in Commodore 64 home computers.){kind=link}