Commodore 64 SID chip Replacement
doctor retro G and one other contributor
Last updated on Sep 21, 2026
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Community-Contributed Guide
An awesome member of our community made this guide. It was not created by iFixit staff.
Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓the SID chip (sound interface device) is the heart of the unique sound the C64 possesses. unfortunately the SID is one of the most common parts in the C64 to fail if that's happened you will need to replace it. thankfully most of the time SID chips are socketed to the motherboard as opposed to soldered this guide will walk you through how to replace your SID chip step by step so let's get started.
What you need
Parts
Tools
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first thing you will want to do is flip the c64 over then take your screwdriver with the Phillips bit attached and unscrew the three screws holding the c64 together.
Ask FixBot
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the SID chip is usually located underneath the RF shield it looks like a big metal/silver plate.
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take your screwdriver and unscrew the 4 screws holding down the RF shield then gently lift up the RF shield and put it too the side for now.
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next step is to remove the old SID chip which can be identified by it's number (6581 or 6580) and by it's position at U18.
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take your IC Extractor/Connector Puller and gently pull the old SID chip out of it's socket.
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in the same spot where you pulled out the old SID chip put in the new SID chip
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note: make sure that you insert the SID chip In the proper orientation (with the notch or orientation dot on the chip facing the top edge of the board) doing so incorrectly could damage the chip or surrounding ICs.
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To reassemble your device put the RF shield back where it originally was and screw it back in then put the top cover of the computer on the bottom and screw it back on just like you did originally but in reverse.
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once you are done plug in your c64 into power and then write a simple BASIC program to test the new SID chip if you hear a sound then you are done!
