I bought more C64 SID chips from AliExpress! (And some other chips too)
Adrian's Digital Basement・2 minutes read
The video examines purchased chips from China for authenticity, with tools like isopropyl alcohol and acetone used for inspection. Despite some signs of repainting and rebadging, the chips generally proved authentic, underscoring the importance of quality assurance when buying retro computer parts.
Insights
- Chips purchased from China were meticulously examined to determine their authenticity, with detailed scrutiny revealing legitimate date codes and markings, indicating overall authenticity.
- The presence of repainted CPUs raised concerns about potential rebadging, with acetone testing confirming alterations, emphasizing the necessity of thorough inspection and quality assurance when acquiring retro computer parts from sources like AliExpress and eBay.
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Recent questions
How can I determine if computer chips are genuine?
To determine the authenticity of computer chips, it is essential to inspect them closely for legitimate date codes, markings, and overall authenticity. Tools like 70% isopropyl alcohol and 100 acetone can be used to detect potential rebadging. Testing the chips on compatible devices, such as a TI-99 for the CPU and video chip, and a breadbin XIF 64 for the SID chip, can help verify their functionality. Look for signs of repainting or alterations, as these could indicate counterfeit chips. Additionally, researching the market prices of the chips and their scarcity can provide insights into their authenticity.
What are the risks of purchasing computer chips from China?
When purchasing computer chips from China, especially from platforms like AliExpress or eBay, there is a risk of receiving counterfeit or fake chips. Due to the scarcity and unavailability of certain chips in the market, there is a possibility of sellers sourcing them from e-waste recycling in China, where authenticity may be questionable. It is crucial to be cautious and conduct thorough inspections to ensure the chips are genuine before making a purchase.
How do I test the functionality of computer chips?
Testing the functionality of computer chips involves using compatible devices to run specific tests. For example, using a TI-99 for the CPU and video chip, and a breadbin XIF 64 for the SID chip can help verify their performance. Additionally, testing the chips on a Zip64 device can confirm their functionality, with slight differences in sound quality noted. It is important to follow proper testing procedures and look for any signs of repainting or alterations that could indicate counterfeit chips.
What are the common signs of counterfeit computer chips?
Common signs of counterfeit computer chips include repainting, altered markings, and discrepancies in date codes. Fake chips may have fake logos or branding, indicating rebadging to misrepresent their origin. Testing the chips with acetone can reveal if they have been repainted, raising doubts about their authenticity. It is crucial to inspect the chips closely for any inconsistencies or signs of tampering to avoid purchasing counterfeit parts.
How can I ensure the authenticity of retro computer parts?
To ensure the authenticity of retro computer parts, it is essential to conduct thorough inspections, research market prices, and verify the legitimacy of date codes and markings. Using tools like isopropyl alcohol and acetone can help detect potential rebadging or alterations. Testing the chips on compatible devices and comparing their functionality with genuine parts can also help confirm their authenticity. When purchasing retro computer parts from platforms like AliExpress or eBay, it is crucial to prioritize quality assurance to avoid counterfeit or fake components.
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Summary
00:00
Examining Chinese Chips for Authenticity and Fakes
- The video will focus on examining chips purchased from China, possibly from AliExpress or eBay, to determine if they are genuine or fake.
- The assortment includes a TMS 9981 video chip, a SID 6581 for the bread bin, an analog-to-digital converter, and a TMS-9900 16-bit CPU.
- Tools for inspection include 70% isopropyl alcohol and 100 acetone for detecting potential rebadging.
- Testing will be done using a TI-99 for the CPU and video chip, and a breadbin XIF 64 for the SID chip.
- The chips were purchased due to their scarcity and unavailability in the market, sourced from e-waste recycling in China.
- The likelihood of the chips being counterfeit is low, given their obscurity and lack of manufacturing interest.
- Prices for the chips range from $3.73 for the video chip to $24.57 for the SID chips, with the CPU costing $4.83 and the converter $3.85.
- Detailed examination of the chips reveals legitimate date codes, markings, and overall authenticity.
- The CPU shows signs of repainting, indicating potential rebadging, while the other chips appear genuine.
- Acetone testing confirms the CPU has been repainted, raising doubts about its authenticity.
14:18
Revealing Rebadged Chips on Amiga EEPROMs
- EEPROMs used on the Amiga, specifically the AMD 27C400, were discussed.
- The chips had a laser etching with a fake AMD logo, which was removed using acetone to reveal the original markings.
- Despite being rebadged as AMD, the chips were Hitachi and Mitsubishi, with similar functionality.
- The chips were essentially the same as the original, just falsely labeled as faster.
- The original chips were intact and functional, with no alterations despite the rebadging.
- Attempting to remove paint from a CPU revealed that the original silk screen had likely been sanded off.
- A TMS 9900 chip was suspected to have been sanded down, leading to uncertainty about its original identity.
- Testing various chips, including SIDs and an Analog Devices chip, showed some were untouched and original.
- Isopropyl alcohol was used to test paint removal, showing acetone as the preferred method.
- Testing SIDs on a Zip64 device confirmed the functionality of purchased chips, with slight differences in sound quality noted.
29:55
Repairing TI-99: Challenges and Successes
- The TI-99 had a damaged ROM due to bridging 12 volts during CPU installation, requiring replacement of both the ROM and CPU.
- Testing focused on the video chip TMS 9918 ANL and involved using a Commodore VIC-21 cable, revealing a working TI-99.
- The original video chip was replaced with a donor chip, requiring soldering of one pin for proper installation.
- The motherboard lacked silk screen markings, necessitating the use of a pin leg straightener tool for proper chip alignment.
- Despite initial issues, the video chip was confirmed functional after applying deoxide for better contact.
- The CPU, with non-standard pin spacing, proved challenging to install, leading to struggles and potential damage.
- A fake CPU from eBay failed to function, indicating a counterfeit or re-badged part, contrasting with a genuine working CPU.
- The TMS 9900 CPU was successfully reinstalled after the fake one failed, confirming the system's functionality.
- The experience highlighted the availability of affordable retro computer parts from platforms like AliExpress and eBay, showcasing the importance of quality assurance in purchases.
