Commodore 64 | PC Inside | 15Khz CRT | 9

In this video, I’ll show you how I transformed a classic Commodore 64 (C64) shell into a functional mini PC that connects to a CRT, recreating an experience that’s as close to real 8-bit retro gaming as possible. This project is closely related to The Making of Moons of Darsalon, although it’s not an episode of the series itself. Here, the focus is on building a system that can run Moons of Darsalon at retro events with that authentic pixel-perfect look—and, of course, for my own satisfaction as a fan of both retro tech and DIY projects.

My goal was to achieve true 240p output directly on a CRT without downscaling or introducing any lag. Initially, I considered using downscalers, but I wanted a genuine, custom 240p resolution, so I used older NVIDIA graphics cards that support analog VGA output. With the right drivers and custom resolutions, these cards let me output a 15kHz signal that’s perfect for classic CRT displays, avoiding the issues that can arise when downscaling high-res HDMI.

Inside, I used an HP Elite Desk as the mini PC, which required some DIY modifications to fit within the Commodore 64 case. Using a PCIe-to-M.2 adapter and riser cable, I managed to install an old NVIDIA card and connected it through a VGA output, bypassing any need for converters. The setup not only powers Moons of Darsalon beautifully but also creates a low-latency display output that stays true to the retro gaming look I wanted. It’s the ideal way to showcase Moons of Darsalon as it would have looked in the days of true 8-bit machines.

There are resources for finding the correct custom resolutions, though these don’t always work perfectly for every setup. It took testing and patience, but I managed to find the right balance for this project, combining classic visuals with modern hardware housed in an authentic Commodore 64 shell.

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