Description
Commodore 1541 External Floppy Disk Drive for Commodore 64 C64 Single Drive
The Commodore 1541 is the standard external single-drive floppy disk unit designed for the Commodore 64. It reads and writes 5.25-inch single-sided double-density (SSDD) disks formatted in Commodore's proprietary GCR (Group Code Recording) format, storing up to 170KB per disk. The drive connects to the C64 via the Commodore serial bus (IEC-style DIN connectors) and has its own internal power supply, requiring only a standard AC outlet — no power from the computer itself.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: Commodore
- Model: 1541 — Single Drive Floppy Disk
- Disk format: 5.25-inch SSDD, Commodore GCR format
- Storage capacity: ~170KB per disk
- Interface: Commodore IEC serial bus (6-pin DIN) — two ports (in/out daisy-chain)
- Power: 117V AC, 0.5A, 60Hz
- Power inlet: IEC C13 (standard 3-prong AC)
- Power switch: rocker on rear panel (I/O)
- Front panel: single 5.25" drive bay, green power LED, red activity LED
- Country of manufacture: Japan
- Drive only — no serial bus cable or software disk included
Applications
The Commodore 1541 was the primary mass-storage peripheral for the Commodore 64, one of the best-selling home computers of all time. Introduced alongside the C64 in 1982, it was used for loading commercial software titles, saving and loading user programs, and running games distributed on 5.25-inch floppy disks. The drive is also compatible with the Commodore 128 and VIC-20, and two or more units can be daisy-chained on the serial bus by setting device addresses. Today the 1541 remains essential for retro computing enthusiasts who run original C64 hardware — it is the native drive for authentic Commodore disk software, and it is still actively used in the vintage computing community for archiving original floppies, running C64 demos and games, and maintaining period-correct setups. The 1541 is also the target of several modern enhancements such as the 1541 Ultimate cartridge and SD2IEC adapters, making knowledge of the original drive relevant for anyone working in the C64 ecosystem.
This Commodore 1541 External Floppy Disk Drive has been tested and is in good working condition. The beige housing shows light surface scuffs and minor discoloration consistent with age — normal for a drive of this vintage. The drive slot, front indicator LEDs, and rear DIN serial bus ports all appear intact. Per the rear label, this unit was made in Japan and is rated for 117V AC, 0.5A, 60Hz. Drive only — no serial bus cables or software are included. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Commodore |
Model: |
1541 |
MPN: |
1541 |
Type: |
External Floppy Disk Drive |
SKU: |
16950 |
Compatible With: |
Commodore 64 (C64) |
Compatible With 2: |
Commodore 128 (C128) |
Compatible With 3: |
VIC-20 |
Drive Configuration: |
Single Drive |
Disk Format: |
5.25-inch Single-Sided Double-Density (SSDD) |
Interface: |
Commodore Serial Bus (IEC 488-style DIN) |
Connector Type: |
6-pin DIN serial bus (x2) |
Power Requirements: |
117V AC, 0.5A, 60Hz |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Japan |
Form Factor: |
Desktop / External |
Seller Notes: |
Drive only — no cables or software included. |
Condition Notes: |
This Commodore 1541 External Floppy Disk Drive has been tested and is in good working condition. Housing shows light scuffs and age-related discoloration. Made in Japan, 117V AC. Drive only — no cables included. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |