Nintendo 64 Motherboard Revisions/Serials Info Request

Includes but not limited to: SNES, Genesis, Sega CD, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Game Gear and I guess the Virtual Boy.

Moderator:Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
Link83
Posts:111
Joined:Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:08 pm
Nintendo 64 Motherboard Revisions/Serials Info Request

Post by Link83 » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:37 pm

Hi, im new here so hello everyone :)

This seems to be quite an active forum for Nintendo 64 modding, and so I was hoping a few forum members could help me collect info for a small 'guide' to N64 motherboard revisions. What im hoping is if other people could tell me their N64's serial number (If you dont mind giving it - it shouldnt be important anymore as it not like it will still be under warranty!) and the motherboard revision code.

The serial number is on a small white sticker on the bottom of the console, and the revision code is printed on the actual motherboard behind the cartridge slot, but you will need to remove the top half of the N64's casing (& Jumper/Exp. Pak) to see it - but everything else (Heatsinks etc) can be left alone :)

If you have a transparent N64 it is not even necessary to open the casing! You can read the revision code from the motherboard by holding the N64 under a bright light and looking through the power supply slot :D

Originally the following serial list was intended just to be a reference for which N64 consoles can and can't be RGB modded. However over time it has evolved and now I would now like to build up the knowledge about N64 board revisions and their corresponding serial numbers if possible, no matter if your N64 is from the USA, Japan or Europe. I would like to keep expanding this list and fill in any 'blanks' (For US systems theirs a gap between NS255****** and NS270******, and nothing much beyond NS30*******)

Also, if you already plan on removing the entire N64 heatsink please let me know your CPU, RCP and RAM revision (These are all the biggest chips on the board) They will be labelled:-
CPU-NUS *
RCP-NUS *
RDRAM**-NUS *
Where I have put * is the important part - usually * will be a number, or a letter such as 'A' or 'B' - which means the chip has been revised and improved since the previous letter. If we can learn on what motherboard revisions Nintendo made these changes we can work out which models are best for overclocking and other mods etc :D

P.S. Please bear in mind that im trying to keep the guide as accurate as possible, so if your N64 has already been 'portabilised', and you arent sure what was the original casing then its probably best not to add to the serial list (No offense intended) However you could still give me a list of all the major chips on your revision :wink:

Many thanks in advance, and thanks for reading :)

LAST UPDATED 08/07/11
N64 SERIAL NUMBER / REVISION LIST
If you have any N64 consoles still with the original casing please consider posting in this thread and letting me know your serial number and motherboard revision (Printed on the motherboard behind the cartridge slot) and I will add them to this list as soon as I can :D

Japanese
NUJ10185860 - NUS-CPU-01
NUJ10379732 - NUS-CPU-02
NUJ10443582 - NUS-CPU-02
NUJ10950746 - NUS-CPU-02
NUJ10961070 - NUS-CPU-02
NUJ11284943 - NUS-CPU-03
NUJ13319819 - NUS-CPU-04
NUJ13624446 - NUS-CPU-05
NUJ13664217 - NUS-CPU-05
NUJ13766992 - NUS-CPU-05
NUJ14712392 - NUS-CPU-05-1

USA
NS100086232 - NUS-CPU-02 (Store Kiosk Unit)
NS100852325 - NUS-CPU-03
NS100883831 - NUS-CPU-03
NS100932881 - NUS-CPU-03
NS101568393 - NUS-CPU-03
NS102245156 - NUS-CPU-03
NS104885107 - NUS-CPU-03
NS105145712 - NUS-CPU-03
NS105519094 - NUS-CPU-03
NS105866648 - NUS-CPU-03
NS105993542 - NUS-CPU-03
NS107466808 - NUS-CPU-03
NS109807944 - NUS-CPU-03
NS115716209 - NUS-CPU-03
NS119128565 - NUS-CPU-03
NS122626751 - NUS-CPU-03
NS124591453 - NUS-CPU-03
NS127767114 - NUS-CPU-03
NS127855507 - NUS-CPU-03
NS127959472 - NUS-CPU-03
NS128695706 - NUS-CPU-03
NS130427562 - NUS-CPU-03
NS132070599 - NUS-CPU-03
NS133533895 - NUS-CPU-03
NS133598474 - NUS-CPU-03
NS135731008 - NUS-CPU-04
NS136718770 - NUS-CPU-04
NS143950163 - NUS-CPU-04
NS144204234 - NUS-CPU-04
NS146956520 - NUS-CPU-04
NS147230940 - NUS-CPU-04
NS153056367 - NUS-CPU-04
NS153195134 - NUS-CPU-04
NS157560440 - NUS-CPU-04
NS163367613 - NUS-CPU-04
NS167167462 - NUS-CPU-04
NS168051067 - NUS-CPU-04
NS170611204 - NUS-CPU-04
NS175432439 - NUS-CPU-04
NS180431212 - NUS-CPU-04
NS180875351 - NUS-CPU-04
NS205730658 - NUS-CPU-05
NS208495233 - NUS-CPU-05
NS215823142 - NUS-CPU-05
NS215885478 - NUS-CPU-05
NS219006367 - NUS-CPU-05
NS219449416 - NUS-CPU-05
NS220244512 - NUS-CPU-05
NS225840672 - NUS-CPU-05
NS229261794 - NUS-CPU-05
NS230549744 - NUS-CPU-05
NS232064337 - NUS-CPU-05
NS233995890 - NUS-CPU-06
NS235136963 - NUS-CPU-05
NS235377564 - NUS-CPU-06
NS237047359 - NUS-CPU-05
NS243965036 - NUS-CPU-05
NS244104601 - NUS-CPU-07
NS245115552 - NUS-CPU-07
NS246402262 - NUS-CPU-07
NS245536326 - NUS-CPU-05
NS245848030 - NUS-CPU-05
NS251298027 - NUS-CPU-08
NS254977622 - NUS-CPU-05-1
NS270238981 - NUS-CPU-08
NS277755566 - NUS-CPU-08
NS279164397 - NUS-CPU-08
NS281891694 - NUS-CPU-08-1
NS283495234 - NUS-CPU-08-1
NS285952469 - NUS-CPU-08-1
NS291430616 - NUS-CPU-08-1
NS292228809 - NUS-CPU-08-1
NS297648602 - NUS-CPU-09
NS298663130 - NUS-CPU-09
NS299402783 - NUS-CPU-09
NS302830466 - NUS-CPU-09-1

NS901672245 - NUS-CPU-09
Consoles with NS9******** serials appear to be Nintendo refurbished systems and have a new serial number sticker placed over the original sticker. Here is an example picture of a boxed Nintendo refurbished system:-
Image
So far all reported 'NS9' consoles have used the NUS-CPU-09 motherboard, however since all 'NS9' consoles have likely been refurbished Nintendo could have installed whatever motherboard revision they had available at the time.

Canadian
NS600032326 - NUS-CPU-03
NS601623141 - NUS-CPU-04
NS603358522 - NUS-CPU-04
NS605180732 - NUS-CPU-05
NS610192102 - NUS-CPU-05

European
NUP13723487 - NUS-CPU(P)-01
NUP13892869 - NUS-CPU(P)-01
NUP15465864 - NUS-CPU(P)-01
NUP15754441 - NUS-CPU(P)-02
NUP15787038 - NUS-CPU(P)-02
NUP16551203 - NUS-CPU(P)-01 (Pikachu Model)

RGB Moddable N64's Keychart
NTSC N64 motherboard revisions that can be RGB modded:-
NUS-CPU-01
NUS-CPU-02
NUS-CPU-03
NUS-CPU-04

NTSC N64 motherboard revisions that can't be (easily) RGB modded:-
NUS-CPU-05
NUS-CPU-05-1
NUS-CPU-06
NUS-CPU-07
NUS-CPU-08
NUS-CPU-08-1
NUS-CPU-09
NUS-CPU-09-1

Only one PAL N64 motherboard revision can be (easily) RGB modded, a rare French model that has the code 'NUS-001(FRA)' on the black base sticker and has the motherboard code NUS-CPU(R)-01

I should explain that by 'easily' RGB modded I mean any N64 revision which includes the 'VDC-NUS' DAC chip which outputs analog RGB. Later N64 revisions have the DAC and Video Encoder chips combined into one chip with no way to access the analog RGB signals, so in order to RGB mod them you would need to build a replacement DAC chip as shown here:-
http://members.optusnet.com.au/eviltim/ ... 64rgb.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://members.optusnet.com.au/eviltim/ ... embly.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This RGB mod will work on any N64 but it is quite complicated and not recomended for beginners as you can hopefully tell by the end assembly pictures!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAST UPDATED 08/07/11
N64 MOTHERBOARD REVISIONS GUIDE

NTSC REVISIONS
NUS-CPU-01 (1996) Japan
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS A
RDRAM18-NUS A
VDC-NUS
ENC-NUS
BU9480F
AMP-NUS
Notes:- The very first production revision, likely only available in Japan and seemingly quite rare.

NUS-CPU-02 (1996) USA/Japan
Image
Main Chips
CPU-NUS
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS A
RDRAM18-NUS A
VDC-NUS
ENC-NUS
BU9480F
AMP-NUS
Notes:- Used in some VERY early US consoles used in store kiosk displays prior to launch. Most if not all US launch consoles sold at retail were NUS-CPU-03 or later.

NUS-CPU-03 (1996) USA/Japan
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS or CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS A
RDRAM18-NUS A
VDC-NUS or VDC-NUS A
ENC-NUS
BU9480F
AMP-NUS
Notes:- Most early US consoles are this revision. Last revision to have a buffered C-Sync signal available from the 'MULTI OUT' port. Very late models use the 'CPU-NUS A', which might be better for overclocking(?)

NUS-CPU-04 (1996,1997) USA/Japan
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS B
RDRAM18-NUS B
VDC-NUS A
ENC-NUS
BU9480F
AMP-NUS
Notes:- All N64's from this revision onwards use the 'CPU-NUS A'. This is the last revision to use the 'VDC-NUS' chip, so is also the last revision that can be easily RGB modded. The traces for C-Sync output still remain on this revision but the SMD components have been left off the board as a cost cutting measure, so there is no buffered C-Sync output available from the 'MULTI OUT' port from this revision and onwards.

NUS-CPU-05 (1997) USA/Japan
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS B
RDRAM18-NUS B
AVDC-NUS or MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- Only revision to use the 'AVDC-NUS' chip, later produced models of this revision also use the 'MAV-NUS' chip suggesting that both chips are pin-compatible (Perhaps even just renamed) From this revision and onwards there is no easy RGB mod (As it would require a replacement DAC chip)

NUS-CPU-05-1 (1997) USA/Japan
Image
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS ?
RDRAM18-NUS ?
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- First revision to start using the '-1' suffix, possibly denoting only very minor changes.

NUS-CPU-06 (1998) USA/Japan
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- First NTSC revision to start using one RDRAM chip. Only one report of this revision so possibly quite rare (Perhaps only a few hundred thousand produced)

NUS-CPU-07 (1998) USA/Japan
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- Only one report of this revision so possibly quite rare (Perhaps only a few hundred thousand produced)

NUS-CPU-08 (1999) USA/Japan
Image
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- First revision to start using the 'MX8350MC' dual clock generator chip instead of two separate 'MX8330MC'.

NUS-CPU-08-1 (1999) USA/Japan
Image
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- Another minor revision (What changed?)

NUS-CPU-09 (2000) USA/Japan
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- Cost reduced model - the CPU and RCP heatsink blocks have even been removed, instead the top metal 'fin' has indented squares which touch the top of the chips. From this revision onwards Nintendo seems to have used green transparent cartridge slots (The plastic piece beneath the cartridge slot flaps) which must be leftovers from the 'funtastic' series.

NUS-CPU-09-1 (2000) USA/Japan
ImageImageImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- Another minor revision which is perhaps the last N64 motherboard revision. Appears to be almost identical to the NUS-CPU-09 including the indented heatsink and transparent green cartridge slot. So far this revision has only been found in the Limited Edition Gold N64's which were exclusive to Toys R Us and have serials starting with NS30*******.

PAL REVISIONS
NUS-CPU(R)-01 (1997) French
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS B
RDRAM18-NUS B
VDC-NUS A
S-RGB A
BU9480F
AMP-NUS
Notes:- This revision is specific to France and has the model number 'NUS-001(FRA)' on the base sticker. It is the only PAL revision to contain a 'VDC-NUS' chip necessary for the RGB mod. It also uses a totally different video encoder chip labelled 'S-RGB A' which was also used in late SNES consoles and outputs amplified RGB, unlike the 'ENC-NUS' video encoder chip used in early NTSC consoles. Like many French game consoles Nintendo had obviously planned to include RGB in this model to avoid using SECAM encoding. However they must have changed their mind at the last moment, as there are traces for RGB between the video encoder chip and the 'MULTI OUT' port but Nintendo left off the SMD components needed for it to work.

NUS-CPU(P)-01 (1996) European/Australian
ImageImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM18-NUS B
RDRAM18-NUS B
DENC-NUS
BU9480F
AMP-NUS
Notes:- The launch revision for European N64's - the vast majority of PAL consoles are this revision. The only revision worldwide to use the 'DENC-NUS' chip which combines the 'VDC-NUS' and 'ENC-NUS' chips used on early NTSC consoles into one chip, making the RGB mod extremely difficult (It would require a replacement DAC chip) The above photos are taken from the Pikachu N64 Model NUS-101 and the final picture shows the extra circuit board used to light up Pikachu's cheek.

NUS-CPU(P)-02 (1999) European/Australian
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A
RCP-NUS
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- This board seems to only be used in later PAL consoles with serials around NUP157***** onwards, many of which are coloured transparent 'Color Edition' models (Called the 'Funtastic Series' in the US) Its interesting to note that the LC125 quadruple buffer chip used on all other revisions are replaced by four discrete buffering components in new positions QA1-QA4. According to user 'Jaytheham' the NUS-CPU(P)-02 runs more stable when overclocked than the earlier NUS-CPU(P)-01.

NUS-CPU(P)-03 European/Australian
No reports of this revision at this time (April 2010) but likely does exist as an NUS-CPU-03-1 revision has been found.

NUS-CPU(P)-03-1 (2000) Australian
ImageImage
Main Chips
CPU-NUS A(?)
RCP-NUS(?)
RDRAM36-NUS
MAV-NUS
AMP-NUS
Notes:- So far there is only one report of this revision from Australia, and it is not known if it was ever used in Europe. This revision uses the 'indented' heatsink like the NTSC NUS-CPU-09 revision. Some small differences noted between this revision and the NUS-CPU(P)-02. One key difference are missing SMD components for S-Video output, meaning this revision does not support S-Video as standard (Really cheap Ninty) The missing components can be seen on the NUS-CPU(P)-02 revision at locations DA7, DA8, C11 and C12 - these positions are no longer labelled on this revision. DA7 and DA8 are diode arrays used for ESD protection, and C11 and C12 are capacitors for EMI reduction. None of these components are strictly necessary for the S-Video output to work, but Nintendo also connected the Luma and Chroma signals directly to ground where C11/C12 used to be - this connection would need to be cut to restore S-Video output on this revision. This is probably the very last PAL revision.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lastly, I am hoping to build up a collection of scans/high resolution pictures of unmodified N64 motherboard revisions front and back (preferably without the heatsinks on) so that we can see the 'evolution' of the console. I have seen a few pics on the net, but no high resolution ones as yet :(

I know there was at least 5 revisions in PAL territories, and at least 12 in NTSC territories, so if you have a good resolution camera or a scanner please consider helping me out with this project!
Last edited by Link83 on Thu Jul 07, 2011 7:27 pm, edited 61 times in total.

User avatar
Mario
Posts:1383
Joined:Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:20 pm
Location:Sunny California

Post by Mario » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:44 pm

I've got two NS11 N64s in the mail that I was planning on tearing apart. When I get those I'll give you the info. :)

User avatar
Link83
Posts:111
Joined:Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:08 pm

Post by Link83 » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:55 pm

Mario wrote:I've got two NS11 N64s in the mail that I was planning on tearing apart. When I get those I'll give you the info. :)
Wow, thanks for the fast reply! :o That sounds great :D

Im hoping for as many replies as possible so we can build up a 'serial number/revision database'. I think it would be a very useful thing to have, expecially if you are into modding N64's.

User avatar
Link83
Posts:111
Joined:Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:08 pm

Post by Link83 » Wed Jan 07, 2009 12:38 pm

Over 120 views and only one reply? :( Is there any reason people dont want to add their serial number/board revision?

User avatar
timmeh87
Senior Member
Posts:3047
Joined:Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:19 pm
Location:Ontario, Canada

Post by timmeh87 » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:43 pm

I just stripped down my rev "04" board... Im going to release a complete parts list and schematic eventually.

I can /maybe/ get back to you on the serial number... might still have the case around but Im at work. It has a VDC-NUS chip.
Image

"Linux is only free if your time is worthless"

User avatar
collinE
Posts:891
Joined:Thu Aug 07, 2008 9:07 am
Location:Salt Lake City, Utah
Contact:

Post by collinE » Wed Jan 07, 2009 4:34 pm

Most of us who have N64 mobos already have them partially hacked. I even went out to get mine so I could reply, but already cut it up. I don't know which numbers are for what.
It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.

Ridonkulous

User avatar
Link83
Posts:111
Joined:Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:08 pm

Post by Link83 » Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:54 pm

timmeh87 wrote:I just stripped down my rev "04" board... Im going to release a complete parts list and schematic eventually.

I can /maybe/ get back to you on the serial number... might still have the case around but Im at work. It has a VDC-NUS chip.
Thanks, that would be great :D
collinE wrote:Most of us who have N64 mobos already have them partially hacked. I even went out to get mine so I could reply, but already cut it up. I don't know which numbers are for what.
OK no problem, thanks for trying :)

I do understand that many people here might not even know/remember which N64 case came from which N64 motherboard (if they can even see what revision it is anymore!) but this seems to be one of the few forums that I can really ask a question such as this. Most people dont even have the correct tools to open N64's, or see no reason to open one in the first place.

I guess I was just hoping there would be a few people here that had bought extra N64 consoles for modding which they hadnt got round to opening yet... :oops:

Id have bought some myself but as I live in the UK I only have easy access to the two UK/PAL revisions. From my experience importing NTSC N64 consoles is pretty expensive due to the shipping costs :cry:

User avatar
Mario
Posts:1383
Joined:Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:20 pm
Location:Sunny California

Post by Mario » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:08 pm

I just received my 2 N64s; don't have the tools to open them right now, but I will later tonight. I can give you the serial numbers right now, though: (These are NTSC consoles)
NS119128565
NS105866648

I see you picked the same avatar... and username... as Link83? Why? :?
Image

User avatar
Link83
Posts:111
Joined:Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:08 pm

Post by Link83 » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:55 pm

Thanks for the serials :)
Mario wrote: I see you picked the same avatar... and username... as Link83? Why? :?
Im abit confused here.....I am Link83 :shock: I have the same username on quite a few forums if thats what you meant? (Such as ntsc-uk, gamesx, assemblergames, etc)...Or am I missing something?

User avatar
Mario
Posts:1383
Joined:Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:20 pm
Location:Sunny California

Post by Mario » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:03 pm

Image

User avatar
Link83
Posts:111
Joined:Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:08 pm

Post by Link83 » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:08 pm

Erm...yes...did I do something wrong? If so im sorry.

User avatar
Mario
Posts:1383
Joined:Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:20 pm
Location:Sunny California

Post by Mario » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:11 pm

No, no! If you're the same guy, that's fine. :) I was just wondering, 'cause it's kind of cool, I found that topic doing a Google search for "N64 RGB Mod". It helped a lot! :D

At first I thought you were somebody else. Before you uploaded your avatar, the name didn't click, but when you had your avatar, I realized the connection. :wink:
Image

User avatar
Link83
Posts:111
Joined:Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:08 pm

Post by Link83 » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:16 pm

Mario wrote:No, no! If you're the same guy, that's fine. :) I was just wondering, 'cause it's kind of cool, I found that topic doing a Google search for "N64 RGB Mod". It helped a lot! :wink:
Glad it helped :) I must admit I didnt know too much when I started that thread - I have learned a lot since then. Thats also the thread where I started working on the 'serial/revision list' which im now hoping to add to here.

I am very impressed with your work here by the way:-
http://benheck.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=26450
Im curious to know if you ever had any success in making the N64 controllers wireless? I know I would love a wireless RF controller for my N64 8)

User avatar
Mario
Posts:1383
Joined:Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:20 pm
Location:Sunny California

Post by Mario » Wed Jan 07, 2009 9:21 pm

Thank you! :D

Actually, I haven't tried yet again since I bought those new RF modules. They require a programming cable to change the pin settings, which costs $30. I guess I'll buy it when I need to, but for now I don't know.
Image

User avatar
Mario
Posts:1383
Joined:Mon Mar 05, 2007 7:20 pm
Location:Sunny California

Post by Mario » Wed Jan 07, 2009 11:04 pm

Okay, I got to open the consoles. Here are the original numbers:
NS119128565
NS105866648

Both have board revision number 3. Here are the chip numbers respectively:
VDC-NUS
BU9801F
641 110

VDC-NUS
BU9801F
633 108
Image

Post Reply