Nintendo Game Boy Advance CPU & RAM Chips – Tested Working

Repair or rebuild an original Nintendo Game Boy Advance with a tested OEM CPU or RAM chip recovered from donor hardware. Available as two separate variants, these genuine original components are intended for motherboard repairs, compatible replacement PCB builds and specialist hardware restoration. One chip is supplied per selected variant; purchase one RAM and one CPU if your project needs both.

RAM Variant — External Work Memory

The RAM variant supplies the GBA’s external work-memory IC, providing the 256KB memory capacity used by the original hardware. It stores working data while the console runs and is separate from the memory integrated into the CPU. This is a replacement motherboard component, not a cartridge save-memory chip or an upgrade that increases the console’s RAM capacity.

Choose this variant when a diagnosed repair requires replacement of the external RAM, or when a compatible replacement motherboard requires an original GBA memory chip.

CPU Variant — Original Nintendo CPU AGB

The CPU variant supplies an original Nintendo CPU AGB system-on-chip. It contains the ARM7TDMI processing hardware used for Game Boy Advance software and the legacy processing hardware used for Game Boy and Game Boy Color operation within the GBA system. Its normal GBA operating clock is approximately 16.78MHz.

A suitable replacement CPU can support restoration of a board with a confirmed processor fault or form the core of a compatible custom motherboard project. The chip alone does not repair damaged power circuitry, broken traces or other faults elsewhere on the board, so diagnosis and inspection remain essential before replacement.

FunnyPlaying And Custom Motherboard Builds

FunnyPlaying’s GBA Custom Upgraded Motherboard Replacement in its no-core form requires an original GBA CPU and compatible RAM to be transplanted onto the board. These individually selectable parts let you source either missing component or purchase both for a build. The replacement motherboard itself is not included.

Other custom GBA PCBs may also use original Nintendo components, but compatibility depends on the exact project and revision. Follow the designer’s requirements rather than assuming every GBA-labelled board accepts the same parts.

Specialist Repair And Hardware Preservation

Documented Nintendo Game Boy Player boards also use CPU AGB A processors. A matching CPU revision may therefore be suitable for specialist Game Boy Player restoration, subject to confirmation of the original chip and board requirements. This is conditional compatibility, not a guarantee for every unit or every chip supplied.

The CPU’s legacy processing hardware can also be relevant to custom projects designed around GBA or CGB-mode operation. It does not make this CPU a direct replacement for the processor in an original Game Boy or Game Boy Color console.

Each supplied component has been tested on working Game Boy Advance hardware to confirm correct operation. These are used original parts, with possible handling or desoldering marks, and fitting requires advanced soldering skills. Supplied from UK stock with fast UK delivery and a 12-month limited Retrolize warranty. Explore our Game Boy Advance parts, mods and upgrades for further repair and restoration components.

Product Type: CPU & RAM Chips
Original Hardware: Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Designed For: Game Boy Advance
Primary Console Model: AGB-001
Variant Options: CPU Chip or RAM Chip
Condition: Used OEM component recovered from donor hardware
Testing: Tested on working Game Boy Advance hardware to confirm correct operation
Quantity Supplied: One chip per selected variant
RAM Function: External work memory
RAM Capacity: 256KB; original specification
RAM Manufacturer / Part Number: Varies with donor hardware; confirm if an exact part is required
CPU Designation: Nintendo CPU AGB family
CPU Manufacturer: Sharp for Nintendo
CPU Core: ARM7TDMI
CPU GBA Operating Clock: Approximately 16.78MHz
CPU Legacy Processing: Game Boy / Game Boy Color hardware compatibility within the GBA system
CPU Revision: May vary; CPU AGB A shown in the photograph
Installation: Fine-pitch surface-mount soldering
Installation Skill Level: Advanced
Motherboard Included: No
CPU SKU: NIN-GBA-CPU-OEM
RAM SKU: NIN-GBA-RAM-OEM

Game Boy Advance AGB-001: For compatible motherboard repair; match the component and PCB requirements
FunnyPlaying GBA Custom Upgraded Motherboard Replacement: For compatible no-core builds requiring original GBA CPU and RAM; both parts are required
Other Custom GBA Motherboards: Only where the project documentation specifies compatible original GBA components
Nintendo Game Boy Player: Conditional CPU compatibility where a matching CPU AGB A is required; confirm revision before purchase
Game Boy Advance SP: Compatibility with the individual board and chip must be confirmed; not universally guaranteed
Game Boy / Game Boy Color Consoles: Not direct replacement CPU or RAM parts for these consoles

Select RAM Or CPU: Each variant supplies one chip only. Choose RAM for the external work-memory IC or CPU for the Nintendo CPU AGB system-on-chip. To purchase both, add one of each variant to your basket.

Used OEM Components: These are original parts recovered from Game Boy Advance hardware. Each component has been tested on working Game Boy Advance hardware to confirm correct operation. Minor handling or desoldering marks may be present.

Check The Exact Part: CPU revision, RAM manufacturer and chip markings can vary with donor hardware. The CPU photograph shows CPU AGB A, but a particular revision is not guaranteed. Match the component markings, package, pinout and electrical requirements to your original board or replacement PCB documentation. Contact Retrolize before ordering if your project requires a specific revision.

Advanced Soldering Required: Both components require fine-pitch surface-mount rework. Suitable soldering equipment, magnification and ESD precautions are required. Professional installation is recommended.

Inspection And Testing: Inspect the chip and pins before applying heat. If it arrives damaged, stop and contact Retrolize. These soldered ICs cannot be functionally tested in a normal console simply by placing them on the board; functional testing requires correct installation in compatible hardware.

Installation Overview

1. Diagnose the motherboard fault and confirm that the selected component is the correct replacement. Disconnect all power before starting work.
2. Check the chip markings and orientation against the board documentation, and inspect the receiving pads and surrounding circuitry for damage.
3. Have the component fitted using an appropriate surface-mount rework process for the exact chip and PCB. Avoid excessive heat, damaged pins and lifted pads.
4. Inspect every soldered connection under magnification and check for bridges, poor joints and unintended shorts before applying power.
5. Test the assembled hardware before final reassembly. For a replacement motherboard build, follow its manufacturer’s setup and test instructions.

CPU Variant: 1 × original Nintendo Game Boy Advance CPU AGB chip
RAM Variant: 1 × original Game Boy Advance external RAM chip
One chip is supplied according to your selected variant.
Motherboard, console, soldering tools and other components are not included.

The selected Game Boy Advance CPU or RAM chip includes a 12-month limited Retrolize warranty from the date of delivery against faults present in the supplied component.

Testing And Condition: Each component is recovered and tested on working Game Boy Advance hardware and operation has been confirmed. These are used OEM parts, and minor handling or desoldering marks may be present.

Inspection Before Installation: Inspect the component and pins before fitting. If you identify damage on arrival, do not apply heat or attempt installation. Functional testing of these ICs requires correct installation in compatible hardware.

Installation Damage: The warranty does not cover damage caused during installation or removal, including excessive heat, bent or damaged pins, solder bridges, incorrect orientation, electrostatic discharge, damaged PCB pads, incorrect voltages or other installation-related damage.

Receiving Hardware And Compatibility: Retrolize cannot guarantee the condition of your motherboard, other components or replacement PCB. A component fitted to incompatible, damaged or incorrectly assembled hardware is not considered faulty solely because the completed system does not operate correctly.

Returns After Installation: We do not accept returns once soldering or installation has been attempted. This does not restrict your statutory cancellation rights or rights concerning faulty goods.

Warranty claims remain subject to the full Retrolize warranty terms. This warranty is additional to your statutory rights, which remain unaffected.

Are The CPU And RAM Supplied Together?

No. Choose the RAM or CPU variant to receive one chip. If you need both parts, add one of each variant to your basket.

Are These New Components?

No. They are original used components recovered from Game Boy Advance hardware. Minor handling or desoldering marks may be present.

What Does Tested Working Mean?

Each component has been tested on working Game Boy Advance hardware to confirm correct operation. Functional testing in your own console requires correct installation in compatible hardware; the loose chip cannot be tested simply by placing it on the motherboard.

Can I Use Them With A FunnyPlaying Replacement Motherboard?

The FunnyPlaying GBA Custom Upgraded Motherboard Replacement in its no-core form requires an original GBA CPU and compatible RAM. Check the requirements of your exact board revision and purchase both variants if you need both chips.

Will These Make My GBA Faster Or Add More Memory?

No. These are replacement components for the original hardware specification. The RAM variant does not increase the GBA’s memory capacity, and the CPU is not an overclocking upgrade.

Do I Choose These By The 32-Pin Or 40-Pin Screen Connection?

Those numbers describe the LCD connection. For a CPU or RAM replacement, identify the chip and check the receiving PCB’s requirements rather than using the screen connector alone.

Will I Receive The Exact Chip Revision In The Photograph?

Not necessarily. Markings and revisions may vary with donor stock. Contact Retrolize before ordering if a particular CPU revision or RAM part number is essential.

Are They Suitable For Game Boy Advance SP Or Game Boy Player Repairs?

Do not assume interchangeability from the console name alone. Check the exact board and component requirements. CPU AGB A is documented in Game Boy Player hardware, but suitability must be confirmed for the individual repair. Universal GBA SP compatibility is not claimed.

Is International Delivery Available?

Yes. Tracked international delivery is available to supported destinations. Available services, delivery estimates and applicable duties and taxes are shown at checkout.