The Performa 600 was an okay computer, but a big “Huh?” for Mac IIci users. Where the LC and LC II had been compromised by using a 32-bit processor on a 16-bit data bus, the Performa 600 ran a 32 MHz CPU on a 16 MHz bus. This gave it slower performance than the 25 MHz IIci, which was still available. In fact, the old 16 MHz Mac IIx outperformed the Performa 600 on some benchmarks!
Worse yet, the Performa 600, doesn’t support a level 2 cache in the Processor Direct Slot, although it will accept accelerators.
Needless to say, most serious Mac users chose the IIci over the Performa 600.
- Got a Performa 600 or other vintage Mac? Join our Vintage Macs Group or Vintage Macs Forum.
The Performa 600 was the first Mac available with a built-in CD-ROM drive and also the first Mac to use a metal case.
The Performa 600 and its near-twin, the IIvx, easily merit the Road Apple designation.
See our NuBus Video Card Guide for information on adding a video card.
Details
- code names: Brazil, Lego
- introduced 1992.09.14 at US$2,000; discontinued 1993.10.18
- model no.: unknown
- Gestalt ID: 45
- upgrade path: Quadra 700, Quadra 650, Power Mac 7100 motherboard
Mac OS
- requires System 7.1P to 7.6.1
- addressing: 24-bit or 32-bit
Core System
- CPU: 32 MHz 68030
- FPU: 32 MHz 68882 (optional)
- ROM: 1 MB
- RAM: 4 MB on motherboard, expandable to 68 MB using lone 4-SIMM bank of 80ns 30-pin memory; can use 256 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB, 4 MB, and 16 MB SIMMs
- L2 cache: not supported
Performance
- 6.5 MIPS
- 5.8, Speedometer 3
- 0.44, Speedometer 4
Graphics
- built-in 8-bit video with 512 KB VRAM, supports 512 x 384 at 16-bits, 640 x 480 at 8-bits, and portrait monitor (640 x 870) at 4-bits
- video port: DA-15
Drives
- Hard drive: 80 MB SCSI
- floppy drive: 1.4 MB double-sided
Expansion
- ADB ports: 2
- serial ports: 2 DIN-8 RS-422 ports on back of computer
- SCSI ports: DB-25 connector on back of computer
- PDS slot supports accelerator card
- NuBus slots: 3
Physical
- size (HxWxD): 6.0″ x 13.0″ x 16.5″
- Weight: 25 lbs.
- PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
- power supply: 230W
Accelerators & Upgrades
- Chipping the Mac II Series
- Apple Quadra 650 motherboard (33 MHz 68040)
- Daystar Turbo 040 (33 MHz, 40 MHz 68040), discontinued
- Daystar Turbo 601, 66 MHz and 100 MHz versions, discontinued (resource: Unofficial Turbo 601 Site)
- MicroMac Diimo/030 (50 MHz 68030), 64 KB cache, optional 50 MHz 68882 FPU
- Sonnet Technologies Presto 040 (40 MHz 68040 or 68LC040), optional 128 KB cache
Accelerator Reviews
Online Resources
Cautions
- Apple discontinued support and parts orders for this model on 2001.01.01. You may be able to find dealers with parts inventory either locally or on our parts and service list.
- Serial port normally restricted to 57.6 kbps; throughput with a 56k modem may be limited. See 56k modem page. For more information on Mac serial ports, read Macintosh Serial Throughput.
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