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Apple has come a long way since its early days in the personal computer market. While their current lineup of sleek and powerful Macs is well-known, it’s important to reflect on the devices that paved the way for their success. One such device is the Macintosh IIvx, a short-lived but significant member of the Macintosh II series.
Released in 1992, the Macintosh IIvx brought forth impressive specifications that made it a powerful contender in the personal computer market. Equipped with a 32 MHz Motorola 68030 processor and a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, the IIvx offered users a processing speed that was enviable for its time. With 4 MB of RAM and various hard drive options ranging from 40 MB to 400 MB, the IIvx provided ample storage capabilities. Notably, it also boasted a built-in CD-ROM drive, a feature that was relatively new at the time, further enhancing its appeal.
Despite its impressive specifications, the Macintosh IIvx faced criticism for its performance when compared to its sibling model, the IIci. The IIvx utilized a 32 MHz CPU on a 16 MHz bus, resulting in slower performance compared to the IIci. In fact, benchmark tests revealed that the older 16 MHz Mac IIx occasionally outperformed the IIvx. This led many serious Mac users to opt for the IIci, which proved to be a faster and more reliable choice.
While the IIvx faced performance challenges, it did introduce some noteworthy design elements that left a lasting impact on Apple’s future products. The Macintosh IIvx, along with its near-twin, the Performa 600, was the first Mac series to feature a built-in CD-ROM drive. This addition set the stage for the CD-ROM drives that would become standard in later Mac models. Additionally, the IIvx and the Performa 600 were also the first Macs to embrace a sleek metal case, further enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
Unfortunately, the Macintosh IIvx’s journey was cut short, with its discontinuation occurring on October 21, 1993, a year after its initial release. The discontinuation came as Apple introduced the 25 MHz 68040-based Centris 650, which boasted enhanced performance and occupied the same price point. To make matters worse for recent IIvx buyers, Apple dramatically reduced the IIvx’s base price overnight. This move left many customers feeling dissatisfied and frustrated with Apple.
The Macintosh IIvx, despite its relatively short lifespan, 30 years later still remains an important part of Apple’s history. It showcased Apple’s early efforts in the personal computer market and introduced notable features such as the built-in CD-ROM drive and the metal case design.
While the IIvx faced performance challenges and was eventually overshadowed by other models, it remains a symbol of Apple’s evolution and its unwavering commitment to innovation. As we appreciate the current state of Apple’s Mac lineup, let us remember the Macintosh IIvx and the role it played in shaping the company’s path to success.
Macintosh IIvx Details
| Introduced | October 19, 1992 |
| Discontinued | October 21, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 48 |
| Model Number | M1350 |
| Order Number | M1355LL/A (80 MB hard drive) M1371LL/A (230 MB hard drive) M1373LL/A (80 MB hard drive and CD-ROM) |
| Original Price | $2,950 $3,550 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 35 Ibs. 15.875 KG |
| Dimensions | 6” H x 13” W x 16.5” D 15.24 cm H x 33 cm W x 41.91 cm D |
Mac IIvx Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 32 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 32 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 32 KB L2 |
| Coprocessor | Motorola 68882 FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 40 MB 80 MB 160 MB 230 MB 400 MB |
| Media | 1 – CD-ROM (Optional) 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 68 MB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – 30 pin SIMMs (Groups of 4) |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 512 KB 1 MB |
| Display Connection | DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – NuBus 1 – Cache Bus (PDS) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 2 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm mono input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm stereo output jack |
| Display | DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 230 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh IIvx: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Mac IIvx – Low End Mac
- Macintosh IIvx – Wikipedia
- Apple Macintosh IIvx (Archived Forever Mac) – Web Archive
- Today in Apple history: The forgotten first Mac with an internal CD-ROM – Cult of Mac
- Macintosh IIvx – Apple Rescue of Denver
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Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: June 19, 2023