Back in the early ’90s, Apple was making waves in the personal computer market with its innovative Macintosh line. On June 28th, 1993, the tech giant unveiled the Macintosh LC 520, an all-in-one personal computer that would go on to leave a lasting impression on Apple’s history. While the Macintosh LC 520 may not boast the same power and capabilities as today’s computers, it serves as a remarkable reminder of the tremendous technological advancements we have witnessed over the past three decades.
Priced at a starting point of $2,000, the Macintosh LC 520 was considered a robust machine for its era. Equipped with a 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor and a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, it offered users a smooth computing experience. The 14″ CRT Color Display provided vibrant visuals, and the inclusion of a CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB Floppy drive signaled Apple’s dedication to staying at the forefront of emerging technologies.
The Macintosh LC 520 not only delivered on performance but also showcased Apple’s commitment to groundbreaking design. It was the first Macintosh LC model to feature an all-in-one case, combining the display and computing components in a compact form factor. This design approach set the stage for future Apple computers, establishing the aesthetic standard that the company is known for today.
To cater to a broader audience, Apple also released a consumer version of the Macintosh LC 520 called the Performa 520. This variant retained the same core specifications, providing an accessible entry point into the Macintosh world for home users. The Performa series, as a whole, played a pivotal role in Apple’s strategy to expand its market reach and establish a strong presence in households around the world.
Regrettably, the Macintosh LC 520’s lifespan was relatively short-lived. Apple made the decision to discontinue the model on February 2, 1994, likely driven by the rapid pace of technological advancements during that period. However, even though it may have faded into obscurity, the Macintosh LC 520 remains an important part of Apple’s rich history.
Today, as the Macintosh LC 520 celebrates its 31-year anniversary, we can’t help but marvel at the strides technology has taken since its introduction. Modern computers now possess exponentially more power and capabilities, enabling us to accomplish tasks that were unimaginable back then. The Macintosh LC 520 stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation that has defined Apple’s journey over the years.
The Macintosh LC 520 may have been discontinued decades ago, but its impact on the world of personal computing should not be overlooked. From its powerful specifications to its forward-thinking design, this all-in-one computer pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time.
Macintosh LC 520 Details
| Introduced | June 28, 1993 |
| Discontinued | February 2, 1994 |
| Model Identifier | 56 |
| Model Number | M1640 |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | $2,000 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 40.5 Ibs. 18.370 KG |
| Dimensions | 17.9” H x 13.5” W x 16.5” D 45.46 cm H x 34.29 cm W x 41.91 cm D |
Mac LC 520 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 25 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Motorola 68882 FPU (Optional) |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 MB 160 MB |
| Media | 1 – CD-ROM 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 5 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 36 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 14″ RGB CRT Display |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 512 KB (Upgradeable to 768 KB via one socket) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS (Cache Bus) |
| 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 analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1P |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 40 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh LC 520: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh LC 500 series – Wikipedia
- Mac LC 520 (Performa 520) – Low End Mac
- Today in Apple history: Mac LC 520 sets its sights on the classroom – Cult of Mac
- Macintosh LC 520/550/575 Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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: July 3, 2023
