On July 18, 1994, Apple Computer took the personal computing world by storm when it unveiled the Macintosh LC 630, a revolutionary addition to the Macintosh LC series. This new computer quickly garnered a devoted following and found success under various names such as Macintosh Quadra 630 and Macintosh Performa 630. The Macintosh LC 630 signaled a new era in personal computing, boasting an impressive array of features and capabilities at an affordable starting price of $1,200.
The Macintosh LC 630’s power and performance were fueled by a robust 33 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, setting a new standard for speed in its class. With options for either 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM, the machine provided smooth multitasking and efficient handling of resource-intensive applications. Additionally, it came equipped with a 250 MB or 500 MB hard drive, a cutting-edge CD-ROM drive, and a reliable 1.44 MB floppy drive – a combination that was truly state-of-the-art at the time, making the Macintosh LC 630 an unrivaled personal computer.
One standout feature of the Macintosh LC 630 was its versatility. For users seeking compatibility with MS-DOS and Windows applications, Apple offered a PC version of the computer. This variant boasted a 66 MHz Intel 486DX2 processor, making it the preferred choice for individuals who required seamless integration between the Mac and PC worlds. Such forward-thinking design showcased Apple’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its user base.
Despite its immense popularity and groundbreaking capabilities, the Macintosh LC 630’s time in the spotlight was relatively short-lived. On April 1, 1995, it was officially discontinued, marking a significant moment in Apple’s history. This decision marked the end of the iconic Macintosh Quadra line, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and setting the stage for the next chapter in Apple’s journey.
As we celebrate 30 years since its introduction, the Macintosh LC 630 remains an enduring symbol of Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of personal computing. Its impact on the industry reverberates even today, as it remains fondly remembered as one of the most pioneering personal computers of its time.
Although the PowerPC CPUs were already on the horizon, the Macintosh LC 630 retained the older Motorola 68040 processor for two key reasons. Firstly, these older chips were more cost-effective, helping make the computer more accessible to a wider audience. Secondly, PowerPC-native software was still in its infancy, and its translation to non-English languages was yet to be realized. Consequently, Apple chose to provide users with a reliable and powerful option in the form of the Macintosh LC 630.
The Macintosh LC 630 showcased Apple’s ingenuity with its innovative design. It was the last Macintosh Quadra introduced, with a unique slide-out motherboard that simplified upgrades, setting it apart from its predecessors. Furthermore, the incorporation of an IDE hard drive, a departure from Apple’s traditional SCSI drives, demonstrated the company’s willingness to embrace cost-effective solutions without compromising on performance.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Macintosh LC 630’s design was its ability to accommodate a wide range of expansions and add-ons, despite the lack of industry-standard slots. The extended LC PDS allowed support for both LC and extended LC cards, while a separate comm slot enabled easy installation of a modem or ethernet card. Additionally, the Macintosh LC 630’s video slot offered compatibility with Apple’s Video System Card or TV/Video System card, adding to its versatility and appeal to multimedia enthusiasts.
The Macintosh LC 630, a groundbreaking personal computer, seamlessly bridged the gap between innovation and compatibility. Its impressive features, forward-thinking design, and user-friendly upgrades earned it a well-deserved place in the annals of computing history. As we remember this iconic machine 30 years after its debut, we honor the Macintosh LC 630’s legacy as one of Apple’s most pioneering and versatile offerings, setting the stage for a new era of personal computing.
Macintosh LC 630 Details
| Introduced | July 18, 1994 |
| Discontinued | April 1, 1995 |
| Model Identifier | 98 |
| Model Number | M3076 |
| Order Number | M3305LL/A (4 MB of RAM) M3492LL/A (8 MB of RAM) |
| Original Price | $1,200 $1,350 $2,080 $2,200 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 19 Ibs. 8.618 KG |
| Dimensions | 4.3” H x 12.6” W x 16.5” D 10.92 cm H x 32 cm W x 41.91 cm D |
Mac LC 630 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68LC040 Intel 486DX2* |
| Processor Speed | 33 MHz (Motorola 68LC040) 66 MHz (Intel 486DX2)* |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 8 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 250 MB 500 MB |
| Media | 1 – CD-ROM (Optional) 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 36 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS 1 – Comm 1 – Video I/O |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack (8-bit mono) |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack (8-bit stereo) 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1.2 Pro |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh LC 630: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Performa 630 and LC 630 – Low End Mac
- LC 630 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 31, 2023
