In 1993, Apple revolutionized the personal computer industry with the introduction of the Macintosh Performa 405. This remarkable machine, part of Apple’s Macintosh Performa series, showcased cutting-edge specifications and a sleek design that captivated consumers. Despite its short-lived presence on the market, the Performa 405 left a lasting impact on the development of personal computers, highlighting Apple’s pioneering spirit and its commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
With its release on April 12th, 1993, the Macintosh Performa 405 quickly garnered attention. Equipped with a 16 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, 4 MB of RAM, an 80 MB hard drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, the Performa 405 boasted specifications that were considered impressive for its time. This allowed users to perform demanding tasks and handle complex applications with ease, making it a viable option for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Macintosh Performa 405 came in a compact, easy-to-upgrade “pizza box” case, showcasing Apple’s commitment to both functionality and aesthetics. While similar to the Performa 400, the 405 distinguished itself by shipping with a 14″ Apple color monitor. However, it was worth noting that it only had 256k of VRAM, making it better suited for basic tasks rather than graphic-intensive activities.
Although the Macintosh Performa 405 was discontinued on November 1st, 1993, its legacy lives on. It played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of personal computers and cemented Apple’s position as an industry leader. The Performa 405’s advancements in technology set the stage for future developments and influenced subsequent iterations in the Macintosh line.
As the Macintosh Performa 405 turns 31 years old, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of how far technology has progressed since its inception. Its relatively short lifespan doesn’t diminish its significance in the broader narrative of personal computing. The Performa 405 helped pave the way for the sleek and powerful machines we enjoy today, and its influence is still felt in the tech landscape.
The Macintosh Performa 405’s impact cannot be overstated. It exemplifies Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its continuous quest to push boundaries. While the Performa 405 may now be considered a relic from the past, its influence echoes through time, reminding us of the transformative power of technology and the enduring legacy of Apple.
The Macintosh Performa 405 may have been on the market for only a short period, but its significance in the evolution of personal computers cannot be underestimated. It’s advanced specifications and sleek design made it a competitive option during its time, setting the stage for future technological advancements. As we reflect on the Macintosh Performa 405’s 31-year-old legacy, we recognize the indelible mark it left on the industry and its testament to Apple’s enduring commitment to innovation.
Macintosh Performa 405 Details
| Introduced | April 12, 1993 |
| Discontinued | November 1, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 37 |
| Model Number | M1700 |
| Order Number | M1742LL/A M1719LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,300 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 8.8 Ibs. 3.991 KG |
| Dimensions | 2.9” H x 12.2” W x 15.3” D 7.36 cm H x 30.98 cm W x 38.86 cm D |
Mac Performa 405 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 16 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 16 MHz |
| Cache | 0.25 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 10 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 30 pin SIMMs (Group of 2) |
| Minimum Speed | 100 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 256 KB (Upgradeable to 512 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 | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm mono input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm mono output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.0.1 |
| Maximum OS | System 7.5.5 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 50 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 405: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Performa 405 – Billie’s Apple Macintosh Museum
- Macintosh Performa 400 Series 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 1, 2023
