Back in 1993, when the world was just beginning to get acquainted with the wonders of personal computing, Apple decided to take the stage and unveil its latest marvel, the Macintosh Performa 430. This sleek and innovative personal computer was part of the Macintosh Performa series, and it quickly became the talk of the tech town. On April 12th, 1993, Apple proudly released the Performa 430, carrying a starting price of $1,500 – a hefty sum back then, but a testament to the cutting-edge technology it promised.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and delve into the remarkable features that made the Macintosh Performa 430 a trailblazer in its era. This pint-sized powerhouse was equipped with a 16 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a respectable 4 MB of RAM, a 120 MB hard drive, and a trusty 1.44 MB floppy drive. While these specs may appear humble by today’s standards, they were state-of-the-art in 1993, commanding awe and admiration from tech enthusiasts everywhere.
The Macintosh Performa 430’s sleek “pizza box” design was compact and easy to upgrade, boasting a combination of form and function. However, despite the initial excitement and anticipation surrounding this technological wonder, its time in the spotlight was disappointingly brief. Just six months after its debut, on November 1st, 1993, Apple decided to discontinue the Macintosh Performa 430. The decision left many puzzled, and today, as the Macintosh Performa 430 celebrates 31 years since its release, it serves as a poignant reminder of how rapidly technology progresses in the fast-paced world of computing.
Despite its abbreviated lifespan, the Macintosh Performa 430 holds a significant place in the annals of technology history. This personal computer represents a crucial milestone in the evolution of the computing industry, a symbol of how far we’ve come in a few short decades. While the Performa 430 may pale in comparison to the smartphones and laptops of today, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of both tech enthusiasts and die-hard Apple fans.
Let’s take a closer look at the specifications that made the Macintosh Performa 430 stand out in its day. Featuring a 16 MHz 68030 processor, 4 MB of RAM, and 256k of pre-installed VRAM, this little powerhouse could handle a wide range of tasks with relative ease. Not to mention its compact size and easy-to-upgrade “pizza box” case, which was a welcome feature for tech-savvy users.
The Performa 430 had a doppelganger in the form of the Performa 405, which was virtually identical to the 430, shipping with the same 14″ Apple color monitor. However, the Macintosh Performa 430 had a leg up, shipping with a larger 120 MB hard drive, making it a popular choice for users who required more storage space.
Interestingly, the Macintosh Performa 430 had an educational counterpart in the form of the LC II. The educational version shared many similarities with the Performa 430 but catered specifically to the needs of students and educators alike.
As we look back on the Macintosh Performa 430 and its significance, it serves as a reminder of how technology continues to shape our lives. The computing world has evolved dramatically since the release of this iconic personal computer, and we now enjoy the luxuries of smartphones, tablets, and laptops that boast exponentially more power and capabilities. Nevertheless, the Macintosh Performa 430 will forever be etched in history as a testament to Apple’s innovative spirit and its contribution to the ever-advancing world of technology.
Macintosh Performa 430 Details
| Introduced | April 12, 1993 |
| Discontinued | November 1, 1993 |
| Model Identifier | 37 |
| Model Number | M1700 |
| Order Number | M1721LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,500 |
| 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 430 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68030 |
| Processor Speed | 16 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 16 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 120 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 7.1P3 |
| 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 430: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 400 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Mac84: Unboxing a Vintage Macintosh Performa 430 from 1993! (Pizza Box Mac LC II) – YouTube
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
