In 1993, Apple unveiled the Macintosh Performa 476, a groundbreaking personal computer that quickly became an integral part of the esteemed Macintosh Performa series. With its release on October 18th, this versatile machine entered the market at a starting price of $1,800, captivating the attention of home and business users alike.
The Performa 476 boasted impressive specifications that were considered top-of-the-line during the mid-90s. Equipped with a mighty 25 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, 4 MB of RAM, a 230 MB hard drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, it delivered unprecedented power and versatility. Apple presented the Performa 476 as an affordable option, aiming to make computing accessible to a wide audience.
Like many technological marvels, the Performa 476’s time in the limelight was regrettably short-lived. On April 1st, 1996, Apple officially discontinued the computer, marking the end of an era. Today, the Macintosh Performa 476 stands as a testament to the computing landscape of the mid-90s, a relic of a bygone era.
Although production of the Performa 476 ceased long ago, its impact on the computer industry endures. Apple’s Performa series played a pivotal role in making computing more accessible and affordable during a time of rapid expansion in the home computer market. The legacy of the Macintosh Performa 476 lives on, reminding us of the products and technologies that paved the way for Apple’s continued innovation and leadership in personal computing.
The Macintosh Performa 476 shares remarkable similarities with its sibling models, such as the Performa 475. In fact, the Performa 476 is essentially identical to the Performa 475, except for one distinctive feature: the inclusion of a spacious 230 MB hard drive. Additionally, Apple offered variations tailored to different markets, such as the educational version known as the LC 475 and the business-focused Quadra 605, each boasting unique design elements.
The Macintosh Performa 476’s legacy continues to captivate tech enthusiasts and industry observers even after 30 years. Its emergence in the mid-90s marked a turning point in the world of computing, bringing power, affordability, and accessibility to millions of users.
While Apple forges ahead with groundbreaking innovations, it is crucial to remember the transformative products and technologies that laid the foundation for the present-day computing landscape. The Macintosh Performa 476 stands tall as an emblem of that era and an enduring symbol of Apple’s influential role in shaping the future of personal computing.
T
Macintosh Performa 476 Details
| Introduced | October 18, 1993 |
| Discontinued | April 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 89 |
| Model Number | M1476 |
| Order Number | M2154LL/A M2155LL/A M2156LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,800 |
| 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 476 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68LC040 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 25 MHz |
| Cache | 0.5 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 230 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 132 MB (Actual) 36 MB (Apple) |
| 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 | 512 KB (Upgradeable to 1 MB via two sockets) |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC III PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 9.6k (external) |
| 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 stereo output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 30 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 476: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- 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 13, 2023
