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In the fast-paced world of personal computing, few machines have left a mark as indelible as Apple’s Performa 5410CD. Launched on April 22, 1996, as part of the Performa series, this sleek personal computer swiftly gained favor among home and small business users. In this retrospective, we delve into the groundbreaking features and untimely demise of the Performa 5410CD, a machine that played a pivotal role in shaping Apple’s reputation for innovation and design.
Boasting a stunning design and cutting-edge specs, the Performa 5410CD was a force to be reckoned with in the personal computing landscape of the mid-’90s. Its beating heart was a robust 120 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, ensuring blazing-fast performance. Complementing this was a vibrant 15″ color CRT display, which was nothing short of revolutionary at the time. With 16 MB of RAM, a capacious 1.6 GB hard drive, a zippy 4x CD-ROM drive, and a reliable 1.44 MB floppy drive, the Performa 5410CD was a powerhouse built to tackle both personal and professional tasks with finesse.
Despite its meteoric rise, the Performa 5410CD’s journey was unexpectedly short-lived. After just eight months on the market, Apple pulled the plug on February 1, 1997. This sudden discontinuation left many enthusiasts and industry insiders puzzled. However, in hindsight, the Performa 5410CD’s legacy is undeniable. It not only showcased Apple’s knack for pushing technological boundaries but also laid the foundation for the company’s enduring commitment to innovation.
As the Performa 5410CD turns 27, its legacy endures. Though no longer in production, it holds a special place in the annals of Apple’s history. For enthusiasts and collectors, it remains a cherished relic, a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in personal computing history. Its sleek design and formidable specs continue to captivate, serving as a testament to Apple’s enduring quest for excellence.
One intriguing aspect of the Performa 5410CD is its distinction from the Performa 5400CD. The 5410CD notably shipped without a pre-installed Ethernet card, setting it apart from its sibling model. This nuanced difference catered to a specific demographic, further highlighting Apple’s commitment to tailoring its offerings to varying user needs.
The Performa 5410CD’s availability was not uniform across the globe. While this model found its niche in Europe and Asia, Apple concurrently released an educational variant, the Power Macintosh 5400, exclusively in North America. This strategic market segmentation further exemplifies Apple’s astute approach to catering to distinct regional demands.
Macintosh Performa 5410CD Details
| Introduced | April 22, 1996 |
| Discontinued | February 1, 1997 |
| Model Identifier | 74 |
| Model Number | M3046 |
| Order Number | M4798J/A |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 47 Ibs. 21.318 KG |
| Dimensions | 17.5” H x 15.1” W x 16” D 44.45 cm H x 38.35 cm W x 40.64 cm D |
Mac Performa 5410 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 120 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 40 MHz |
| Cache | 32 KB L1 256 KB L2 (Optional) |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 1.6 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 4x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 16 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 136 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 168 pin DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 70 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15″ Shadow Mask RGB CRT Display |
| Resolution | 640×480 at 16-bit 800×600 at 8-bit 832×624 at 8-bit |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | None |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS (Cache Bus) 1 – Comm. II Slot 1 – Video I/O 1 – TV Tuner |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | 1 – 10BASE-T (Optional) |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 2 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | None |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.5 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 220 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 5410CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 5410CD – IT History Society
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Last updated: September 15, 2023