In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, some machines stand as timeless relics, encapsulating an era of innovation and design. Among these, the Macintosh Performa 5430 holds a special place. Manufactured by Apple from 1996 to 1997, this powerhouse quickly became a favorite among personal computer users.
At its core, the Performa 5430 was a marvel of its time. Sporting a 160 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, it was a computing powerhouse. Complementing this processing prowess was a 15″ color CRT display, providing vibrant visuals that were unparalleled in its heyday. Backed by 24 MB of RAM and a capacious 1.6 GB hard drive, it was a machine that excelled in everyday tasks. The inclusion of an 8x CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive further cemented its status as a top-performing workhorse.
Although its reign was relatively brief, from November 12, 1996, to December 1, 1997, the Performa 5430 left an indelible mark on the world of personal computing. It shared the limelight with its counterpart, the Performa 5400, differing primarily in its robust 24 MB RAM configuration. Interestingly, these models found their homes in Asia and Europe, remaining elusive in the United States.
Today, the Macintosh Performa 5430 stands as a 27-year-old testament to Apple’s ingenuity. Many computer enthusiasts still cherish this relic, proudly displaying it in their collections. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, a reminder of an era when innovation knew no bounds.
The Performa series, in its entirety, underscores Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of personal computing. These machines were not just tools; they were gateways to creativity, productivity, and imagination.
The Macintosh Performa 5430 was not merely a computer; it was a revolution in a sleek casing. Its legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of a time when computing was taking its first bold steps into the mainstream. For those lucky enough to own one, or those who simply remember its existence, the Performa 5430 is an integral chapter in the story of personal computing.
In the grand tapestry of technological progress, it’s imperative to pay homage to these pioneers. The Macintosh Performa 5430 will forever hold its place as a beacon of innovation, proving that even in the fast-paced world of technology, some things are truly timeless.
Macintosh Performa 5430 Details
| Introduced | November 12, 1996 |
| Discontinued | December 1, 1997 |
| Model Identifier | 74 |
| Model Number | M3046 |
| Order Number | M5514J/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 5430 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 160 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 – 8x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 24 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 5430: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- What kind of computer is a Mac Performa?
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: September 24, 2023
