In the late 1990s, Apple introduced a line of personal computers that would make a mark in the history of technology – the Macintosh Performa series. One of the models that stood out from the crowd was the Performa 6205CD, which was introduced on August 28, 1995.
The 90s was an era of technological exploration, and Apple was at the forefront of innovation with its Macintosh Performa series. Among these groundbreaking machines, the Performa 6205CD shone brightly. A creation that embodied power, style, and functionality, the Performa 6205CD was more than a computer – it was a symbol of the tech revolution.
At its launch, the Performa 6205CD was a true powerhouse. Its 75 MHz PowerPC 603 processor, paired with 8 MB of RAM, pushed the boundaries of performance. The 1 GB hard drive, a 4x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive were more than specs; they were the building blocks of a digital empire. Priced at $2,300, the Performa 6205CD was a testament to Apple’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing to the masses.
Unboxing the Performa 6205CD was an adventure in itself. In one package, users found not just a computer, but a gateway to an advanced world of multimedia. With the System 7.5 operating software pre-loaded, the Performa 6205CD was ready to dazzle from the get-go. The color display, keyboard, and mouse completed the ensemble. But what truly set it apart were the bundled home, education, and home-business programs, along with CD multimedia titles, hinting at the endless possibilities this machine could offer.
The Performa 6205CD was a gem that brought features often reserved for high-end systems into the hands of the everyday user. Its quadruple-speed CD-ROM drive transformed data access, while the 16-bit stereo sound delivered an unparalleled audio experience. An external 28.8-kilobits-per-second modem was a glimpse into the future of communication, and the AppleTalk networking brought seamless connectivity.
Beyond its impressive specs, the Performa 6205CD was a multimedia artist’s dream. Its video-in card allowed connections to external sources like VCRs and camcorders, merging real-world visuals with digital creativity. The video-out interface transformed presentations, connecting the computer to a large-screen TV. The optional internal TV tuner even turned the screen into a window to the world of television channels.
Nearly 29 years later, the Performa 6205CD remains etched in the hearts of Apple aficionados. It stands as a time capsule, reminding us of the days when personal computing was in its infancy, and Apple led the charge toward a digital future.
The Performa 6205CD also played a role in the online realm. Bundled with the eWorld application, it offered a peek into the online world of the 90s. The transition from eWorld to America Online showcased the dynamism of the tech landscape, where change was the only constant.
The Performa 6205CD wasn’t limited by geographical boundaries. While it shipped worldwide, its business counterpart, the Power Macintosh 6200, was exclusively available in Asia, underscoring Apple’s global vision.
Macintosh Performa 6205CD Details
| Introduced | August 28, 1995 |
| Discontinued | July 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 42 |
| Model Number | M3076 |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | $2,300 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 19 Ibs. 8.618 KG |
| Dimensions | 4.3” H x 12.6” W x 16.5” D 10.92 cm H x 32 cm W x 41.91 cm D |
Mac Performa 6205CD Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603 |
| Processor Speed | 75 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 37.5 MHz |
| Cache | 16 KB L1 256 KB L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 1 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 4x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 64 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS 1 – Comm 1 – Video I/O 1 – TV |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 28.8k (external) |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 55 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 6205CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Performa 6200/6300 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: August 28, 2023
