In the dynamic landscape of the 1990s personal computer boom, Apple emerged as a pioneering force with its trailblazing Macintosh Performa series. A particular gem within this lineup was the remarkable Performa 6210CD, making its dazzling debut on a pivotal day, August 28, 1995.
With its alluring aesthetics and robust hardware, the Performa 6210CD swiftly garnered favor among tech aficionados seeking a high-octane personal computing experience. Priced at $2,300 for its base configuration, the 6210CD was a symphony of features that tantalized the senses and outshone its rivals.
At its core hummed a vigorous 75 MHz PowerPC 603 processor, rendering users a seamless blend of unwavering performance and dependable processing prowess. Complementing this engine was an 8 MB RAM module, a 1 GB hard drive, and a zippy 4x CD-ROM drive, presenting an ideal setup for both media consumption and data warehousing. Furthermore, the computer donned a 1.44 MB floppy drive, streamlining data storage and exchange.
Sadly, the brilliance of the Performa 6210CD dimmed abruptly on July 1, 1996, merely a year after its triumphant unveiling. Today, this classic marvel evokes nostalgia for the bygone era of mid-90s technology and design. It stands as a cherished relic, adored by collectors and tech zealots alike. Celebrating its 29-year anniversary recently, the Macintosh Performa 6210CD defies time’s grasp and attests to Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and imaginative brilliance through the ages.
Accompanying this model was a 15″ Apple color monitor that cast a vivid spell on users, and an external 28.8k modem that ushered the world closer than ever before.
Curiously akin to the Performa 6205CD, the 6210CD stands distinguished by its unique software bundle, a testament to Apple’s penchant for tailored excellence.
While the Performa 6210CD found admirers across the globe, its business-oriented counterpart – the Power Macintosh 6200 – danced solely in Asian markets, adding an air of mystique to its legacy.
In essence, the Macintosh Performa 6210CD was more than a computer; it was a testament to the verve and ingenuity of its era. An emblem of Apple’s audacious spirit, this timeless creation etches itself into the annals of computing history, inspiring us to remember where we came from as we forge ahead into the future.
Macintosh Performa 6210CD 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 6210CD 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 6210CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa 6210CD – IT History Society
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Revisiting the Past: A Look Back at the x200 Series – Low End Mac
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
