In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, there are certain milestones that stand out, etching their mark on the pages of history. One such remarkable gem from the mid-90s was the Macintosh Performa 6216CD, an embodiment of Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Unveiled to the world in July of 1995, this machine not only signaled Apple’s prowess but also its dedication to catering to the home market.
Priced at a starting point of $2,000, the Macintosh Performa 6216CD shattered barriers and redefined affordability in the realm of Macintosh computers. What set this machine apart was not just its enticing price tag, but the sheer power that it encapsulated within its sleek frame. Armed with a 75 MHz PowerPC 603 processor and 8 MB RAM, it emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the mid-90s computing arena.
While the world was catching its breath, Apple did not stop at the bare essentials. The Macintosh Performa 6216CD strutted onto the stage with a 1 GB hard drive, a 4x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive. This ensemble of features transformed it into an all-in-one solution, capable of seamlessly transitioning from work to play, and from productivity to leisure.
Time might have been somewhat unforgiving to the Performa 6216CD’s lifespan, but it left an indelible mark on the hearts of Apple fans. Despite its one-year stint in the limelight, this computer remains a darling among collectors and enthusiasts. Its discontinuation on April 1, 1996, might have signaled its exit, but its legacy lived on.
Fast forward 29 years, and the Performa 6216CD stands tall as a testament to Apple’s unwavering dedication to innovation. It continues to evoke nostalgia for an era when personal computing was taking its first steps into the mainstream.
The Performa 6216CD was not just a solitary star; it was a part of a constellation known as the Performa series. Crafted with the home market in mind, this lineup was aimed at making powerful computing accessible to the everyday individual. And the 6216CD shone bright in this firmament.
It’s worth noting that the model also came equipped with a 14.4k external modem, ushering in a new era of connectivity that paved the way for the interconnected world we know today.
The Performa 6216CD might have been rooted in the North American education market, but its influence transcended geographical boundaries. Its sibling, the Power Macintosh 6200, tailored for businesses, found its exclusive home in Asia. This global duality showcased Apple’s ability to cater to diverse needs while maintaining its trademark innovation.
In retrospect, the Macintosh Performa 6216CD was not merely a computer; it was a symbol of Apple’s ambition and innovation. It stands as a reminder of a time when personal computing was entering living rooms, and dreams of a digital future were taking shape.
Though its physical presence might have faded into the past, its legacy remains vibrant. The Macintosh Performa 6216CD will forever hold a special place in the annals of Apple’s computing history, a beacon that illuminated a path of innovation for years to come.
Macintosh Performa 6216CD Details
| Introduced | July 11, 1995 |
| Discontinued | April 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 42 |
| Model Number | M3076 |
| Order Number | M4105LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,000 |
| 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 6216CD 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 | 14.4k (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 6216CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa 6216CD – IT History Society
- 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 26, 2023
