In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, where innovation constantly supersedes the old, there exists a treasure trove of relics that have paved the path to the modern tech utopia we now inhabit. One such jewel in the crown of computing history is the Apple Macintosh Performa 6290CD, released in 1996 with a bang and discontinued just seven months later. Despite its short-lived reign, this machine left an indelible mark on the world of personal computing.
On January 27, 1996, Apple aficionados were introduced to the Macintosh Performa 6290CD, a personal computer that was part of the iconic Macintosh Performa series. This innovative masterpiece was not just a computer; it was a technological marvel that defined an era. With a starting price tag of $2,300, it wasn’t for the faint of heart, but it was worth every penny.
The heart and soul of this remarkable machine was its 100 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, a powerhouse in its own right. Paired with 8 MB of RAM, a 1.2 GB hard drive (a colossal capacity back then), a 4x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, the Performa 6290CD was a beast by 1996 standards. It offered users a computing experience that was nothing short of seamless, making tasks that were once arduous feel effortless.
Sadly, the glory of the Performa 6290CD was short-lived, with its discontinuation occurring just seven months after its debut, on August 1, 1996. But what it lacked in longevity, it more than compensated for in the legacy it left behind.
Today, 28 years after its initial release, the Performa 6290CD is a true relic, a testament to the rapid pace of technological advancement. Its specs, which once dazzled, now seem quaint in the era of terabytes and lightning-fast processors. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that this machine was the harbinger of a technological revolution that was yet to fully unfold.
For those who remember the Performa 6290CD, it’s a delightful trip down memory lane, a chance to reminisce about a time when a 1.2 GB hard drive was the pinnacle of storage technology. For those who didn’t have the opportunity to experience it, the Performa 6290CD stands as a beacon, a reminder of the thrilling advancements that have reshaped our digital world over the years.
It’s crucial to remember that every monumental leap in technology is built upon the foundations laid by its predecessors. The Performa 6290CD may seem like a relic now, but it was the cornerstone upon which the edifice of modern computing was constructed. It’s a humble reminder that we stand on the shoulders of giants.
One fascinating tidbit about the Performa 6290CD is its close kinship with the Performa 6260CD. The two models were strikingly similar, with one key distinction: the 6290CD was shipped with a larger hard drive, boasting a 1.2 GB capacity compared to the 800 MB hard drive in the 6260CD. Moreover, while the 6260CD was reserved for the markets of Asia and Europe, the 6290CD found its home exclusively in North America.
Macintosh Performa 6290CD Details
| Introduced | January 27, 1996 |
| Discontinued | August 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 42 |
| Model Number | M3076 |
| Order Number | M4727LL/A |
| 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 6290CD Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 100 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 40 MHz |
| Cache | 32 KB L1 256 KB L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 1.2 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 6290CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 6200 – Wikipedia
- Revisiting the Past: A Look Back at the x200 Series – Low End Mac
- Macintosh Performa 6290cd – Devon P. Hubner
- The Macintosh Performa 6290CD Experience – YouTube
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 2, 2023
