July 18, 1994, marked a pivotal moment in the tech world as Apple unveiled the Macintosh Performa 630, a personal computer that would go on to redefine the landscape of personal computing. Part of the innovative Performa series, this remarkable machine was designed to cater to the diverse needs of both personal and professional users. Let’s take a journey back in time and explore the legacy of the Macintosh Performa 630, a true icon of Apple’s history.
The Macintosh Performa 630 boasted impressive specifications for its era, making it a formidable machine for everyday computing tasks. Powered by a 33 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, it came equipped with either 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM, a 250 MB hard drive, a 2x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive. The combination of these cutting-edge components allowed users to experience smooth multitasking and swift performance like never before.
Always determined to push the boundaries of innovation, Apple surprised the tech world by introducing a PC version of the Performa 630, featuring a 66 MHz Intel 486DX processor. This groundbreaking move allowed users to choose between the Macintosh operating system and Microsoft’s MS-DOS or Windows. This strategic decision further solidified Apple’s reputation as a company that values user choice and convenience.
Despite its short-lived presence in the market, the Macintosh Performa 630 left an indelible mark on the personal computing landscape. After capturing the hearts of many users, the Performa 630 was eventually discontinued on July 1st, 1995. However, its legacy endured, and to this day, it stands as a cherished artifact of Apple’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Macintosh Performa 630 was not just a remarkable product in itself; it was also closely linked to the Macintosh Quadra 630. In essence, the Performa 630 was a consumer version of the Quadra 630, adding to its significance in Apple Computer’s range of Macintosh computers. The Quadra 630 was renowned for its powerful performance, and the Performa 630 inherited those traits, catering to both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Flexibility was a hallmark of the Performa 630 series. Equipped with a 33 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, this machine offered users the option to enhance its capabilities by swapping it with a full 68040 processor, taking it closer to the Quadra 630’s prowess. Additionally, each 630 models included 4 MB of soldered RAM on the logic board, with most offering 1 SIMM slot to expand memory up to 36 MB. Later iterations even provided 2 SIMM slots, accommodating up to an impressive 52 MB of RAM.
Remembering the Macintosh Performa 630 takes us back to a time when personal computing was rapidly evolving. With its 32-bit LC-type processor direct slot, a Comm Slot, and a video-in connector accepting a TV tuner/video input card, it was a machine that catered to a wide array of interests, from creativity to productivity to entertainment.
Though the Performa 630 series reached its end in 1995, the influence of this iconic machine remained. The succeeding PowerPC-based Macintosh Performa 6200 and 6300 series carried on the 630-style case, preserving its distinct design for a new generation of Apple enthusiasts.
Today 30 years later, as we look back at the Macintosh Performa 630, we are reminded of Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its ability to redefine what a personal computer could accomplish. The Performa 630 will forever be etched in the annals of tech history, a testament to the profound impact of groundbreaking technology and its ability to shape our lives for generations to come.
Macintosh Performa 630 Details
| Introduced | July 18, 1994 |
| Discontinued | July 1, 1995 |
| Model Identifier | 98 |
| Model Number | M3076 |
| Order Number | M3423LL/A M3424LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,500 $2,250 |
| 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 630 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68LC040 Intel 486DX* |
| Processor Speed | 33 MHz 66 MHz* |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 8 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | None |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 250 MB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 2x CD-ROM (Optional) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 36 MB |
| Memory Slots | 1 – 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 |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| 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 (8-bit mono) |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack (8-bit stereo) 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1.2 Pro |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 45 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 630 and 630CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa 630CD DOS Compatible: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Performa 630 and LC 630 – Low End Mac
- Apple Macintosh Performa 630 – The Centre for Computing History
- Macintosh Performa 630 – Remi’s Classic Computers
- Macintosh Performa 630 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 1, 2023
