In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, we often forget the groundbreaking innovations of yesteryears. Back in 1996, Apple unveiled a marvel that embodied the pinnacle of computing excellence in its time – the Macintosh Performa 6320CD. This machine, though short-lived, was a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to innovation and design.
On April 22nd, 1996, the Macintosh Performa 6320CD emerged as a technological marvel, setting hearts racing in the tech world. Retailing at a starting price of $2,600, it was considered a worthy investment. For good reason, too, as beneath its sleek exterior lay a powerhouse of features that made it a forerunner in the world of personal computing.
At the heart of this machine was the 120 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, a true marvel of its time. Paired with 16 MB of RAM, a 1.2 GB hard drive, a 4x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, it was a speed demon that could handle tasks with ease.
Even today, the specs stand as a testament to its engineering prowess. The 120 MHz processor was cutting-edge, ensuring a blazing performance that was unmatched in its era. The 1.2 GB hard drive, which seemed extravagant back then, now serves as a quaint reminder of the times when storage space was a premium commodity.
The Macintosh Performa 6320CD was not just about raw power; it was a multimedia masterpiece. Equipped with a quadruple-speed CD-ROM drive, it could access CD-based data swiftly, offering smooth playback of audio and video. The inclusion of a 16-bit stereo sound system ensured high-quality audio output.
One of its standout features was the Apple TV/Video System, which allowed users to connect external video sources and even capture images. With the aid of a TV antenna, you could even watch television programming right on your computer, a feature ahead of its time.
This Macintosh was not just a computer; it was a gateway to the digital world. It came bundled with a trial version of America Online, granting access to the World Wide Web, internet email, and a treasure trove of news and information.
The Macintosh Performa 6320CD was versatile in every sense. It doubled as a telephony hub, thanks to its high-speed internal fax modem and bundled Apple PlainTalk microphone and software. This meant you could use it as a speakerphone and even a digital answering machine – features way ahead of contemporary technology.
When you bought the Performa 6320CD, you weren’t just getting a computer. In one neatly packed box, you received the computer, a color display, a keyboard, a mouse, an internal modem, and a microphone. What’s more, it came with over a dozen home, education, and home-business programs, along with a collection of multimedia reference CDs.
For those in Asia, Apple also offered the business-oriented Power Macintosh 6300, a close sibling of the 6320CD. This exclusive variant catered to the unique needs of the Asian market.
As we look back on the Macintosh Performa 6320CD, we can’t help but be awed by its pioneering spirit. It was a glimpse into the future, a testament to Apple’s dedication to innovation and design. Even 28 years after its debut, it remains a symbol of technological excellence that continues to capture the imagination of tech enthusiasts. While we’ve moved on to newer and faster machines, the Performa 6320CD reminds us that every step in the evolution of technology is a milestone worth celebrating.
Macintosh Performa 6320CD Details
| Introduced | April 22, 1996 |
| Discontinued | September 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 42 |
| Model Number | M3076 |
| Order Number | M4957LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,600 |
| 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 6320CD Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 120 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 | 16 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 | 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 |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.3 |
| 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 6320CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 6320CD – IT History Society
- Power Mac 6300/120 (Performa 6320) – Low End Mac
- 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: September 4, 2023
