As the digital landscape hurtles forward, it’s intriguing to cast a glance back at the computers that once reigned supreme. Among these relics of tech history stands the Macintosh Performa 6360, unveiled to the world on October 17, 1996, as a cornerstone of the Performa series of Macintosh computers.
Though its time in the limelight was relatively brief, spanning from its debut until October 1, 1997, when it was discontinued, this iconic machine still holds a special place in the hearts of many tech enthusiasts. Today, after 27 years since its introduction, let’s embark on a journey down memory lane to pay tribute to this remarkable computer.
While the name Performa 6360 may echo earlier models from the Performa 6300 series, the 6360 was a beast of its own, boasting a swifter processor, 8 MB of onboard RAM, and accelerated DIMM-based memory expansion. Not to mention, it sported a zippier CD-ROM drive.
In terms of specifications, the Performa 6360 was a force to be reckoned with for its era. Housing a 160 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 16 MB of RAM, a capacious 1.2 GB hard drive, an 8x CD-ROM drive, and a trusty 1.44 MB floppy drive, this machine commanded a price tag of $1,500 – a princely sum in its day. However, its cutting-edge features made it the go-to choice for users seeking a potent home computer.
Contrary to its external resemblance to the Performa 6200 and 6300, the 6360 was more aligned with the advanced Performa 5400 and 6400 series. Its logic board, codenamed “Alchemy,” played host to PowerPC 603e processors on a nimbler PCI bus, distinguishing it from the LC-based architecture of its predecessors. Two 168-pin DIMM slots enabled RAM upgrades from the base 8 MB soldered onto the motherboard, maxing out at an impressive 136 MB.
With 1 MB of VRAM, it supported up to 8-bit color at 832 x 624 pixels and 16-bit color at 640 x 480 pixels. The expansion slots were a triumvirate: a PCI slot (potentially requiring a riser card), a Comm Slot II for an internal modem or Ethernet card, and a video-in slot ready to accommodate an Apple TV Tuner Card. The CD-ROM and external hard drives hitched a ride on a SCSI bus, while the internal hard drive utilized an IDE bus. Plus, the built-in floppy drive championed 1.44 MB high-density disks.
Straight out of the box, the Performa 6360 came bundled with Mac OS 7.5.3, alongside System Enabler 410 and an assortment of home software. Its swansong operating system was Mac OS 9.1.
Despite its robust specifications, the Performa 6360 couldn’t evade the relentless pace of technological advancement. As newer, more sophisticated computers emerged, it swiftly slipped into obsolescence. Nonetheless, it endures as a pivotal chapter in Apple’s computing saga, a testament to the company’s indomitable spirit of innovation.
In this fast-paced digital age, taking a moment to retrace our tech roots can be a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come – and the Performa 6360 stands as an enduring symbol of that remarkable journey.
Macintosh Performa 6360 Details
| Introduced | October 17, 1996 |
| Discontinued | October 1, 1997 |
| Model Identifier | 58 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| Order Number | M5319LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,500 |
| 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 6360 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 160 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 40 MHz |
| Cache | 32 KB L1 256 KB L2 (Optional) |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 1.2 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 8x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 16 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 136 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 168 pin DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 70 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 – PCI 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 | 150 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 6360: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 6360 – IT History Society
- Power Mac 6300/160 (Performa 6360) – Low End Mac
- Today in Apple history: Performa 6360 is a low-cost multimedia Mac – Cult of 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 23, 2023
