In the annals of personal computing history, November 12, 1996, stands as a pivotal date when Apple unveiled the Macintosh Performa 6420. This remarkable machine would go on to etch its name in the revered lineage of the Macintosh Performa series, captivating the hearts of Apple fans even 27 years later.
Back in its heyday, the Performa 6420 was the epitome of cutting-edge technology. Sporting a blazing 200 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, it boasted speeds that were nothing short of revolutionary for its era. Coupled with a robust 16 MB of RAM, this powerhouse was designed to seamlessly handle a myriad of applications, from office productivity tools to immersive video games.
Yet, it was the Performa 6420’s capacious 2.4 GB hard drive that truly set it apart. In the late ’90s, this storage capacity was akin to having a vault for your cherished files, accommodating everything from cherished photos to vital documents. Alongside this, an 8x CD-ROM drive provided the ability to both play and create CDs, while a 1.44 MB floppy drive facilitated seamless file transfers between computers. All this was enveloped in a sleek, rounded tower case housing an SRS 3D surround sound system with a subwoofer, delivering an audio experience that was unparalleled for its time.
Regrettably, the Macintosh Performa 6420 bid farewell on October 1, 1997, marking a relatively brief stint in the limelight. Nevertheless, its impact on the personal computing landscape endures. This was a machine that amalgamated innovation with accessibility, catering perfectly to those seeking a potent yet user-friendly computing companion.
Distinguished by its presence in Europe and Asia, the Performa 6420 shared the core configuration with its North American sibling, the Performa 6400.
In the present day, the Macintosh Performa 6420 stands as a treasured relic from a bygone era. While it may not rival contemporary powerhouses, it remains a cherished piece of technological history for those who reminisce about Apple’s golden age in personal computing. Whether you’re an Apple devotee or simply an admirer of classic computing, the Performa 6420 is a testament to a time worth remembering.
In the ever-evolving realm of technology, the Performa 6420 serves as a poignant reminder of where it all began. Its legacy lives on, as a beacon for all who dare to appreciate the roots of modern computing.
Macintosh Performa 6420 Details
| Introduced | November 12, 1996 |
| Discontinued | August 1, 1997 |
| Model Identifier | 58 |
| Model Number | M3548 |
| Order Number | M5513J/A |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 44,5 Ibs. 20.184 KG |
| Dimensions | 16” H x 7.8” W x 16.9” D 40.64 cm H x 19.81 cm W x 42.92 cm D |
Mac Performa 6420 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 200 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 | 2.4 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 8x CD-ROM 1 – Zip 100 (Optional) |
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 | 2 – 7″ PCI 1 – Comm II 1 – Video I/O 1 – TV |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | Optional |
| Modem | 28.8k |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Infrared | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 2 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in subwoofer 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 | 220 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 6420: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Macintosh Performa 6420 – IT History Society
- Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 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 24, 2023
