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In the early ’90s, Apple was making significant strides in personal computer technology, and on February 10, 1993, they unveiled the Macintosh Quadra 800. This powerful machine, part of the Macintosh Quadra series, quickly gained popularity among users seeking a high-performance computing experience.
Equipped with a formidable 33 MHz Motorola 68040 processor, the Macintosh Quadra 800 was a force to be reckoned with. With a choice of 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM and a capacious hard drive capable of storing up to 500 MB of data, it catered to users who demanded robust computing power. The inclusion of a CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive made it a versatile machine capable of handling a wide range of tasks, both personal and professional.
While the Macintosh Quadra 800 offered an unparalleled computing experience, it came with a price tag that placed it out of reach for many users. Starting at $2,700, this machine was a luxury item in the early ’90s. However, for those who required a high-performance computer for demanding work or personal projects, the Quadra 800 proved to be a solid investment, offering exceptional performance and reliability.
Despite its popularity and the praise it garnered from users, the Macintosh Quadra 800 had a relatively short production run. On March 14, 1994, Apple discontinued the Quadra 800, leaving behind a legacy that lives on three decades later. Today, the Macintosh Quadra 800 stands as a nostalgic reminder of Apple’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of personal computer technology.
The Macintosh Quadra 800 not only brought power to the table but also introduced a new case design that would later be adopted by the Quadra 840av, the Power Mac 8100, and the Power Mac 8500. This innovative case design featured three front-accessible drive bays, accommodating the floppy drive as well as additional options like a CD-ROM drive, DAT drive, or SyQuest mechanism.
In terms of performance, the Quadra 800 (also known as the Workgroup Server 80) introduced a higher-speed SCSI bus to the Macintosh line and boasted accelerated internal video capabilities. Leveraging interleaved memory, the Quadra 800 squeezed out an impressive 10% increase in performance compared to its predecessor, the Quadra 950, as affirmed by a Macworld review.
While the Macintosh Quadra 800 may have faded into the annals of history, it remains a significant computer that played a vital role in the evolution of the Macintosh line. It showcased Apple’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and further solidified the company’s reputation for producing powerful and innovative personal computers.
As we celebrate 30 years since the release of the Macintosh Quadra 800, we pay tribute to a remarkable machine that pushed the boundaries of personal computing. With its impressive specs, versatile capabilities, and unique design, the Quadra 800 left an indelible mark on Apple’s history. Though discontinued for three decades, this powerful workhorse remains a cherished and nostalgic reminder of a time when Apple’s pioneering spirit propelled the development of personal computer technology forward.
Macintosh Quadra 800 Details
| Introduced | February 10, 1993 |
| Discontinued | March 14, 1994 |
| Model Identifier | 30 |
| Model Number | M1250 |
| Order Number | M1207LL/A (80 MB hard drive) M1337LL/A (230 MB hard drive) M1279LL/A (230 MB hard drive and CD-ROM) |
| Original Price | $2,700 $4,680 $5,100 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 25 Ibs. 11.339 KG |
| Dimensions | 6” H x 13” W x 16.5” D 15.24 cm H x 33 cm W x 41.91 cm D |
Mac Quadra 800 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68040 |
| Processor Speed | 33 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 33 MHz |
| Cache | 8 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Integrated FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 MB 230 MB 500 MB |
| Media | 1 – CD-ROM 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 132 MB 136 MB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – NuBus 1 – PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | AAUI-15 |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm mono input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm stereo output jack |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 8.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 230 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Quadra 800: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Quadra 800 – Wikipedia
- Quadra 800 – Low End Mac
- Macintosh Quadra 800/WS 80 Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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Last updated: June 29, 2023
