In the fast-paced world of technology, where innovation is a constant, it’s intriguing to reminisce about the gadgets that paved the way for the sleek devices we use today. One such milestone in Apple’s history takes us back to the year 1999 when the iconic Macintosh Server G3 in Blue and White was released.
Unveiled on January 5, 1999, the Macintosh Server G3 was a pivotal member of the Macintosh Server series, created, manufactured, and sold by Apple. This cutting-edge computer came with a price tag of $3,299, reflecting the technological prowess and premium quality that Apple has always been synonymous with.
Functionally similar to the Power Mac G3 series, the Mac Server G3 models often boasted faster hard drives and were bundled with pre-installed server software. Specifically, the Macintosh Server G3 in Blue and White, featuring a 400 MHz chip, shared its roots with the 400 MHz Power Mac G3 in Blue and White. It came bundled with MacOS 8.5.1 and a pre-installed “AppleShare Solution Kit,” emphasizing its server-oriented capabilities.
Equipped with a robust 350 MHz, 400 MHz, or 450 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, the Macintosh Server G3 was no slouch in terms of performance. The memory configurations included 128 MB or 256 MB of RAM, offering users a decent amount of processing power for the time. Storage options varied with single or dual 9 GB hard drives, complemented by a 32x CD-ROM drive or 5x DVD-ROM. The base model also featured 16 MB ATI Rage 128 GL graphics, ensuring a visually pleasing experience.
Regrettably, the Macintosh Server G3 in Blue and White had a relatively short lifespan, being discontinued on August 31, 1999. Today, it stands as a 25-year-old relic of the past. Despite its brevity in the market, the Macintosh Server G3 left an indelible mark, particularly among tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados who still fondly remember its unique features and contributions.
The Macintosh Server G3 might be a distant memory for some, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who experienced the technological landscape of the late ’90s. It serves as a testament to Apple’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in computing. The distinctive blue and white exterior, coupled with its server-centric capabilities, makes the Macintosh Server G3 a standout in Apple’s storied history.
As we reflect on the Macintosh Server G3, we’re reminded of a time when technology was evolving at a pace that seemed unprecedented. This trip down memory lane allows us to appreciate the foundation laid by devices like the Macintosh Server G3, paving the way for the sleek and powerful machines we have today. While the blue and white beauty may have been discontinued, its impact remains, etched in the history of Apple and the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness its brief yet significant presence in the world of computing.
Macintosh Server G3 in Blue and White Details
| Introduced | January 5, 1999 |
| Discontinued | June 1, 1999 (350 MHz) August 31, 1999 (400 MHz & 450 MHz) |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac1,1 |
| Model Number | M5183 |
| Order Number | M6657LL/A (350 MHz) M6658LL/A (400 MHz) M7558LL/A (400 MHz) M7559LL/A (450 MHz) M7560LL/A (450 MHz) |
| Original Price | $3,299 $4,999 $5,979 |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Weight | 30 Ibs. 13.607 KG |
| Dimensions | 17” H x 8.9” W x 18.4” D 43.18 cm H x 22.6 cm W x 46.73 cm D |
Macintosh Server G3 1999 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
| Processor Speed | 350 MHz 400 MHz 450 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz |
| Cache | 32 KB L1 1 MB L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | Up to three 9 GB 10,000 rpm Up to three 36 GB 7,200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM or 5x DVD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 128 MB 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1 GB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 GL |
| Graphics Memory | 16 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA |
| Display Modes | Unknown |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – 33 MHz PCI 1 – 66 MHz PCI |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 100 bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra2 SCSI |
| Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 1 or 5 – 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45 with 4-port PCI card) |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | Ultra2 SCSI PCI card |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps (15W total power) |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – VGA |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 8.5.1 with AppleShare IP 6.2 or Mac OS X Server |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple USB Keyboard Apple USB Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V Lithium (922-1262) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 200 W |
| Line Voltage | 115 V AC (90-132 V AC) or 230 V AC (180-264 V AC) |
Further Reading and References
- Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh G3 – Wikipedia
- Blue and White Power Mac G3 – Low End Mac
- ‘Blue and White’ Power Mac G3 launches – Cult of Mac
- 20 Macs for 2020: #16 – Blue-and-White Power Mac G3 – Six Colors
- On the Blue and White Power Mac G3 – 512 Pixels
- Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) – JasonTaylor
- Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) (ft. It’s My Natural Colour) – Vintage Apple Vault #4 – YouTube
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: January 13, 2024
