Apple has always been at the forefront of sleek, cutting-edge designs and groundbreaking technology. From the Macintosh to the iPhone, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. One product that stands as a testament to their innovation is the Macintosh Workgroup Server 60. Released on July 1, 1993, this server computer was a part of the Workgroup Server series and showcased Apple’s commitment to delivering powerful and versatile machines.
The Workgroup Server 60 was a beast of a machine during its time, boasting a 20 MHz Motorola 68LC040 or 25 MHz Motorola 68040 processor. With 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM, this server had the processing power to handle the demands of small businesses and workgroups. Its hard drive capacity ranged from 80 MB to 500 MB, providing ample storage space for its users. Additionally, it featured a CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB Floppy drive, making it a versatile option for various tasks.
With a price tag of $3,080 upon its release, the Mac Workgroup Server 60 was an attractive and competitive option in the market. It offered a powerful combination of performance and affordability, making it an appealing choice for businesses and workgroups looking to enhance their productivity. However, as technology advanced at an unprecedented pace, newer models were introduced, and the WG Server 60 gradually became outdated. Apple eventually discontinued the product on October 17, 1994.
Today, the Workgroup Server 60 holds a special place in Apple’s history. Although it may no longer be in active use, it serves as a reminder of how far technology has come and how rapidly it evolves. This pioneering product played a significant role in laying the foundation for the powerful servers we have today.
When the Workgroup Server 60 first shipped on July 1, 1993, it was known as the Apple Macintosh WGS 60. This initial version featured a 20 MHz 68LC040 processor, 4 MB of RAM, an 80 MB hard drive, and an optional 2X CD-ROM drive. Apple later released an upgraded version on October 21, 1993, which included a 25 MHz 68040 processor, 8 MB of RAM, a 230 MB hard drive, and an optional 2X CD-ROM drive. Both models shared the same low-profile desktop case and were pre-installed with AppleShare 4.0 server software.
It’s worth noting that the business version of the WGS 60 configuration with the 68LC040 processor was known as the Centris 610, while the second configuration with the 68040 processor was marketed as the Quadra 610.
As we celebrate the Macintosh Workgroup Server 60’s 31-year anniversary, we can appreciate the contributions it made to the world of computing. Although it may not be as impressive by today’s standards, it was a groundbreaking product in its time. Apple’s commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries continues to shape the technology landscape, and the Workgroup Server 60 stands as a testament to that enduring spirit.
Workgroup Server 60 Details
| Introduced | July 1, 1993 (20 MHz) October 21, 1993 (25 MHz) |
| Discontinued | October 17, 1994 |
| Model Identifier | 52 |
| Model Number | M1444 |
| Order Number | M1780LL/A |
| Original Price | $3,080 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 14 Ibs. 6.350 KG |
| Dimensions | 3.4” H x 16.3” W x 15.6” D 8.63 cm H x 41.4 cm W x 39.62 cm D |
Mac WGS 60 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Motorola 68LC040 (20 MHz) Motorola 68040 (25 MHz) |
| Processor Speed | 20 MHz 25 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 25 MHz |
| Cache | 8 KB L1 |
| Coprocessor | Build-in FPU (Motorola 68040) None (Motorola 68LC040) |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 MB 230 MB 500 MB |
| Media | 1 – CD-ROM (Optional) 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 4 MB 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 68 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 72 pin SIMMs |
| 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 – 7″ NuBus or PDS (Cache Bus) |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | AAUI-15 |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 2 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 2 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog 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 | 86 W |
| Line Voltage | 100 V – 240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Workgroup Server 60: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Workgroup Server 60 (50/25 MHz): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Workgroup Server – Wikipedia
- Apple Workgroup Server 60 Brochure (PDF) – Tech Insider
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: July 4, 2023
