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On February 17, 1997, Apple revolutionized the computing landscape with the introduction of the Power Macintosh 6500, a powerhouse designed to cater to the needs of creative professionals and power users. Priced at a starting point of $1,800, the Power Macintosh 6500 boasted impressive specifications that were groundbreaking for its era.
Equipped with a PowerPC 603e processor ranging from 225 MHz to a remarkable 300 MHz, this personal computer was a force to be reckoned with. The machine featured 32 MB, 48 MB, or 64 MB of RAM, a hard drive offering storage options of 2 GB, 3 GB, 4 GB, or 6 GB, a 12x or 24x CD-ROM drive, a 1.44 MB floppy drive, and a 2 MB ATI Rage IIc graphics card.
The Power Macintosh 6500 offered different versions tailored for various user needs. An education version with 32 MB of RAM and a 3.0 GB hard drive, a consumer version boasting 32 MB of RAM and a 4.0 GB hard drive, and a small business version equipped with 48 MB of RAM, a 4.0 GB hard drive, a 12x CD-ROM drive, and bundled with Microsoft Office.
According to Apple, the Power Macintosh 6500 was the pioneer in reaching the 300 MHz milestone. This achievement was celebrated during a three-day technology fair co-hosted by Apple and Disney at Walt Disney World from April 4 to 6, 1997. This groundbreaking feat underscored Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of personal computing power.
Despite its cutting-edge technology and sleek design, the Power Macintosh 6500’s time in the spotlight was relatively brief. It was discontinued on March 14, 1998, making way for the introduction of the Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower. However, its impact on the technology industry and the creative professional community was profound.
Twenty-five years after its launch, the Power Macintosh 6500 has not faded into obscurity. Instead, it has become a sought-after collector’s item for Apple enthusiasts. The combination of pioneering technology and timeless design continues to inspire generations of Apple users, leaving an indelible mark on the history of personal computing.
As we reflect on the 26-year legacy of the Power Macintosh 6500, it’s evident that Apple’s commitment to innovation and performance has been a driving force in shaping the trajectory of personal computing. The Power Macintosh 6500 remains a testament to Apple’s dedication to providing high-performance solutions for creative professionals, leaving an enduring mark on the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
Power Mac 6500 Details
| Introduced | February 17, 1997 (225 MHz & 250 MHz) April 4, 1997 (275 MHz & 300 MHz) |
| Discontinued | March 14, 1998 |
| Model Identifier | 513 |
| Model Number | M3548 |
| Order Number | M5611LL/A M5606LL/A M6189LL/A M5607LL/A M6127LL/A M6191LL/A M6190LL/A M6192LL/A |
| Original Price | $1,800 $2,000 $2,100 $2,300 $2,600 $3,000 |
| 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 |
Power Mac 6500 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e |
| Processor Speed | 225 MHz 250 MHz 275 MHz 300 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 50 MHz |
| Cache | 32 KB L1 256 KB or 512 KB L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 2 GB 3 GB 4 GB 6 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 12x CD-ROM or 24x CD-ROM 1 – Zip 100 (Optional) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 32 MB 48 MB 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 128 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 168 pin EDO DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 60 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage IIc |
| Graphics Memory | 2 MB SGRAM |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 or HD-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – 7″ PCI 1 – Comm II 1 – Video In 1 – TV Tuner |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10BASE-T (U.S. models) |
| Modem | 33.6k (Optional) |
| 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 or HD-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.5 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 220 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-125 V / 200-240 V |
Further Reading and References
- Power Macintosh 6500/225: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 6500/250: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 6500/275: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 6500/300: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 6500 – Wikipedia
- Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Power Macintosh 6500 Series Brochure (PDF) – 1000Bit
- Power Mac 6500 – Low End Mac
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Last updated: November 19, 2023