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On February 17th, 1997, Apple unveiled a technological marvel that would imprint itself in the annals of history—the Power Macintosh 7220. Fast forward 26 years, and this iconic computer continues to resonate, reminding us of a bygone era when Apple was pioneering its way to the summit of the tech industry. Join us as we embark on a journey back in time to explore the lasting impact of the Power Macintosh 7220.
Designed with power and performance as its guiding ethos, the Power Macintosh 7220 was a tour de force in the late ’90s computing landscape. Sporting a 200 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 16 MB or 32 MB of RAM, and a 1.2 GB or 2 GB hard drive, the 7220 delivered an unparalleled computing experience. Accompanied by an 8x or 12x CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, it stood at the pinnacle of technological innovation for its time.
In a strategic move, Apple introduced a PC version of the Power Macintosh 7220, equipped with a 166 MHz Cyrix P1666x86 processor. This variant catered to a broader audience, seamlessly running MS-DOS or Windows alongside the Mac operating system. The PC Compatible version featured a 166 MHz Cyrix 6×86 PCI card with up to 80 MB of RAM allocated to the DOS/Windows environment. Notably, the Power Macintosh 7220/200 (PC) was exclusive to the Australian market, mirroring the Power Macintosh 4400/200 (PC).
Regrettably, the Power Macintosh 7220’s journey was cut short on January 1st, 1998, merely a year after its grand entrance into the tech arena. Despite its brief existence, the 7220 left an indelible mark, paving the way for future Mac computers and solidifying Apple’s position as a trailblazer in the computer industry.
The Power Macintosh 7220 may have faded into the archives of history, but its legacy lives on. Its robust architecture and forward-thinking design influenced subsequent Mac models, shaping the trajectory of Apple’s hardware innovations. As we celebrate its 26-year anniversary, let’s raise a virtual toast to the Power Macintosh 7220—a timeless testament to Apple’s enduring impact on the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Power Mac 7220 Details
| Introduced | February 17, 1997 |
| Discontinued | January 1, 1998 |
| Model Identifier | 515 |
| Model Number | M3959 |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 24 Ibs. 10.886 KG |
| Dimensions | 5.43” H x 15.12” W x 17.37” D 13.79 cm H x 38.4 cm W x 44.11 cm D |
Power Mac 7220 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603e Cyrix P1666x86* |
| Processor Speed | 166 MHz* 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 | 1.2 GB 2.0 GB |
| Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 8x CD-ROM or 12x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 16 MB 32 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 160 MB |
| Memory Slots | 3 – 168 pin EDO DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 60 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 1 MB 4 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – 12″ PCI 1 – Comm II |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE / ATA |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | 10BASE-T |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 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 | 150 W |
| Line Voltage | 100-130 V or 200-230 V |
Further Reading and References
- Power Macintosh 7220/200: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 7220/200 PC Compatible: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 7200 – Wikipedia
- What makes a Mac a Mac? – 512Pixels
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Last updated: November 19, 2023