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Apple, a tech juggernaut synonymous with innovation, has a storied history of crafting iconic personal computers. One such gem from its treasure trove is the Power Macintosh 9600, a powerhouse introduced in 1997 that left an indelible mark on the tech landscape before bowing out just a year later.
Emerging from the Power Macintosh series on February 17, 1997, the 9600 was tailor-made for professionals and power users who demanded superior performance. With a starting price of $3,699, this computing marvel targeted users immersed in resource-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and graphics design.
While its exterior hinted at uniqueness, the motherboard beneath mirrored its predecessor, the Power Macintosh 9500. Originally priced at $4,700 for the dual 200MHz configuration, $4,200 for the single 233MHz, and $3,699 for the single 200MHz, the 9600 underwent a notable transformation in August. A “speed bump” graced the machine with a 300 or 350 MHz “Mach 5” chip, signaling a new era in processing power. The 350 MHz variant, though short-lived, showcased Apple’s dedication to pushing boundaries.
At its core, the Power Macintosh 9600 housed a Single or Dual 200 MHz or 233 MHz PowerPC 604e or 300 MHz or 350 MHz PowerPC 604e Mach V processor. Equipped with 32 MB or 64 MB of RAM, a 4 GB hard drive, 12x CD-ROM or 24x CD-ROM drive, a 1.44 MB floppy drive, and 4 MB ixMicro TwinTurbo graphics, it stood as a technological titan, conquering the most demanding applications of its time with unparalleled ease.
The Mach 5 microprocessor, a technological marvel, boasted on-chip data and instruction caches of 32 KB each, coupled with a processor clock speed reaching up to 7 times the bus clock speed. Memory aficionados were not left disappointed with 12 slots of 168-pin DIMMs, setting a new standard with a minimum speed of 70ns.
The Power Macintosh 9600 bid farewell on March 17, 1998, but its journey was far from over. Today, at 26 years old, it stands as a collector’s item, a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and design. The 9600 serves as a nostalgic reminder of an era when personal computers were crafted to meet the exacting needs of power users.
As we look back, the Power Macintosh 9600’s legacy lives on. Its robust features, pioneering design, and unwavering performance continue to captivate Apple enthusiasts and collectors alike. In an ever-evolving tech landscape, this classic Mac remains a beacon, reminding us of a golden era when Apple set the standard for power and precision in personal computing.
Power Mac 9600 Details
| Introduced | February 17, 1997 (200 MHz & 233 MHz) August 5, 1997 (300 MHz & 350 MHz) |
| Discontinued | August 5, 1997 (200 MHz & 233 MHz) February 17, 1998 (300 MHz) March 17, 1998 (350 MHz) |
| Model Identifier | 67 |
| Model Number | M5433 |
| Order Number | M5456LL/A M4952LL/A M5883LL/A M5901LL/A M5906LL/A |
| Original Price | $3,699 $4,199 $4,599 $4,699 $5,399 |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 35 Ibs. 15.875 KG |
| Dimensions | 17.3” H x 9.7” W x 17.3” D 43.94 cm H x 24.63 cm W x 43.94 cm D |
Power Mac 9600 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 604e PowerPC 604e Mach V |
| Processor Speed | 200 MHz Dual 200 MHz 233 MHz 300 MHz 350 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 50 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB or 1 MB L2 (300 MHz & 350 MHz) |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 4 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 64 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.5 GB |
| Memory Slots | 12 – 168 pin EDO or FPM DIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 60 ns (300 MHz & 350 MHz) 70 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | Yes |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ixMicro TwinTurbo |
| Graphics Memory | 4 MB 8 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 6 – PCI |
| Hard Drive Interface | SCSI |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10BASE-T and AAUI |
| Modem | None |
| 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 | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.5 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V Lithium |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 390 W 560 W (300 MHz &350 MHz) |
| Line Voltage | 100-125 V / 200-240 V |
Further Reading and References
- Power Macintosh 9600/200: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 9600/200MP: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 9600/233: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 9600/300: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 9600/350: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh 9600 – Wikipedia
- Power Macintosh 9600 – Apple History
- Power Mac 9600 Mach 5 Motherboard! – MacGurus
- Power Macintosh 9600 – IT History Society
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Last updated: November 22, 2023