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Macintosh Centris 650

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Macintosh Centris 650
Macintosh Centris 650
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedFebruary 10, 1993
DiscontinuedOctober 21, 1993 (renamed to Quadra 650)
Intro priceUS$2,699–$3,800
CPUMotorola 68040 @ 25 MHz (or 68LC040)
Memory4 or 8 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB)
Storage80–500 MB SCSI HDD, optional 2X CD-ROM
DisplayUp to 1152×870 (with VRAM expansion)
Sound8-bit stereo sound
Dimensions6" H × 13" W × 16.5" D (15.2 × 33 × 41.9 cm)
Weight25 lbs (11.3 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.1 – Mac OS 8.1
PredecessorMacintosh IIci
SuccessorPower Macintosh 7100
Model no.M1205

The Macintosh Centris 650 is a personal computer designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Computer from February 1993 to October 1993.[1] It was introduced alongside the smaller Macintosh Centris 610 as a replacement for the Macintosh IIci and Macintosh Quadra 700.[2]

In October 1993, Apple renamed the Centris 650 to the Macintosh Quadra 650 and increased the processor speed to 33 MHz. The Centris and Quadra 650 share the same logic board and case design, which was originally introduced with the Macintosh IIvx.[3]

Model Variants

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The Centris 650 was sold in several configurations:

  • Entry-level (M1207LL/A): 68LC040 @ 25 MHz (no FPU), 4 MB RAM, 512 KB VRAM, 80 MB HDD
  • Mid-range (M1337LL/A): 68040 @ 25 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 512 KB VRAM, 230 MB HDD, Ethernet
  • CD-ROM Bundle (M1279LL/A): 68040 @ 25 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 1 MB VRAM, 230 MB HDD, 2X CD-ROM, Ethernet

The later Quadra 650 upgraded the processor to 33 MHz.

Architecture and Processor

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The Centris 650 uses the Motorola 68040 processor running at 25 MHz (33 MHz in the Quadra 650). The entry-level model shipped with a 68LC040, which lacks the integrated floating-point unit (FPU). Third-party processor upgrades were available.[4]

Processor Specifications

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Component Specification
CPU Motorola 68040 or 68LC040 @ 25 MHz (33 MHz Quadra)
Data Bus 32-bit
Address Bus 32-bit
L1 Cache 8 KB
FPU Integrated (68040 only)
System Bus 25 MHz

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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The Centris 650 has either 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM soldered to the logic board. Four 72-pin SIMM slots accept 80 ns modules in 4 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, or 32 MB sizes.

  • Minimum RAM: 4 MB
  • Maximum RAM: 132 MB (4 MB onboard) or 136 MB (8 MB onboard)
  • SIMM Type: 72-pin, 80 ns or faster

RAM can be interleaved for improved performance.

Video RAM

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Onboard video supports 512 KB or 1 MB of VRAM via two 80 ns VRAM SIMM slots.

  • 512 KB VRAM: 640×480 at 8-bit, 1152×870 at 4-bit
  • 1 MB VRAM: 640×480 at 16-bit, 1152×870 at 8-bit

The system cannot be expanded beyond 1 MB VRAM without a NuBus video card.

Storage Systems

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  • Internal Hard Drive: SCSI, 80 MB, 230 MB, or 500 MB configurations
  • Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (auto-inject)
  • CD-ROM: Optional internal 2X AppleCD 300i (5.25" bay)

Input/Output and Expansion

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Port Configuration

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Port Quantity Notes
ADB 2 Keyboard and mouse
Serial (Mini DIN-8) 2 Modem and Printer
External SCSI (DB-25) 1 Up to 6 external devices
AAUI-15 Ethernet 1 Some configurations only
Video (DB-15) 1 VGA via adapter
Sound In 1 3.5mm
Sound Out 1 3.5mm

Expansion Slots

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  • NuBus Slots: 3
  • Processor Direct Slot (PDS): 1 (68040 PDS)
  • 5.25" External Bay: 1 (available if CD-ROM not installed)

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Centris 650 General Maintenance page.

Note: The Centris/Quadra 650 logic board uses tantalum capacitors rather than electrolytic capacitors, so the logic board does not require recapping. However, the power supply unit contains electrolytic capacitors that may need replacement.

PCB Schematics & Service Manual

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The Macintosh Centris 650 shares its logic board design with the Quadra 650.

Apple Service Manual

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The Apple Service Source manual covers both the Centris 650 and Quadra 650.

All Apple Service Manuals can be found on the Apple Service Source page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the Macintosh Centris 650 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Important: The logic board uses tantalum capacitors and does not require recapping. Only the power supply contains electrolytic capacitors.

Retrobrite

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To address plastic yellowing on the case, detailed instructions can be found on the Retrobrite page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, video issues, and common problems is available on the Macintosh Centris 650 Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification
CPU Motorola 68040/68LC040 @ 25 MHz (33 MHz Quadra)
Bus width 32-bit data • 32-bit address
ROM 1 MB
RAM 4–8 MB onboard (expandable to 136 MB)
Video Up to 1152×870 with 1 MB VRAM
Sound 8-bit stereo, 22 kHz
Disks SCSI HDD, 1.44 MB floppy, optional CD-ROM
Expansion 3 NuBus, 1 PDS
Power 100–240V AC, 230W max
Gestalt ID 30
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Service Documentation

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The official Apple Service Source documentation for this model:

See Also

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References

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  1. Centris 650: Technical Specifications, Apple—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  2. Macintosh Centris 650 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  3. Macintosh Quadra 650, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  4. Macintosh Centris 650 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)