Macintosh LC 580
 | |
| Macintosh LC 580 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | All-in-one personal computer |
| Released | April 3, 1995 |
| Discontinued | March 2, 1996 |
| Intro price | US$1,300 (education) |
| CPU | Motorola 68LC040 @ 33 MHz |
| Memory | 8 MB RAM (4 MB on-board + 4 MB SIMM) expandable to 52 MB |
| Storage | 500 MB IDE hard drive, 2X or 4X CD-ROM drive |
| Display | Built-in 14" shadow mask CRT (640×480 pixels) |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, built-in microphone |
| Dimensions | 17.9" H × 13.5" W × 16.5" D (454 × 343 × 419 mm) |
| Weight | 40.5 lbs (18.4 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.1.1 with Enabler 065 – Mac OS 8.1 |
| Predecessor | Macintosh LC 575 |
| Successor | Power Macintosh 5200 LC |
| Codename | n/a |
| Model no. | M2575 |
The Macintosh LC 580 was introduced on April 3, 1995, as the final 68040-based all-in-one Mac in the LC 500 series. While externally identical to the Macintosh LC 575, the LC 580 featured a redesigned logic board based on the Macintosh LC 630 architecture, introducing IDE hard drive support and video input capabilities to reduce costs. Sold exclusively to educational institutions at $1,300, the LC 580 was positioned $400 below the LC 575's launch price while maintaining the same 33 MHz 68LC040 processor.
Development & Market Position
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 represented Apple's cost-reduction strategy for the education market. By adapting the LC 630's logic board for the all-in-one form factor, Apple achieved several manufacturing economies:
- IDE storage replaced expensive SCSI drives, following industry trends
- Shared system RAM for video eliminated separate VRAM modules
- Video input slot enabled TV tuner and capture card options
- Dual SIMM slots allowed flexible memory configurations
The switch from Sony Trinitron to shadow mask CRT technology further reduced costs while maintaining acceptable display quality for educational environments. Released alongside the Macintosh LC 630 DOS Compatible, the LC 580 marked the end of 68000-series desktop Mac development.
Model Variants
[edit | edit source]Education Market (LC 580)
[edit | edit source]- LC 580 Standard – 8 MB RAM, 500 MB IDE hard drive, 2X CD-ROM
- LC 580 Enhanced – 8 MB RAM, 500 MB IDE hard drive, 4X CD-ROM
Consumer Market (Performa)
[edit | edit source]The Performa variants were sold only outside the United States:
- Performa 580CD – 5 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive (Canada, Asia, Australia)
- Performa 588CD – 8 MB RAM, 500 MB hard drive with KanjiTalk 7.5 (Japan)
Unlike the widespread Performa 575-578 series, Performa 580 models had limited international distribution and were not offered in the U.S. consumer market.
General Maintenance
[edit | edit source]Cleaning procedures, capacitor inspection, CRT adjustment, and preventive care are documented in Macintosh LC 580 General Maintenance.
PCB Architecture & Service Documentation
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 uses a modified LC 630 logic board (part number 820-0524) adapted for the all-in-one chassis:
Logic Board
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 logic board differs significantly from the LC 575:
- Based on LC 630/Quadra 630 architecture rather than LC 475/Quadra 605
- IDE controller replaces SCSI for internal hard drive
- Dual SIMM slots with asymmetric capacity limits
- Integrated VRAM using 1 MB of soldered system RAM
- Video input slot for TV/capture cards
Analog Board
[edit | edit source]The analog board provides:
- Power regulation for +5V, +12V, -12V rails
- CRT drive circuits for 14" shadow mask display
- Audio amplification for stereo speakers
- Modified deflection circuits for non-Trinitron CRT
Apple Service Manual
[edit | edit source]
Service documentation is available on the Apple Service Source page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
[edit | edit source]Surface-mount electrolytic capacitors require periodic replacement. The LC 580 uses the same capacitor layout as the LC 630. Specifications and procedures are documented on the Macintosh LC 580 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Troubleshooting
[edit | edit source]IDE drive issues, memory recognition problems, display artifacts, and audio faults are covered in the Macintosh LC 580 Troubleshooting guide.
Technical Details
[edit | edit source]System Architecture
[edit | edit source]| Sub-system | Specification (Macintosh LC 580, April 1995) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Motorola 68LC040 @ 33 MHz • No FPU (upgradeable to full 68040) |
| Bus width | 32-bit data • 32-bit address (4 GB addressable space) |
| ROM | 1 MB ROM • System 7.1+ support • IDE driver support |
| RAM | 4 MB on-board (1 MB used for VRAM) • expandable to 52 MB via dual SIMMs |
| Video | 1 MB shared system RAM • 640 × 480 at 16-bit color maximum |
| Sound | Stereo 16-bit sound • 44.1 kHz sampling • Built-in stereo speakers |
| Storage | 500 MB IDE hard drive • 2X or 4X CD-ROM (SCSI) • 1.44 MB floppy |
| I/O Ports | ADB × 2 • Mini-DIN-8 serial × 2 • DB-25 SCSI • Audio in/out |
| Expansion | LC PDS • Comm Slot • Video input slot (LC 630-compatible) |
Memory Configuration
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 features an unusual asymmetric dual-SIMM configuration inherited from the LC 630:
| Configuration | On-board | SIMM Slot 1 | SIMM Slot 2 | Total RAM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4 MB | Empty | Empty | 4 MB | 1 MB used for video |
| Standard | 4 MB | 4 MB | Empty | 8 MB | Factory configuration |
| 4 MB | 8 MB | Empty | 12 MB | ||
| 4 MB | 16 MB | Empty | 20 MB | ||
| 4 MB | 32 MB | Empty | 36 MB | Slot 1 maximum | |
| 4 MB | 32 MB | 1 MB | 37 MB | Slot 2 limited options | |
| 4 MB | 32 MB | 4 MB | 40 MB | ||
| Maximum | 4 MB | 32 MB | 16 MB | 52 MB | Unusual limit |
SIMM Slot Limitations:
- Slot 1: Accepts 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 MB SIMMs (full range)
- Slot 2: Accepts only 1, 4, or 16 MB SIMMs (restricted)
- 72-pin, 80ns or faster required
- Single-banked 64 MB SIMMs work in Slot 1 only
- Double-banked 64 MB SIMMs not supported
Display Specifications
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 replaced the LC 575's Sony Trinitron with a cheaper shadow mask CRT:
| Feature | LC 580 (Shadow Mask) | LC 575 (Trinitron) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Shadow mask with triangular phosphor triads | Aperture grille with vertical phosphor stripes |
| Brightness | Lower (mask blocks more electrons) | Higher (grille more efficient) |
| Color saturation | Good | Superior |
| Sharpness | Good text clarity | Slightly softer text |
| Artifacts | None | Two horizontal stabilization wires visible |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Dot pitch | 0.28mm | 0.26mm aperture grille |
Display Capabilities:
- 640 × 480 at 256 colors (8-bit)
- 640 × 480 at thousands of colors (16-bit)
- 560 × 384 at 16 colors (Apple IIe Card mode)
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- 14" diagonal viewable area
The plastic bezel was slightly modified to accommodate the different CRT tube depth.
IDE Storage Subsystem
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 was the first LC 500 series Mac with IDE storage:
IDE Controller Specifications:
- Interface: Single-device IDE (no slave support)
- PIO Mode: Mode 3 maximum (11.1 MB/s theoretical)
- Common drives: Western Digital Caviar, Quantum ProDrive
- Capacities: 250 MB or 500 MB standard
IDE Compatibility Issues:
- Early versions of Apple HD SC Setup (System 7.5.1 and earlier) cannot recognize modern IDE drives
- Requires Drive Setup 1.0.3 or later (System 7.5.2+) for proper formatting
- Some third-party drives require manufacturer-specific utilities
Video Input Capabilities
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 introduced a video input slot compatible with LC 630 expansion cards:
Compatible Video Cards:
- Apple Video System Card – Basic video capture
- Apple TV/Video System Card – TV tuner with remote control
- Third-party capture cards designed for LC 630
Video Input Specifications:
- Composite video input (NTSC/PAL)
- S-Video input on some cards
- Real-time video overlay capability
- QuickTime capture support
This feature allowed the LC 580 to function as both computer and television, particularly appealing for classroom multimedia applications.
Expansion Slots
[edit | edit source]LC PDS (Processor Direct Slot)
[edit | edit source]- 114-pin connector (LC III/520 enhanced standard)
- Backward compatible with 96-pin LC cards
- Direct 68040 bus access at 33 MHz
- Common cards: Apple IIe Card, Ethernet adapters, accelerators
Communication Slot
[edit | edit source]- Original Comm Slot standard (not Comm Slot II)
- Based on LC PDS architecture
- Modem installation disables external modem port
- Compatible cards: 14.4/28.8 kbps modems, 10BASE-T Ethernet
Video Input Slot
[edit | edit source]- LC 630-specific connector
- Provides direct video path to display circuitry
- Power and control signals for TV tuner cards
- Not present in LC 575 or earlier models
Custom Chips & Controllers
[edit | edit source]| Chip | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 68LC040 | Main CPU | 33 MHz, no FPU (field-upgradeable to 68040) |
| SWIM II | Floppy controller | Supports 400K, 800K, 1.44 MB disks |
| NCR 53C96 | SCSI controller | For CD-ROM and external devices only |
| IDE controller | Hard drive interface | Integrated into chipset, PIO Mode 3 |
| CUDA | ADB/Power management | Handles ADB, power control, PRAM |
| AWACS | Audio controller | 16-bit stereo sound generation |
PowerPC Upgrade Path
[edit | edit source]Apple offered the Macintosh Processor Upgrade Card for the LC 580:
- PowerPC 601 at 50 MHz (Apple) or 100 MHz (third-party)
- Installs in LC PDS slot
- Enables Mac OS 8.5-9.1 support
- Maintains 68040 emulation for older software
Additionally, the LC 580 logic board can be replaced with boards from:
- Power Macintosh 5200 LC
- Power Macintosh 6200 series
- Performa 5260, 5300, 6300 series
- Power Macintosh 5400, 6400, 5500, 6500 (requires power supply upgrade)
Overclock Modification
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 shares its logic board design with the LC 630, enabling a 40 MHz overclock:
- Same resistor modification as LC 630 (remove specific resistors)
- Increases CPU speed from 33 MHz to 40 MHz
- 21% performance improvement
- DOS Compatibility Card (if installed) remains unaffected
- Procedure documented in LC 630 overclocking guides
Known Issues & Solutions
[edit | edit source]Common Failures
[edit | edit source]- IDE drive recognition – System 7.5.1 and earlier cannot see modern IDE drives
- Memory limits confusion – Asymmetric SIMM slots cause upgrade frustration
- Display quality perception – Shadow mask appears dimmer than Trinitron
- Capacitor leakage – Surface-mount capacitors damage traces
- PRAM battery corrosion – 3.6V lithium battery leaks over time
IDE Drive Solutions
[edit | edit source]- Boot from System 7.5.2 or later floppy/CD
- Use Drive Setup 1.0.3 or higher
- Third-party formatting utilities (FWB Hard Disk Toolkit)
- Maximum addressable capacity: 8 GB (IDE controller limitation)
Memory Upgrade Strategies
[edit | edit source]- Install largest SIMM in Slot 1 first (up to 32 MB)
- Add 1, 4, or 16 MB to Slot 2 for incremental upgrade
- Avoid double-banked 64 MB SIMMs
- Test with known-good SIMMs if recognition issues occur
Display Enhancement
[edit | edit source]- Adjust brightness/contrast controls on analog board
- Degauss CRT if color purity problems appear
- Clean CRT face and internal dust accumulation
- Consider that shadow mask technology trades brightness for geometry accuracy
Historical Context
[edit | edit source]The LC 580 served as a transitional model between 68K and PowerPC architectures:
- Final 68040-based all-in-one Mac (alongside LC 630 DOS Compatible)
- Introduced IDE storage to reduce costs for education market
- Video input capability anticipated multimedia classroom needs
- $400 price reduction from LC 575 made it attractive to budget-conscious schools
Production ran for only 11 months before replacement by the PowerPC-based Power Macintosh 5200 LC. The LC 580's cost-cutting measures were controversial among Mac enthusiasts who viewed the shadow mask display and IDE drive as downgrades, though schools appreciated the lower price point.
Design Compromises
[edit | edit source]The LC 580's design reflected several engineering trade-offs:
Cost Reductions
[edit | edit source]- Shadow mask CRT saved approximately $50 per unit
- IDE controller eliminated expensive SCSI chipset for internal drive
- Shared system RAM for video removed VRAM socket and chips
- LC 630 board reuse avoided new logic board development
Performance Impact
[edit | edit source]- IDE drive slower than SCSI predecessors (especially with fragmentation)
- Shared video memory reduced available system RAM
- Shadow mask perceived as less vibrant than Trinitron
- No performance improvement over year-old LC 575
User Benefits
[edit | edit source]- Video input capability unique in Mac all-in-one lineup
- Dual SIMM slots (despite limitations) offered upgrade flexibility
- Lower price made 68040 performance accessible to more schools
- LC 630 board compatibility enabled future PowerPC upgrades
Maintenance Resources
[edit | edit source]- Macintosh LC 580 General Maintenance – Cleaning and preventive care
- Macintosh LC 580 Capacitor Replacement Guide – Complete specifications
- Macintosh LC 580 Troubleshooting – Diagnostic procedures
- CRT Discharge Procedure – Safety for internal work
Related Pages
[edit | edit source]- Macintosh LC 575 – Direct predecessor with SCSI/Trinitron
- Macintosh LC 630 – Logic board donor
- Power Macintosh 5200 LC – PowerPC successor
- Macintosh Performa 580 – Consumer variant
- Communication Slot – Expansion standard