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Macintosh Performa 6410

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Macintosh Performa 6410
Macintosh Performa 6410/180
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedNovember 12, 1996
DiscontinuedOctober 1, 1997
Intro pricen/a
CPUPowerPC 603e @ 180 MHz
Memory16 MB RAM (8 MB on-board, expandable to 136 MB)
Storage1.6 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM
DisplaySupports up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit
SoundSRS 3D surround sound with integrated subwoofer
Dimensions16.0" H × 7.8" W × 16.9" D (40.6 × 19.8 × 42.9 cm)
Weight44.5 lbs (20.2 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1
PredecessorPerforma 6360
SuccessorPower Macintosh 6500
CodenameAlchemy (logic board)
Model no.M3548

The Macintosh Performa 6410 is a personal computer designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer from November 1996 to October 1997.[1] It is the European and Asian version of the Performa 6400/180, featuring identical specifications: a 180 MHz PowerPC 603e processor in Apple's "InstaTower" mini-tower case with SRS 3D surround sound and integrated subwoofer.

The Performa 6410 was the first Performa model sold in the mini-tower form factor, and was one of the last new Performa-branded models introduced by Apple. It shares its Alchemy logic board with the Performa 6400, Performa 6360, and Power Macintosh 5400.

Hardware Overview

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The Performa 6410 is functionally identical to the Performa 6400/180:

  • Processor: PowerPC 603e at 180 MHz with integrated FPU (soldered)
  • RAM: 8 MB soldered on-board plus two 168-pin DIMM slots (70 ns), 16 MB standard, expandable to 136 MB
  • Storage: 1.6 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
  • Video: 1 MB system RAM dedicated to video
  • Audio: SRS 3D surround sound with integrated subwoofer
  • Expansion: 2× PCI slots, communications slot, video I/O slot, TV tuner slot
  • Modem: 28.8k internal modem

Regional Variants

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Model CPU Speed Region Order Number
Performa 6400/180 180 MHz North America Various
Performa 6410/180 180 MHz Europe, Asia, Japan M5509J/A (Japan)

Architecture and Processor

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The Performa 6410 uses a PowerPC 603e processor soldered to the Alchemy logic board and cooled by a fanless heatsink. The processor is a 32-bit design with a 64-bit data path to main memory. The 40 MHz system bus provides communication between the CPU and other components.

Third-party processor upgrades are available that can override the soldered CPU via the L2 cache slot.

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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Specification Details
RAM Type 168-pin DIMM
RAM Speed 70 ns
Standard RAM 16 MB
Maximum RAM 136 MB
Motherboard RAM 8 MB (soldered)
RAM Slots 2

Storage Systems

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Component Specification
Hard Drive Interface IDE
Standard Hard Drive 1.6 GB
Optical Drive 8X CD-ROM
Floppy Drive 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual inject)

Display and Graphics

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Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions:

Resolution Color Depth
640×480 16-bit (Thousands)
800×600 16-bit (Thousands)
832×624 8-bit (256 colors)
1024×768 8-bit (256 colors)

A second display can be supported with the addition of a PCI video card.

Audio Capabilities

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The Performa 6410's "InstaTower" case includes an integrated subwoofer speaker and supports SRS 3D surround sound. A bass level control knob on the rear of the case adjusts subwoofer output when external speakers are connected; without external speakers, the internal speaker provides full-range audio.

Two audio output jacks are provided—one on the front panel and one on the rear. Connecting headphones to the front jack disables the internal speaker and rear output.

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 6400 General Maintenance page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing power issues, startup problems, video issues, and other common problems is available on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification (Macintosh Performa 6410, 1996)
CPU PowerPC 603e @ 180 MHz
Bus width 64-bit data path
System Bus 40 MHz
ROM 4 MB
RAM 16 MB (expandable to 136 MB)
L1 Cache 32 KB
L2 Cache 256 KB (optional)
Video Up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit
Sound SRS 3D surround with subwoofer
Storage 1.6 GB IDE HDD, 8X CD-ROM
Ports ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, Audio I/O

Power Specifications

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Specification Value
Input Voltage 100V–125V or 200V–240V AC
Frequency 47–63 Hz
Maximum Power 220 W

References

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  1. Apple Macintosh Performa 6410/180 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)

See Also

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