Macintosh Performa 6420
 | |
| Macintosh Performa 6420/200 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | November 12, 1996 |
| Discontinued | August 1, 1997 |
| Intro price | n/a |
| CPU | PowerPC 603e @ 200 MHz |
| Memory | 16 MB RAM (8 MB on-board, expandable to 136 MB) |
| Storage | 2.4 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM |
| Display | Supports up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit |
| Sound | SRS 3D surround sound with integrated subwoofer |
| Dimensions | 16.0" H × 7.8" W × 16.9" D (40.6 × 19.8 × 42.9 cm) |
| Weight | 44.5 lbs (20.2 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1 |
| Predecessor | Performa 6360 |
| Successor | Power Macintosh 6500 |
| Codename | Alchemy (logic board) |
| Model no. | M3548 |
The Macintosh Performa 6420 is a personal computer designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer from November 1996 to August 1997.[1] It is the European and Asian version of the Performa 6400/200, featuring identical specifications: a 200 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 2.4 GB hard drive, and Apple's "InstaTower" mini-tower case with SRS 3D surround sound and integrated subwoofer.
The Performa 6420 shares its Alchemy logic board with the Performa 6400, Performa 6410, Performa 6360, and Power Macintosh 5400.
Hardware Overview
[edit | edit source]The Performa 6420 is functionally identical to the Performa 6400/200:
- Processor: PowerPC 603e at 200 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: 2.4 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
[edit | edit source]| Model | CPU Speed | Hard Drive | Region | Order Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performa 6400/200 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | North America | Various |
| Performa 6420/200 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | Europe, Asia, Japan | M5513J/A (Japan) |
Architecture and Processor
[edit | edit source]The Performa 6420 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
[edit | edit source]RAM Configuration
[edit | edit source]| 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
[edit | edit source]| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
| Standard Hard Drive | 2.4 GB |
| Optical Drive | 8X CD-ROM |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual inject) |
Display and Graphics
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]The Performa 6420'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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Troubleshooting
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]System Architecture at a Glance
[edit | edit source]| Sub-system | Specification (Macintosh Performa 6420, 1996) |
|---|---|
| CPU | PowerPC 603e @ 200 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 | 2.4 GB IDE HDD, 8X CD-ROM |
| Ports | ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, Audio I/O |
Power Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 100V–125V or 200V–240V AC |
| Frequency | 47–63 Hz |
| Maximum Power | 220 W |