Editing Macintosh Performa 6400

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh Performa 6400
| image        = [[File:Macintosh_Performa_6400.jpg]]
| caption      = Macintosh Performa 6400/200
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Personal Computer
| release_date = August 7, 1996
| discontinued = August 1, 1997
| price        = US$2,100–$2,800
| cpu          = PowerPC 603ev @ 180 or 200 MHz
| memory       = 16 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB)
| storage      = 1.6–2.4 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           = System 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]]
| successor    = [[Power Macintosh 6500]]
| codename     = Alchemy (logic board)
| model        = M3548
}}
The '''Macintosh Performa 6400''' is a personal computer designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer from August 1996 to August 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP376 |title=Macintosh Performa 6400/180: Technical Specifications |publisher=Apple |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> It is the only Macintosh mini-tower to be branded as a Performa, and was one of the last new Performa-branded models introduced by Apple.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_6400_200.html |title=Apple Macintosh Performa 6400/200 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The Performa 6400 was succeeded by the uniformly-named [[Power Macintosh 6500]] in August 1997.

== Model Variants ==

The Performa 6400 was sold in several configurations based on region and processor speed:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Model !! CPU Speed !! Hard Drive !! Region !! Notes
|-
| Performa 6400/180 || 180 MHz || 1.6 GB || North America || Base consumer model
|-
| Performa 6400/200 || 200 MHz || 2.4 GB || North America || Higher-end consumer model
|-
| Performa 6400/200 Video Editing Edition || 200 MHz || 2.4 GB || North America || Included Avid Cinema video I/O card, 32 MB RAM
|-
| Power Macintosh 6400/200 || 200 MHz || 2.4 GB || North America, UK || Education market
|-
| [[Macintosh Performa 6410|Performa 6410]] || 180 MHz || 1.6 GB || Europe, Asia || Rebadged 6400/180
|-
| [[Macintosh Performa 6420|Performa 6420]] || 200 MHz || 2.4 GB || Europe, Asia || Rebadged 6400/200
|}

== Architecture and Processor ==

All Performa 6400 models use a PowerPC 603ev processor soldered to the logic board and cooled by a fanless heatsink.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Macintosh_6400 |title=Power Macintosh 6400 |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> The processor is a 32-bit design with a 64-bit data path to main memory.

The logic board, codenamed "Alchemy", is shared with the [[Macintosh Power Macintosh 5400|Power Macintosh 5400]] all-in-one and [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]] desktop models. The Alchemy board improved upon its 5200/6200 predecessors by providing a 64-bit data path to main memory.

Though initially considered non-upgradable, third-party CPU upgrades became available that overrode the soldered CPU via the L2 cache slot.

=== Processor Specifications ===
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table"
|-
! Component !! Specification
|-
| CPU || PowerPC 603ev @ 180 or 200 MHz
|-
| FPU || Integrated
|-
| L1 Cache || 32 KB
|-
| L2 Cache || 256 KB (optional)
|-
| System Bus || 40 MHz
|-
| Data Path || 64-bit
|}

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===

The Performa 6400 includes 8 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard, with two 168-pin DIMM slots supporting 70 ns memory modules. Maximum RAM capacity is 136 MB.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| RAM Type || 168-pin DIMM
|-
| RAM Speed || 70 ns
|-
| Standard RAM || 16 MB (32 MB on Video Editing Edition)
|-
| Maximum RAM || 136 MB
|-
| Motherboard RAM || 8 MB
|-
| RAM Slots || 2
|}

=== ROM and System Software ===

The Performa 6400 uses a 4 MB Macintosh ROM. It shipped with System 7.5.3 Revision 2.1, a release specific to these machines due to stability issues with the standard System 7.5.3 Release 2 on the new hardware, especially regarding the video card and LocalTalk file transfers.

Supported operating systems range from System 7.5.3 to Mac OS 9.1. With a PowerPC G3 processor upgrade, Mac OS 9.2.2 can be used.

=== Storage Systems ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Component !! Specification
|-
| Hard Drive Interface || IDE
|-
| Standard Hard Drive || 1.6 GB (180 MHz) or 2.4 GB (200 MHz)
|-
| Optical Drive || 8X CD-ROM
|-
| Floppy Drive || 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual inject)
|}

== Display and Graphics ==

Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions. This allocation persists regardless of total system RAM installed.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! 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 ==

The Performa 6400'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.

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

=== Port Configuration ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Port !! Quantity !! Notes
|-
| Serial (GeoPort) || 2 || One printer, one modem
|-
| SCSI || 1 || External only
|-
| ADB || 1 || Apple Desktop Bus
|-
| Audio Out || 2 || Front and rear jacks
|-
| Audio In || 1 || 
|-
| Video Out || 1 || DB-15 monitor port
|}

=== Expansion Slots ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Slot Type !! Quantity !! Notes
|-
| PCI || 2 || Standard expansion
|-
| Communications Slot || 1 || Supports AAUI, Ethernet, modem cards (not compatible with other Mac comm slots)
|-
| TV Tuner Slot || 1 || 
|-
| Video Input Slot || 1 || Occupied on Video Editing Edition
|}

10Base-T Ethernet was available as an optional upgrade.

== General Maintenance ==

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

== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==

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

== Troubleshooting ==

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 ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />

=== System Architecture at a Glance ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
! Sub-system !! Specification (Macintosh Performa 6400, 1996)
|-
| '''CPU''' || PowerPC 603ev @ 180/200 MHz
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 64-bit data path
|-
| '''ROM''' || 4 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 16 MB (expandable to 136 MB)
|-
| '''Video''' || Up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit
|-
| '''Sound''' || SRS 3D surround with subwoofer
|-
| '''Storage''' || 1.6–2.4 GB IDE HDD, 8X CD-ROM
|-
| '''Ports''' || ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, Audio I/O
|}

=== Power Specifications ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table"
|-
! Specification !! Value
|-
| Input Voltage || 100V–125V or 200V–240V AC
|-
| Frequency || 47–63 Hz
|-
| Maximum Power || 220 W
|}

== References ==
<references />

== See Also ==

* [[Macintosh Performa 6410]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 6420]]
* [[Power Macintosh 6500]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]]
* [[Macintosh Power Macintosh 5400|Power Macintosh 5400]]

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]