Editing Power Macintosh 6500

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Power Macintosh 6500
| image        = [[File:PowerMacintosh_6500.png]]
| caption      = Power Macintosh 6500
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Personal Computer
| release date = February 17, 1997
| discontinued = March 14, 1998
| price        = US$1,800–$3,000
| cpu          = PowerPC 603ev @ 225–300 MHz
| memory       = 32–64 MB RAM (expandable to 128 MB)
| storage      = 2.0–6.0 GB IDE hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy, 12X–24X CD-ROM
| display      = 32-bit to 800×600; up to 1280×1024 at 8-bit (2 MB SGRAM)
| sound        = 16-bit stereo in/out with SRS 3D Surround; one mono full-range speaker/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           = Mac OS 7.5.5 – 9.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh Performa 6400]]
| successor    = [[Power Macintosh G3 (Desktop)]]
| codename     = Gazelle
| model        = M3548
}}
The '''Power Macintosh 6500''' is a series of personal computers introduced by Apple Computer on February 17, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac/specs/powermac_6500_225.html |title=Power Macintosh 6500/225 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> Based on the "Gazelle" architecture, the 6500 series used the same tower case design as the [[Macintosh Performa 6400]] but featured faster PowerPC 603e processors ranging from 225 MHz to 300 MHz. The 6500 included 2D/3D graphics acceleration, an SRS 3D surround sound system with subwoofer, and various expansion options including PCI slots and internal Zip drives.

== Model Variants ==

The Power Macintosh 6500 was available in four processor configurations, with various sub-configurations for education, consumer, and small business markets:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac/specs/powermac_6500_250.html |title=Power Macintosh 6500/250 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%;"
|-
! Model !! Processor !! Standard RAM !! Hard Drive !! CD-ROM !! Zip Drive !! Price (USD)
|-
| 6500/225 (Education) || 225 MHz || 32 MB || 2.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $2,000
|-
| 6500/225 (Consumer) || 225 MHz || 32 MB || 3.0 GB || 12X || No || $1,800
|-
| 6500/250 (Education) || 250 MHz || 32 MB || 3.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $2,100
|-
| 6500/250 (Consumer) || 250 MHz || 32 MB || 4.0 GB || 24X || Yes || $2,300
|-
| 6500/250 (Small Business) || 250 MHz || 48 MB || 4.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $2,600
|-
| 6500/275 (Consumer) || 275 MHz || 32 MB || 4.0–6.0 GB || 24X || Yes || $3,000
|-
| 6500/275 (Small Business) || 275 MHz || 48 MB || 6.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $3,000
|-
| 6500/300 || 300 MHz || 64 MB || 4.0–6.0 GB || 12X–24X || Yes || $3,000
|}

== Architecture and Processor ==

The Power Macintosh 6500 uses the PowerPC 603e processor, a 32-bit RISC processor with a 64-bit data path.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac/specs/powermac_6500_275.html |title=Power Macintosh 6500/275 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> All models feature an integrated floating-point unit (FPU) and operate on a 50 MHz system bus.

=== Cache Configuration ===
* '''L1 Cache:''' 32 KB (on-die)
* '''L2 Cache:''' 256 KB (225/250 MHz models), 512 KB (275/300 MHz models)

=== ROM ===
The 6500 series includes 4 MB of ROM, a significant increase from earlier Macintosh models, allowing for faster startup and more efficient system software operation.

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===
* '''RAM Type:''' 168-pin DIMM (60 ns minimum)
* '''RAM Slots:''' 2
* '''Standard RAM:''' 32–64 MB (varies by configuration)
* '''Maximum RAM:''' 128 MB
* '''Interleaving:''' Not supported

=== Storage Systems ===
* '''Hard Drive:''' 2.0–6.0 GB IDE (varies by configuration)
* '''Floppy Drive:''' 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual eject)
* '''CD-ROM:''' 12X or 24X (varies by configuration)
* '''Zip Drive:''' Internal Zip 100 (most configurations)

== Display and Graphics ==

The Power Macintosh 6500 features dedicated 2D/3D graphics acceleration with 2 MB of onboard SGRAM (60 ns) that cannot be upgraded.

=== Supported Resolutions ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Resolution !! Color Depth
|-
| 512×384 || 24-bit
|-
| 640×480 || 24-bit
|-
| 800×600 || 24-bit
|-
| 832×624 || 24-bit
|-
| 1024×768 || 16-bit
|-
| 1152×870 || 16-bit
|-
| 1280×1024 || 8-bit
|}

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

== Audio Capabilities ==

The Power Macintosh 6500 includes an SRS 3D surround sound system with integrated subwoofer, providing enhanced audio compared to earlier Macintosh models.

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

=== Port Configuration ===
* '''Serial Ports:''' 2× Geoport (printer and modem)
* '''ADB Ports:''' 1× Apple Desktop Bus
* '''SCSI:''' External SCSI port
* '''Video Out:''' DB-15 monitor port
* '''Audio:''' Stereo audio in/out

=== Expansion Slots ===
* '''PCI Slots:''' 2
* '''Comm-II Slot:''' 1 (occupied by modem in consumer configurations)
* '''Video Input Slot:''' 1 (optional video input card)
* '''TV Slot:''' 1 (optional TV/FM tuner card)

=== Networking ===
* '''Modem:''' 33.6k internal (consumer models; absent in education models)
* '''Ethernet:''' 10Base-T available as optional upgrade

== General Maintenance ==

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated [[Power Macintosh 6500 General Maintenance]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues such as power problems, startup failures, and video issues is available on the [[Power Macintosh 6500 Troubleshooting]] page.

== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the [[Power Macintosh 6500 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Specifications ==

Full technical specifications are available on the [[Power Macintosh 6500 Specifications]] 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 (Power Macintosh 6500, 1997)
|-
| '''CPU''' || PowerPC 603e @ 225–300 MHz
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 32-bit processor, 64-bit data path
|-
| '''System Bus''' || 50 MHz
|-
| '''ROM''' || 4 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 32–64 MB standard (128 MB max)
|-
| '''Video''' || 2 MB SGRAM, 832×624 @ 24-bit max
|-
| '''Sound''' || SRS 3D surround with subwoofer
|-
| '''Storage''' || 2.0–6.0 GB IDE, 12X–24X CD-ROM
|-
| '''Ports''' || Serial ×2, ADB, SCSI, Audio
|-
| '''Expansion''' || 2× PCI, Comm-II, Video In, TV
|}

== Service documentation ==

Apple's own service manual is hosted here as
[[Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series Service Source]]. It gives the '''6500 a maximum
continuous power of 140 W''' against '''220 W for the 6400''', and — importantly — a line voltage of
'''90–130 or 180–264 VAC, configured manually'''. This is '''not''' an auto-ranging supply, and the
Basics chapter has a dedicated '''Voltage Switch''' section. A machine imported between regions can
arrive set for the wrong mains. The PRAM cell threshold is '''replace below 3.0 V'''.<ref name="ssperformapowermac">Apple Computer, ''Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series'', Service Source, 232 pp, PDF distilled 19 February 1997. Hosted here as the wiki page linked above ([[:File:powermac.perf_6400.6500.pdf]]). Specifications chapter, and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification where a threshold is quoted.</ref>

''Additional Procedures'' in that volume carries '''"6500 — Distinguishing Video Jitter from Blur"'''
and a '''"Blurry Video Solution"''', which is Apple documenting a known display fault on this model,
plus a '''Processor Fan''' procedure.<ref name="ssperformapowermac" />


== Apple service data ==

Apple's own figures, from the ''Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series'' Service Source volume
hosted on this wiki.<ref name="ss6400">Apple Computer, ''Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series'', Service Source. Hosted here as [[Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series Service Source]] ([[:File:Powermac.perf_6400.6500.pdf]]). Basics, Specifications and Additional Procedures &mdash; Battery Verification chapters.</ref>

<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%;"
! Item !! Apple's figure
|-
| Processor || '''PowerPC 603ev''' throughout: 180 MHz (6400/180, 6410), 200 MHz (6400/200, 6420), 225/250/275/300 MHz (6500)
|-
| Processor bus || 64-bit wide, '''40 MHz''' on the 6400 and '''50 MHz''' on the 6500, supporting split address and data tenures
|-
| DRAM (Performa 6400, 6410, 6420) || 16 MB &mdash; '''the 6420 ships with up to 24 MB''' &mdash; expandable to 136 MB in two sockets, '''168-pin fast-paged mode, 70 ns or faster, 2K refresh'''
|-
| DRAM (Power Macintosh 6400) || 16 MB, expandable to 136 MB, '''168-pin extended data out (EDO), 60 ns or faster, 1K or 2K refresh''' &mdash; not the same part as the Performa takes
|-
| DRAM (6500) || 32 MB (48 MB on some /275, 64 MB on the /300), expandable to '''128 MB''', 168-pin '''5-volt buffered EDO''', 60 ns or faster, 2K refresh
|-
| ROM / PRAM || 4 MB ROM; 8K of non-volatile parameter memory
|-
| VRAM || 1 MB built in on the 6400; '''2 MB of 88 MHz synchronous graphic RAM''' on the 6500
|-
| Level 2 cache || Optional 256K on the 6400, 6410 and 6500/225–250 base; '''standard 256K on the 6420''' and on the 6400/200 with Zip drive; '''standard 512K on the 6500/275 and 6500/300'''
|-
| CD-ROM || '''AppleCD 600i on the 6400''' (4X); AppleCD 1200i 8X on the 6410, 6420 and the 6400/200 with Zip; 12X or 24X on the 6500
|-
| Hard drive || 1.2 GB IDE (6400), 1.6 GB (6410), 2.4 GB (6420 and 6400/200 with Zip), 2 GB (6500/225), 3 or 4 GB (6500/250), 4 or 6 GB (6500/275, /300)
|-
| SCSI || One external port supporting up to '''six''' external devices, or '''five''' if the optional Zip drive is fitted
|-
| Expansion || '''Two''' PCI slots; one communications slot (PCI-bus configuration); a TV/FM tuner port; a video-in slot whose 60-pin DAV connector takes an optional real-time video card, with an adapter cable for backward compatibility with Power Macintosh 5200 DVA cards
|-
| Sound || 16-bit stereo in and out with '''SRS 3D Surround Sound'''; sample rates 11.025, 22.05 and 44.1 kHz; one rear line-level output, one front headphone jack, one stereo input
|-
| Speaker || '''One built-in, full-range, monophonic speaker/subwoofer.''' Stereo comes only from external speakers, headphones or the monitor
|-
| Electrical || '''90–130 or 180–264 VAC, set manually''' by the voltage switch; 47–63 Hz. '''220 W maximum continuous on the 6400; 140 W maximum continuous on the 6500'''
|-
| Case || Height 16 in. (406 mm), width 7 13/16 in. (198 mm), depth 16 7/8 in. (428 mm); '''44.5 lb. (20.18 kg) without CD-ROM'''
|-
| Expansion bay || Configured for '''5.25-inch''' SCSI devices; a 3.5-inch SCSI device fits with a modified carrier
|-
| PRAM battery || On a hook-and-loop base with a pull-up connector. Verify on the 10 V DC scale; '''replace below 3.0 V'''. Apple warns it is a '''lithium''' pack that could explode if mishandled &mdash; neutralise leakage with '''sodium bicarbonate''', never vinegar
|}

=== The voltage switch ===

'''This machine has a manually set voltage switch and Apple's own wording is that it "must be set
correctly to avoid damaging the computer."''' Insert a screwdriver in the slot and set it to show
'''"115" for supplies between 100 and 130 V''' or '''"230" for supplies between 200 and 270 V'''. Apple
gives the line voltage as '''90–130 or 180–264 VAC configured manually''', at 47–63 Hz &mdash; not a
universal auto-ranging input. Apple's volume also prints a country-by-country voltage table, and notes
that some countries use two standardised voltages.<ref name="ss6400" />

=== Things that are not faults ===

* '''With external speakers attached the subwoofer works as a bass speaker; without them it produces
  full-range sound instead of just bass.''' The subwoofer balance control only does anything when
  external speakers are connected.<ref name="ss6400" />
* Inserting a plug into '''either''' output jack disconnects the internal speaker, and the rear jack is
  muted when headphones are in the front jack. That is by design.<ref name="ss6400" />

== See Also ==

* [[Macintosh Performa 6400]]
* [[Power Macintosh G3 (Desktop)]]
* [[Power Macintosh 5500]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]