Editing Macintosh LC

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh LC
| image        = [[File:Macintosh LC.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = Macintosh LC
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Personal Computer
| release_date = October 15, 1990
| discontinued = March 23, 1992
| price        = US$2,499
| cpu          = Motorola 68020 @ 16 MHz
| memory       = 2 MB RAM (expandable to 10 MB)
| storage      = 40 MB or 80 MB SCSI HDD, 1.44 MB SuperDrive
| display      = 512×384 (8-bit) or 640×480 (4-bit)
| sound        = 8-bit stereo input/output
| dimensions   = 2.9" H × 12.2" W × 15.3" D
| weight       = 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg)
| os           = System 6.0.7 – System 7.5.5
| predecessor  = 
| successor    = [[Macintosh LC II]]
| codename     = Elsie
| model        = M0350
}}
The '''Macintosh LC''' is a low-cost Macintosh personal computer released by Apple on October 15, 1990.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apple-history.com/lc |title=Macintosh LC |publisher=Apple History |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref> The name "LC" stands for "low-cost color," and the machine was designed to bring color Macintosh computing to education and home markets at a more affordable price point than the Macintosh II series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1990/macintosh-lc/ |title=Macintosh LC |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref> The internal codename "Elsie" was a phonetic play on "LC."

== Architecture and Processor ==

The Macintosh LC uses a Motorola 68020 processor running at 16 MHz. However, the system has a significant bottleneck: the 68020's 32-bit data bus is connected through a 16-bit memory controller, effectively limiting memory bandwidth.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_lc/specs/mac_lc.html |title=Apple Macintosh LC Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref> This design decision reduced costs but limited performance compared to full 32-bit implementations.

The Gestalt ID for the Macintosh LC is 19.

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===

The LC shipped with 2 MB of RAM standard, expandable to 10 MB. Memory expansion uses two 30-pin SIMM slots, which must be populated in pairs using matching SIMMs. The machine uses 100ns or faster SIMMs.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''RAM Configurations'''
|-
! Configuration !! Slot 1 !! Slot 2
|-
| 2 MB || 1 MB || 1 MB
|-
| 4 MB || 2 MB || 2 MB
|-
| 10 MB || 4 MB + 2 MB onboard || 4 MB
|}

=== Video RAM ===

The LC includes 256 KB of VRAM standard, expandable to 512 KB with an optional VRAM SIMM. Video memory determines available color depth:

* 256 KB VRAM: 512×384 at 8-bit (256 colors) or 640×480 at 4-bit (16 colors)
* 512 KB VRAM: 512×384 at 8-bit or 640×480 at 8-bit

=== Storage Systems ===

Standard storage options included:
* 40 MB or 80 MB internal SCSI hard drive
* 1.44 MB SuperDrive (reads/writes 400K, 800K, and 1.44 MB disks)

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

=== Port Configuration ===

* 1× Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port
* 1× External SCSI (DB-25)
* 1× Audio input (3.5mm stereo minijack)
* 1× Audio output (3.5mm stereo minijack)
* 2× Serial ports (Mini DIN-8)
* 1× Video output (DA-15)

=== Expansion ===

The LC features a single LC Processor Direct Slot (LC PDS), a 96-pin expansion slot. This slot accepts LC-specific expansion cards including:
* Ethernet adapters
* Video capture cards
* Apple IIe Card (for Apple II compatibility)

== Design and Form Factor ==

The LC introduced Apple's "pizza box" form factor—a compact, horizontally-oriented case designed to fit under a monitor. The case measures 2.9 inches high, 12.2 inches wide, and 15.3 inches deep. This form factor was used throughout the LC line and influenced subsequent compact Macintosh designs.

== General Maintenance ==

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and connector care, refer to the dedicated [[Macintosh LC General Maintenance]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues with the Macintosh LC is available on the [[Macintosh LC Troubleshooting]] page.

== Capacitor Replacement ==

The Macintosh LC logic board contains 17 surface-mount electrolytic capacitors that commonly fail due to age. Detailed replacement guidelines can be found on the [[Macintosh LC Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Technical Details ==

=== System Specifications ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
|+ '''Macintosh LC Technical Specifications'''
|-
! Component !! Specification
|-
| '''CPU''' || Motorola 68020 @ 16 MHz
|-
| '''FPU''' || None (not supported)
|-
| '''Data Bus''' || 32-bit (16-bit memory controller)
|-
| '''Address Bus''' || 32-bit
|-
| '''System Bus''' || 16 MHz
|-
| '''ROM''' || 512 KB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 2 MB (max 10 MB)
|-
| '''VRAM''' || 256 KB (max 512 KB)
|}

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]