Editing Macintosh Performa 250

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh Performa 250
| image        = [[File:Macintosh Color Classic.jpg]]
| caption      = Macintosh Performa 250
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = All-in-One Personal Computer
| release_date = April 1, 1993
| discontinued = March 1, 1994
| price        = 
| cpu          = Motorola 68030 @ 16 MHz
| memory       = 4 MB RAM (expandable to 10 MB)
| storage      = 40, 80, or 160 MB SCSI hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy drive
| display      = 10" Sony Trinitron color CRT (512×384 pixels)
| sound        = Stereo 8-bit
| dimensions   = 14.5" H × 9.9" W × 12.6" D (36.8 cm × 25.1 cm × 32 cm)
| weight       = 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg)
| os           = System 7.1 – Mac OS 7.6.1
| predecessor  = 
| successor    = [[Macintosh Performa 275|Performa 275]]
| codename     = 
| model        = M1600
}}

The '''Macintosh Performa 250''' is a consumer-oriented compact Macintosh computer introduced by Apple Computer on April 1, 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_250.html |title=Macintosh Performa 250 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> It is a rebranded version of the [[Macintosh Color Classic]], sold in the UK and Australia through consumer retail channels as part of Apple's Performa line. The Performa 250 and Color Classic are identical in hardware specifications.

== Relationship to Color Classic ==

The Performa 250 shares the same logic board, case design, and specifications as the [[Macintosh Color Classic]]. Both feature the first compact Macintosh with a color display, using the same Color Classic form factor that would be used for the later Color Classic II.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_classic/specs/mac_colorclassic.html |title=Macintosh Color Classic Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The Performa branding indicated sale through consumer retail outlets, while the Color Classic was sold through Apple's traditional dealer network worldwide.

== Architecture and Processor ==

The Performa 250 uses the Motorola 68030 processor running at 16 MHz with a 16-bit data bus. This limits memory bandwidth compared to machines with a full 32-bit data path. The system bus operates at 16 MHz.

An LC PDS (Processor Direct Slot) provides expansion capability, compatible with LC-series expansion cards but not SE PDS cards. An optional 68882 FPU could be installed.

=== Memory ===

* '''Standard RAM:''' 4 MB soldered on logic board
* '''Maximum RAM:''' 10 MB (4 MB onboard + 6 MB via two 3 MB 30-pin SIMMs)
* '''RAM Type:''' 30-pin SIMM, 100 ns or faster
* '''RAM Slots:''' 2 (must be installed in matched pairs)
* '''ROM:''' 1 MB

=== Video Memory ===

* '''Standard VRAM:''' 256 KB
* '''Maximum VRAM:''' 512 KB (with optional 256 KB VRAM SIMM)

=== Storage ===

* '''Floppy Drive:''' 1.44 MB SuperDrive (auto-inject)
* '''Hard Drive:''' 40 MB, 80 MB, or 160 MB internal SCSI
* '''SCSI Interface:''' Internal and external SCSI ports

== Display ==

The Performa 250 includes a built-in 10" Sony Trinitron color CRT display with a resolution of 512×384 pixels. With the standard 256 KB VRAM, the display supports 256 colors; expanding to 512 KB enables 32,768 colors.

== Input/Output ==

* '''Keyboard Port:''' ADB (Apple Desktop Bus)
* '''Mouse Port:''' ADB
* '''Serial Ports:''' 2× Mini DIN-8 (printer and modem)
* '''SCSI Port:''' DB-25 external SCSI
* '''Audio:''' Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone input
* '''Expansion:''' LC PDS slot

== General Maintenance ==

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated [[Macintosh Color Classic General Maintenance]] page.

== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for both analog and logic boards can be found on the [[Macintosh Color Classic Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, chime but no video, intermittent operation, Sad Mac errors, and floppy drive problems is available on the [[Macintosh Color Classic Troubleshooting]] page.

== Retrobrite ==

To address plastic yellowing, detailed instructions can be found on the [[Retrobrite]] 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
|-
| '''CPU''' || Motorola 68030 @ 16 MHz
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 16-bit data • 32-bit address
|-
| '''ROM''' || 1 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 4 MB (expandable to 10 MB)
|-
| '''VRAM''' || 256 KB (expandable to 512 KB)
|-
| '''Video''' || 512 × 384 color (256 or 32,768 colors)
|-
| '''Sound''' || 8-bit stereo
|-
| '''Disks''' || 1.44 MB 3.5" floppy, 40/80/160 MB SCSI HDD
|-
| '''Ports''' || ADB × 2, Serial × 2, SCSI, LC PDS
|}

== References ==

<references />

== See Also ==

* [[Macintosh Color Classic]]
* [[Macintosh Color Classic General Maintenance]]
* [[Macintosh Color Classic Troubleshooting]]
* [[Macintosh Color Classic Capacitor Replacement Guide]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 275|Performa 275]]

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]
[[Category:Compact Macintosh]]