Editing Macintosh Performa 5400CD

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh Performa 5400CD
| image        = [[File:Macintosh Performa 5200.jpg]]
| caption      = Macintosh Performa 5400CD
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = All-in-one Personal Computer
| release_date = April 22, 1996
| discontinued = February 1, 1997
| cpu          = PowerPC 603e @ 120 MHz
| memory       = 16 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB)
| storage      = 1.6 GB IDE hard drive, 4X CD-ROM
| display      = 15" shadow mask CRT (640×480 16-bit, 832×624 8-bit)
| sound        = 16-bit stereo output, 16-bit mono input, SRS surround
| dimensions   = 17.5" H × 15.1" W × 16.0" D (44.5 × 38.4 × 40.6 cm)
| weight       = 47 lbs (21.3 kg)
| os           = System 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh Performa 5300|Performa 5300]]
| successor    = [[Macintosh Performa 5500|Performa 5500]]
| codename     = Alchemy, Excalibur
| model        = M3046
}}

The '''Macintosh Performa 5400CD''' is an all-in-one personal computer released by Apple Computer on April 22, 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_5400cd.html |title=Macintosh Performa 5400CD Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> Based on the Alchemy architecture, it was the consumer version of the [[Macintosh Power Macintosh 5400|Power Macintosh 5400]] educational line. The Performa 5400 series was the last of Apple's 5xxx all-in-one Macintosh computers before the transition to the [[Macintosh Performa 5500|Performa 5500]] series.

The 5400CD featured a 120 MHz PowerPC 603e processor in the same case design as the earlier [[Macintosh Performa 5200|Performa 5200]], but with substantial internal improvements including the first use of 168-pin DIMM memory sockets and a PCI expansion slot in the LC line.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.apple-history.com/5400 |title=Power Macintosh 5400 LC |publisher=Apple-History.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

== Model Variants ==

The Performa 5400 series includes several regional and speed variants sharing the same Alchemy logic board:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Model !! CPU Speed !! CD-ROM !! RAM !! HDD !! Case !! Region
|-
| '''Performa 5400CD''' || 120 MHz || 4X || 16 MB || 1.6 GB || Platinum || Worldwide
|-
| '''Performa 5410CD''' || 120 MHz || 4X || 16 MB || 1.6 GB || Platinum || Europe
|-
| '''Performa 5420CD''' || 120 MHz || 4X || 16 MB || 1.6 GB || Platinum || Asia
|-
| '''[[Macintosh Performa 5400/160|Performa 5400/160]]''' || 160 MHz || 8X || 16 MB || 1.6 GB || Platinum || Europe/Asia
|-
| '''Performa 5430''' || 160 MHz || 8X || 16 MB || 1.6 GB || Platinum || Europe
|-
| '''[[Macintosh Performa 5440|Performa 5440]]''' || 180 MHz || 8X || 16 MB || 1.6 GB || Black || Europe/Asia
|}

The educational versions were sold as the [[Macintosh Power Macintosh 5400|Power Macintosh 5400/120]], 5400/160, and 5400/180 in North America.

== Architecture and Processor ==

=== Processor ===

The Performa 5400CD uses a PowerPC 603e processor running at 120 MHz on a 40 MHz system bus.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_5400cd.html |title=Macintosh Performa 5400CD Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> The 603e is a 32-bit processor with a 64-bit data path and integrated floating-point unit. Higher-speed variants used 160 MHz or 180 MHz versions of the same processor.

=== Cache ===

The processor includes 32 KB of L1 cache (16 KB instruction, 16 KB data). An optional 256 KB L2 cache DIMM slot is available. The 120 MHz and 180 MHz models shipped without L2 cache by default, while higher configurations often included it.

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===

The Performa 5400 series uses 168-pin 70 ns DIMM modules, the first use of this memory type in the LC line. The logic board includes 8 MB of soldered RAM with two DIMM expansion slots supporting up to 136 MB total.

=== Video RAM ===

1 MB of system RAM is dedicated to video function. This VRAM allocation cannot be expanded.

=== Storage Systems ===

The base 5400CD includes a 1.6 GB IDE hard drive and 4X CD-ROM. Later models shipped with 8X CD-ROM drives. A 1.44 MB manual-eject floppy drive is standard. External SCSI devices are supported via the DB-25 SCSI port.

== Display and Graphics ==

The built-in 15" shadow mask CRT supports:
* 640×480 at 16-bit color (thousands of colors)
* 800×600 at 16-bit color (higher-speed models)
* 832×624 at 8-bit color (256 colors)
* 1024×768 at 8-bit color (higher-speed models, external mirror only)

An external display can mirror the internal display at supported resolutions.

== Audio Capabilities ==

The Performa 5400 series features enhanced audio capabilities including:
* 16-bit stereo output via 3.5mm jack
* 16-bit mono input via 3.5mm jack
* Built-in stereo speakers
* SRS surround sound support (first Macintosh with this feature)
* Microphone included

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

=== Port Configuration ===

* 1× ADB port (keyboard and mouse)
* 2× GeoPort serial ports (modem and printer, Mini DIN-8)
* 1× DB-25 SCSI port (external devices)
* 10Base-T Ethernet (built-in on some models, optional on others)
* 3.5mm stereo audio output
* 3.5mm mono audio input

=== Expansion Slots ===

The Alchemy logic board includes:
* 1× 7" PCI slot (first PCI slot in an LC)
* 1× Communications slot
* 1× Video I/O slot
* 1× TV tuner slot

== General Maintenance ==

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated [[Macintosh Performa 5400 General Maintenance]] page.

== PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==

=== Apple Service Manual ===

The Performa 5400 series shares service documentation with the Power Macintosh 5400 line.

All Apple Service Manuals can be found on the [[:Category:Apple Service Source|Apple Service Source]] page.

== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the [[Macintosh Performa 5400 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Retrobrite ==

To address plastic yellowing (particularly on platinum models), detailed instructions can be found on the [[Retrobrite]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, video issues, intermittent operation, and common failure points is available on the [[Macintosh Performa 5400 Troubleshooting]] page.

== Technical Details ==

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

=== System Architecture ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
! Sub-system !! Specification
|-
| '''CPU''' || PowerPC 603e @ 120/160/180 MHz
|-
| '''Bus Speed''' || 40 MHz
|-
| '''Data Path''' || 64-bit
|-
| '''ROM''' || 4 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 8 MB onboard + 2× DIMM (max 136 MB)
|-
| '''Video''' || 1 MB (from system RAM)
|-
| '''Storage''' || IDE hard drive, ATAPI CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
|-
| '''Expansion''' || 1× PCI, Comm slot, Video I/O slot, TV slot
|}

=== Processor Specifications ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
! Component !! Specification
|-
| CPU || PowerPC 603e
|-
| Clock Speed || 120/160/180 MHz (by model)
|-
| L1 Cache || 32 KB (16 KB I + 16 KB D)
|-
| L2 Cache || 256 KB (optional)
|-
| FPU || Integrated
|-
| Data Bus || 64-bit
|-
| Address Bus || 32-bit
|}

== See Also ==

* [[Macintosh Power Macintosh 5400|Power Macintosh 5400]] – Educational version
* [[Macintosh Performa 5500|Performa 5500]] – Successor
* [[Macintosh Performa 6400|Performa 6400]] – Tower counterpart with same logic board

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]