Editing Macintosh Performa 6300CD

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh Performa 6300CD
| image        = [[File:Macintosh Performa 6300.jpg]]
| caption      = Macintosh Performa 6300CD
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Personal Computer
| release date = January 27, 1996
| discontinued = October 1, 1996
| price        = US$2,800
| cpu          = PowerPC 603e @ 100 MHz
| memory       = 16 MB RAM (expandable to 64 MB)
| storage      = 1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 4X CD-ROM
| display      = DB-15 video output (640×480 16-bit, 800×600 8-bit)
| sound        = Monophonic input, stereo output
| dimensions   = 4.3" H × 12.6" W × 16.5" D (10.9 × 32 × 41.9 cm)
| weight       = 19 lbs (8.6 kg)
| os           = System 7.5.1 – Mac OS 9.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh Performa 6200CD|Performa 6200CD]]
| successor    = [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]]
| model        = M3076
}}
The '''Macintosh Performa 6300CD''' is a [[PowerPC]]-based desktop personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. and released on January 27, 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_6300cd.html |title=Macintosh Performa 6300CD Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> It features a 100 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 16 MB of RAM, a 1.2 GB IDE hard drive, and a 4X CD-ROM drive in a compact desktop case based on the [[Macintosh Quadra 630]] form factor. The system shipped with a 15" Apple color monitor.

The Performa 6300CD shares its logic board with the [[Macintosh Performa 5300CD|Performa 5300CD]] all-in-one system and is part of Apple's consumer-oriented Performa line.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Macintosh_6200 |title=Power Macintosh 6200 |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

== Model Variants ==

The Performa 6300 series includes several regional and specification variants that share the same logic board (Model M3076, Gestalt ID 42):

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Model !! CPU !! RAM !! Storage !! Region !! Release Date !! Notes
|-
| '''Performa 6290CD''' || 100 MHz 603e || 8 MB || 1.2 GB || North America || January 27, 1996 || Base model without bundled monitor
|-
| '''Performa 6300CD''' || 100 MHz 603e || 16 MB || 1.2 GB || North America || January 27, 1996 || Includes 15" monitor
|-
| '''Performa 6310CD''' || 100 MHz 603e || 16 MB || 1.2 GB || Europe/Asia || February 14, 1996 || International version of 6300CD
|-
| '''Performa 6320CD''' || 120 MHz 603e || 16 MB || 1.2 GB || North America || April 22, 1996 || Includes TV/Video input card
|}

The [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]] uses a different logic board ("Alchemy") with DIMM RAM and PCI expansion.

== Architecture and Processor ==

The Performa 6300CD is powered by a 100 MHz [[PowerPC 603e]] processor with integrated FPU. The processor communicates over a 100 MHz front-side bus to 256 KB of L2 cache and 4 MB of ROM.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP348 |title=Macintosh Performa 6200CD: Technical Specifications |publisher=Apple |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The internal bus structure consists of three buses:
* A 64-bit 100 MHz 603 bus connecting the CPU, L2 cache, and ROM
* A 32-bit 40 MHz 68040-compatible bus connecting memory, video, and I/O controllers via the Capella chip
* A 32-bit 16 MHz I/O bus managed by the PrimeTime II chip

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===

The system includes two 72-pin SIMM slots supporting 80 ns or faster memory:
* Standard RAM: 16 MB
* Maximum RAM: 64 MB
* No onboard RAM; all memory installed via SIMMs

=== Storage Systems ===

* '''Hard Drive:''' 1.2 GB IDE internal drive
* '''Floppy Drive:''' 1.44 MB 3.5" SuperDrive (manual insert)
* '''CD-ROM:''' 4X internal CD-ROM drive

The system uses an IDE interface for the hard drive rather than SCSI, though an external SCSI port is available for peripherals.

== Display and Graphics ==

Video is handled by integrated graphics using 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video function:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Resolution !! Color Depth
|-
| 640×480 || 16-bit (Thousands)
|-
| 800×600 || 8-bit (256 colors)
|-
| 832×624 || 8-bit (256 colors)
|}

A DB-15 video output port provides connection to external monitors. A second display can be supported with the addition of a PDS video card.

== Audio Capabilities ==

* Monophonic 8-bit sound input
* Stereo 16-bit sound output via internal speakers
* 3.5mm audio input and output jacks

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

=== Port Configuration ===

* 2× RS-232/422 serial ports (printer and modem)
* 1× External SCSI port (DB-25)
* 1× ADB port
* 1× Audio input (3.5mm mono)
* 1× Audio output (3.5mm stereo)
* 1× DB-15 video output

=== Expansion Slots ===

* 1× LC PDS (Processor Direct Slot)
* 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 6300CD General Maintenance]] page.

== PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==

The Macintosh Performa 6300CD features the same logic board as the [[Macintosh Performa 5300CD|Performa 5300]] series.

=== Apple Service Manual ===

The Apple Service Source manual for the Performa 6200/6300 series covers all variants.

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 6300CD Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Retrobrite ==

To address plastic yellowing common on the beige case, detailed instructions can be found on the [[Retrobrite]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, startup issues, video problems, and other common failures is available on the [[Macintosh Performa 6300CD 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 6300CD, 1996)
|-
| '''CPU''' || PowerPC 603e @ 100 MHz
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 32-bit data (I/O) • 64-bit data (CPU)
|-
| '''ROM''' || 4 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 16 MB (expandable to 64 MB)
|-
| '''L1 Cache''' || 32 KB
|-
| '''L2 Cache''' || 256 KB
|-
| '''Video''' || 640×480 16-bit, 800×600 8-bit
|-
| '''Sound''' || Mono input, stereo output
|-
| '''Disks''' || 1.2 GB IDE HDD, 1.44 MB floppy, 4X CD-ROM
|-
| '''Ports''' || ADB, SCSI, 2× Serial, Audio I/O, Video out
|}

=== Processor Specifications ===

{| class="wikitable styled-table"
|-
! Component !! Specification
|-
| CPU || PowerPC 603e @ 100 MHz<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_6300cd.html |title=Macintosh Performa 6300CD Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>
|-
| Data Bus || 64-bit (CPU), 32-bit (I/O)
|-
| FPU || Integrated
|-
| L1 Cache || 32 KB (16 KB instruction, 16 KB data)
|-
| L2 Cache || 256 KB
|}

== Power Specifications ==

* Input: 100V-240V AC, 50-60 Hz
* Maximum power consumption: 55 Watts

== See Also ==

* [[Macintosh Performa 5300CD]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 6200CD|Performa 6200CD]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 630]]
* [[Power Macintosh 6300]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]