Editing Macintosh Performa 6420

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh Performa 6420
| image        = [[File:Macintosh_Performa_6400.jpg]]
| caption      = Macintosh Performa 6420/200
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Personal Computer
| release_date = November 12, 1996
| discontinued = August 1, 1997
| price        = n/a
| cpu          = PowerPC 603e @ 200 MHz
| memory       = 16 MB RAM (8 MB on-board, expandable to 136 MB)
| storage      = 2.4 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM
| display      = Supports up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit
| sound        = SRS 3D surround sound with integrated 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           = System 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]]
| successor    = [[Power Macintosh 6500]]
| codename     = Alchemy (logic board)
| model        = M3548
}}
The '''Macintosh Performa 6420''' is a personal computer designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer from November 1996 to August 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_performa/specs/mac_performa_6420_200.html |title=Apple Macintosh Performa 6420/200 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> It is the European and Asian version of the [[Macintosh Performa 6400|Performa 6400/200]], featuring identical specifications: a 200 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 2.4 GB hard drive, and Apple's "InstaTower" mini-tower case with SRS 3D surround sound and integrated subwoofer.

The Performa 6420 shares its Alchemy logic board with the [[Macintosh Performa 6400|Performa 6400]], [[Macintosh Performa 6410|Performa 6410]], [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]], and [[Macintosh Power Macintosh 5400|Power Macintosh 5400]].

== Hardware Overview ==

The Performa 6420 is functionally identical to the Performa 6400/200:

* '''Processor''': PowerPC 603e at 200 MHz with integrated FPU (soldered)
* '''RAM''': 8 MB soldered on-board plus two 168-pin DIMM slots (70 ns), 16 MB standard, expandable to 136 MB
* '''Storage''': 2.4 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
* '''Video''': 1 MB system RAM dedicated to video
* '''Audio''': SRS 3D surround sound with integrated subwoofer
* '''Expansion''': 2× PCI slots, communications slot, video I/O slot, TV tuner slot
* '''Modem''': 28.8k internal modem

=== Regional Variants ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Model !! CPU Speed !! Hard Drive !! Region !! Order Number
|-
| [[Macintosh Performa 6400|Performa 6400/200]] || 200 MHz || 2.4 GB || North America || Various
|-
| '''Performa 6420/200''' || 200 MHz || 2.4 GB || Europe, Asia, Japan || M5513J/A (Japan)
|}

== Architecture and Processor ==

The Performa 6420 uses a PowerPC 603e processor soldered to the Alchemy logic board and cooled by a fanless heatsink. The processor is a 32-bit design with a 64-bit data path to main memory. The 40 MHz system bus provides communication between the CPU and other components.

Third-party processor upgrades are available that can override the soldered CPU via the L2 cache slot.

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| RAM Type || 168-pin DIMM
|-
| RAM Speed || 70 ns
|-
| Standard RAM || 16 MB
|-
| Maximum RAM || 136 MB
|-
| Motherboard RAM || 8 MB (soldered)
|-
| RAM Slots || 2
|}

=== Storage Systems ===

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Component !! Specification
|-
| Hard Drive Interface || IDE
|-
| Standard Hard Drive || 2.4 GB
|-
| Optical Drive || 8X CD-ROM
|-
| Floppy Drive || 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual inject)
|}

== Display and Graphics ==

Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions:

{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|-
! Resolution !! Color Depth
|-
| 640×480 || 16-bit (Thousands)
|-
| 800×600 || 16-bit (Thousands)
|-
| 832×624 || 8-bit (256 colors)
|-
| 1024×768 || 8-bit (256 colors)
|}

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

== Audio Capabilities ==

The Performa 6420's "InstaTower" case includes an integrated subwoofer speaker and supports SRS 3D surround sound. A bass level control knob on the rear of the case adjusts subwoofer output when external speakers are connected; without external speakers, the internal speaker provides full-range audio.

Two audio output jacks are provided—one on the front panel and one on the rear. Connecting headphones to the front jack disables the internal speaker and rear output.

== General Maintenance ==

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated [[Macintosh Performa 6400 General Maintenance]] page.

== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the [[Macintosh Performa 6400 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing power issues, startup problems, video issues, and other common problems is available on the [[Macintosh Performa 6400 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 6420, 1996)
|-
| '''CPU''' || PowerPC 603e @ 200 MHz
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 64-bit data path
|-
| '''System Bus''' || 40 MHz
|-
| '''ROM''' || 4 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 16 MB (expandable to 136 MB)
|-
| '''L1 Cache''' || 32 KB
|-
| '''L2 Cache''' || 256 KB (optional)
|-
| '''Video''' || Up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit
|-
| '''Sound''' || SRS 3D surround with subwoofer
|-
| '''Storage''' || 2.4 GB IDE HDD, 8X CD-ROM
|-
| '''Ports''' || ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, Audio I/O
|}

=== Power Specifications ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table"
|-
! Specification !! Value
|-
| Input Voltage || 100V–125V or 200V–240V AC
|-
| Frequency || 47–63 Hz
|-
| Maximum Power || 220 W
|}

== References ==
<references />

== See Also ==

* [[Macintosh Performa 6400]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 6410]]
* [[Power Macintosh 6500]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 6360|Performa 6360]]

[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]