Editing Macintosh Quadra 800

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Macintosh Quadra 800
| image        = [[File:Apple_mac_quadra_800.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = Macintosh Quadra 800
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type         = Personal Computer
| release date = February 10, 1993
| discontinued = March 14, 1994
| price        = US$4,679
| cpu          = Motorola 68040 @ 33 MHz
| memory       = 8 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB)
| storage      = 230 MB or 500 MB SCSI hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy, optional 2x CD-ROM
| display      = 512x384 to 1152x870, 4-bit to 16-bit color
| sound        = Mono audio in, stereo audio out
| dimensions   = 14.0" H × 7.7" W × 15.75" D (35.6 × 19.6 × 40 cm)
| weight       = 24 lbs (10.9 kg)
| os           = System 7.1 – Mac OS 8.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh Quadra 700|Quadra 700]]
| successor    = [[Macintosh Quadra 840AV|Quadra 840AV]], [[Power Macintosh 8100]]
| codename     = Fridge, Wombat 33
| model        = M1206
}}
The '''Macintosh Quadra 800''' is a personal computer introduced by Apple Computer on February 10, 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_800.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 800 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> It was part of the [[Macintosh Quadra]] series and featured a Motorola 68040 processor running at 33 MHz with an integrated FPU. Apple also sold a server variant bundled with server software as the '''Workgroup Server 80'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/kb/SP260 |title=Workgroup Server 80: Technical Specifications |publisher=Apple |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The Quadra 800 introduced a new mini-tower case design, which was subsequently used for the [[Macintosh Quadra 840AV|Quadra 840AV]], [[Power Macintosh 8100]], 8200, and [[Power Macintosh 8500|8500]]. The case features four drive bays, providing more expansion options than the [[Macintosh Quadra 700|Quadra 700]]'s design.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1993/quadra-800/ |title=Quadra 800 |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The Quadra 800 was one of the first Macintosh computers to ship with a bootable CD-ROM drive.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1993/quadra-800/ |title=Quadra 800 |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

== Architecture and Processor ==

The Quadra 800 uses a Motorola 68040 processor clocked at 33 MHz. The 68040 includes an integrated FPU (floating-point unit) and 8 KB of on-chip cache. The system bus operates at 33 MHz.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_800.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 800 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

The Quadra 800 features interleaved memory running at 60 ns, along with an enhanced SCSI bus, enabling it to outperform the [[Macintosh Quadra 950|Quadra 950]] despite using the same 33 MHz processor.

== Memory and Storage ==

=== RAM Configuration ===

The Quadra 800 has 8 MB of RAM soldered to the logic board. Four 72-pin SIMM slots accept 60 ns SIMMs, allowing expansion to a maximum of 136 MB. The slots can be filled individually but should ideally be populated in interleaved pairs for optimal performance. Compatible SIMM sizes include 4 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, and 32 MB modules.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_800.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 800 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

=== ROM and System Software ===

The system contains 1 MB of ROM. The Quadra 800 requires System 7.1 with System Enabler 040 v1.0 or later. The highest supported version is Mac OS 8.1. With a PowerPC upgrade card installed, the system can run Mac OS 9.1 or A/UX.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1993/quadra-800/ |title=Quadra 800 |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

=== Storage Systems ===

Standard configurations include a 230 MB or 500 MB internal SCSI hard drive and a 1.44 MB auto-inject floppy drive. Higher-end configurations include an AppleCD 300i 2x CD-ROM drive. The internal SCSI bus is faster than earlier Quadra models. A DB-25 SCSI connector on the rear panel provides external SCSI connectivity.

== Display and Graphics ==

The logic board includes 512 KB of VRAM, with two VRAM SIMM slots allowing expansion to 1 MB. Display capabilities vary based on VRAM installed:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_800.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 800 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

'''With 512 KB VRAM:'''
* 512×384: 16-bit color
* 640×480, 800×600, 832×624: 8-bit color (256 colors)
* 1024×768, 1152×870: 4-bit color (16 colors)

'''With 1 MB VRAM:'''
* 640×480, 800×600, 832×624: 16-bit color (thousands of colors)
* 1024×768, 1152×870: 8-bit color (256 colors)

The Quadra 800 does not support 24-bit color through its on-board video. This was a cost-saving measure that Apple used to differentiate the 800 from the Quadra 900/950, which support 2 MB VRAM and 24-bit color. A NuBus video card can be installed to enable 24-bit color output.

== Audio Capabilities ==

The Quadra 800 includes mono audio input and stereo audio output through 3.5mm jacks on the rear panel.

== Input/Output and Expansion ==

=== Port Configuration ===

* 2× ADB ports
* 2× DIN-8 serial ports (printer and modem)
* 1× DB-25 SCSI port
* 1× AAUI-15 Ethernet port (varies by region)
* Mono audio in (3.5mm)
* Stereo audio out (3.5mm)

=== Expansion ===

* 3× NuBus 90 slots
* 1× 040 Processor Direct Slot (PDS)
* 1× 5.25" external drive bay (available if no CD-ROM installed)

== Design and Case ==

The Quadra 800 introduced a mini-tower case design, positioned between the [[Macintosh Quadra 700|Quadra 700]]'s smaller form factor and the full tower of the [[Macintosh Quadra 900|Quadra 900]]/[[Macintosh Quadra 950|950]]. This case was also used by the [[Macintosh Quadra 840AV|Quadra 840AV]], [[Power Macintosh 8100]], 8200, and [[Power Macintosh 8500|8500]]. A taller variant was used for the [[Power Macintosh 9500]].

The case has four drive bays: one for the floppy drive and three front-accessible bays for hard drives, CD-ROM, or other devices.

RAM and VRAM upgrades require removal of the logic board, which is held in place by plastic clips. This design is considered difficult to service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/roadapples/q800case.shtml |title=Road Apples - The Quadra 800 case |publisher=Low End Mac |date=1999-11-08 |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>

== Related Models ==

The [[Macintosh Quadra 840AV|Quadra 840AV]] shares the same case, chassis, power supply, and internal storage assemblies as the Quadra 800. However, the 840AV has different front and rear panels (with the power button moved to the front) and a different logic board featuring:
* 40 MHz 68040 processor (vs. 33 MHz)
* DAV slot for digital audio/video expansion
* GeoPort serial capability
* All RAM in SIMMs (no soldered RAM)
* No Processor Direct Slot
* Only one ADB port (vs. two)

== General Maintenance ==

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated [[Macintosh Quadra 800 General Maintenance]] page.

== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the [[Macintosh Quadra 800 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.

== Troubleshooting ==

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, video issues, intermittent operation, and other common problems is available on the [[Macintosh Quadra 800 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 Quadra 800, February 1993)
|-
| '''CPU''' || Motorola 68040 @ 33 MHz
|-
| '''FPU''' || Integrated
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 32-bit data • 32-bit address
|-
| '''System Bus''' || 33 MHz
|-
| '''ROM''' || 1 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 8 MB onboard (expandable to 136 MB)
|-
| '''L1 Cache''' || 8 KB (on-chip)
|-
| '''Video''' || 512 KB – 1 MB VRAM, up to 1152×870
|-
| '''Sound''' || Mono in, stereo out
|-
| '''Disks''' || 1.44 MB floppy, SCSI HDD, optional CD-ROM
|-
| '''Ports''' || ADB ×2, Serial ×2, SCSI, AAUI Ethernet
|-
| '''Expansion''' || 3 NuBus slots, 1 PDS slot
|}

=== Processor Specifications ===
{| class="wikitable styled-table"
|-
! Component !! Specification
|-
| CPU || Motorola 68040 @ 33 MHz<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_800.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 800 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>
|-
| Clock Input || 66 MHz (internally divided to 33 MHz)
|-
| Data Bus || 32-bit
|-
| Address Bus || 32-bit
|-
| L1 Cache || 8 KB
|-
| FPU || Integrated
|}

== Model Configurations ==

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
! Order Number !! RAM !! VRAM !! Storage !! Price (USD)
|-
| M1287LL/A || 8 MB || 512 KB || 230 MB HDD || $4,679
|-
| M1288LL/A || 8 MB || 512 KB || 500 MB HDD || —
|-
| M1329LL/A || 8 MB || 1 MB || 230 MB HDD + 2x CD-ROM || —
|}

== Service Documentation ==

The official Apple Service Source documentation for this model:

<pdf width="800" height="500">File:Quadra_800.ws_80.pdf</pdf>

== See Also ==

* [[Macintosh Quadra]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 700]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 840AV]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 950]]
* [[Power Macintosh 8100]]
* [[Workgroup Server 80]]

== References ==
<references />

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