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Macintosh Centris 610: Difference between revisions

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* '''Onboard RAM:''' 4 MB soldered to logic board
* '''Onboard RAM:''' 4 MB soldered to logic board
* '''RAM slots:''' 2 ร— 72-pin SIMM
* '''RAM slots:''' 2 ร— 72-pin SIMM
* '''Maximum RAM:''' 68 MB (4 MB onboard + 2 ร— 32 MB SIMMs)
* '''Maximum RAM:''' 68 MB<ref name="ss610">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh Quadra 610/Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source'' ([[Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source]], [[:File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf]]), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures โ†’ Battery Verification.</ref>
* '''RAM speed:''' 80 ns or faster
* '''RAM speed:''' 80 ns or faster
* '''Supported SIMMs:''' 4, 8, 16, or 32 MB
* '''Supported SIMMs:''' 4, 8, 16, or 32 MB
Line 62: Line 62:
* '''Hard drive:''' 80, 230, or 500 MB internal SCSI
* '''Hard drive:''' 80, 230, or 500 MB internal SCSI
* '''CD-ROM:''' Optional 2ร— AppleCD 300i (internal)
* '''CD-ROM:''' Optional 2ร— AppleCD 300i (internal)
* '''SCSI interface:''' External DB-25 connector
* '''SCSI interface:''' external DB-25. Apple: '''a maximum of six external devices''', the computer itself always being device 7<ref name="ss610">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh Quadra 610/Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source'' ([[Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source]], [[:File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf]]), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures โ†’ Battery Verification.</ref>


== Display and Graphics ==
== Display and Graphics ==
Line 108: Line 108:
== Power ==
== Power ==


* '''Power:''' 100โ€“240V AC, 47โ€“63 Hz
* '''Line voltage:''' 100โ€“240 VAC
* '''Max power consumption:''' 86 watts
* '''Line frequency:''' '''50โ€“60 Hz''' โ€” Apple's figure for this machine
* '''PRAM battery:''' 3.6V lithium half-AA
* '''Maximum power:''' '''112 W''', not including the monitor<ref name="ss610">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh Quadra 610/Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source'' ([[Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source]], [[:File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf]]), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures โ†’ Battery Verification.</ref>
* '''PRAM battery:''' 3.6 V ยฝAA lithium. Apple's instruction is to '''replace it below 3.2 V'''<ref name="ss610">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh Quadra 610/Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source'' ([[Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source]], [[:File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf]]), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures โ†’ Battery Verification.</ref>
ย 
'''86 W circulates for this machine as the maximum power. That is the Centris 660AV's figure''', not this machine's; Apple gives 112 W for the 610.


The power switch is located on the front panel. Unlike the Mac II series, the Centris 610 cannot be powered on or off via the keyboard power key.
The power switch is located on the front panel. Unlike the Mac II series, the Centris 610 cannot be powered on or off via the keyboard power key.
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| '''ROM''' || 1 MB
| '''ROM''' || 1 MB
|-
|-
| '''RAM''' || 4 MB onboard (expandable to 68 MB)
| '''RAM''' || 4 or 8 MB standard, expandable to '''68 MB''' (80 ns or faster 72-pin SIMMs)<ref name="ss610">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh Quadra 610/Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source'' ([[Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source]], [[:File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf]]), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures โ†’ Battery Verification.</ref>
|-
|-
| '''Video''' || Up to 1152 ร— 870 (built-in)
| '''Video''' || Up to 1152 ร— 870 (built-in)
Line 165: Line 168:
|}
|}


== Service Documentation ==
== Service documentation ==
ย 
Apple's own service manual is hosted here as
[[Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source]], which covers the Centris 610 alongside
the Quadra 610, the Quadra 610 DOS Compatible and the Workgroup Server 60. It gives the supply as
'''100โ€“240 VAC''' at 50โ€“60 Hz drawing '''112 W''' excluding the monitor, and the PRAM cell threshold
as '''replace below 3.2 V'''.<ref name="ssmacintoshcentris">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh Centris 610'', Service Source, 103 pp, PDF distilled 20 November 1995. Hosted here as the wiki page linked above ([[:File:quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf]]). Specifications chapter, and Additional Procedures โ€” Battery Verification where a threshold is quoted.</ref>


The official Apple Service Source documentation for this model:
Its Troubleshooting chapter stops at Peripheral โ€” there is '''no Miscellaneous and no Error Chords
section''' โ€” so an unexplained startup chord on one of these has to be worked out elsewhere.<ref name="ssmacintoshcentris" />


<pdf width="800" height="500">File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf</pdf>
<pdf width="800" height="500">File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf</pdf>

Latest revision as of 12:40, 27 September 2026

Macintosh Centris 610
Macintosh Centris 610 (identical case to Quadra 610)
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedFebruary 10, 1993
DiscontinuedOctober 21, 1993
Intro priceUS$1,860โ€“$2,520
CPUMotorola 68LC040 @ 20 MHz
Memory4 MB RAM soldered (expandable to 68 MB)
Storage80โ€“500 MB SCSI hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy
DisplaySupports up to 1152ร—870 (8-bit with 1 MB VRAM)
Sound8-bit stereo
Dimensions3.4" H ร— 16.3" W ร— 15.6" D (8.6 ร— 41.4 ร— 39.6 cm)
Weight14 lbs (6.4 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.1 โ€“ Mac OS 8.1
PredecessorMacintosh IIsi
SuccessorMacintosh Quadra 610
CodenameSpeedbump 610
Model no.M1444

The Macintosh Centris 610 is a personal computer designed and manufactured by Apple Computer, released on February 10, 1993.[1] It was introduced as the entry-level model in Apple's new Centris line, positioned between the consumer Macintosh LC series and the professional Quadra series.[2]

The Centris 610 introduced a new low-profile "pizza box" case design that would later be used for the Macintosh Quadra 660AV and Power Macintosh 6100. In October 1993, the Centris 610 was renamed to Macintosh Quadra 610 with a processor speed bump to 25 MHz as Apple consolidated its product naming strategy.[3]

Model Variants

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The Centris 610 was sold in four configurations at launch:[4]

  • Base model (M1345LL/A): 4 MB RAM, 80 MB HDD, no Ethernet โ€” US$1,860
  • Mid-range: 8 MB RAM, 80 MB HDD, Ethernet
  • Upper mid-range (M1397LL/A): 8 MB RAM, 230 MB HDD, Ethernet โ€” US$2,560
  • High-end (M1398LL/A): 8 MB RAM, 1 MB VRAM, 230 MB HDD, 2ร— CD-ROM, Ethernet, microphone

A server variant, the Workgroup Server 60, was introduced in July 1993 with a full 68040 processor.

Architecture and Processor

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The Centris 610 uses a Motorola 68LC040 processor running at 20 MHz. The "LC" designation indicates the processor lacks an integrated floating-point unit (FPU). The 68LC040 can be replaced with a full 68040 to add FPU capability.[5]

  • CPU: Motorola 68LC040 @ 20 MHz
  • Data bus: 32-bit
  • Address bus: 32-bit
  • L1 cache: 8 KB (integrated)
  • ROM: 1 MB

Memory

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  • Onboard RAM: 4 MB soldered to logic board
  • RAM slots: 2 ร— 72-pin SIMM
  • Maximum RAM: 68 MB[6]
  • RAM speed: 80 ns or faster
  • Supported SIMMs: 4, 8, 16, or 32 MB

If SIMMs of different speeds are used, the faster SIMM should be installed in bank 0 (frontmost slot).

Storage

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  • Floppy drive: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (auto-inject)
  • Hard drive: 80, 230, or 500 MB internal SCSI
  • CD-ROM: Optional 2ร— AppleCD 300i (internal)
  • SCSI interface: external DB-25. Apple: a maximum of six external devices, the computer itself always being device 7[6]

Display and Graphics

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The Centris 610 includes built-in video output via a DB-15 connector. VGA monitors can be connected using an adapter.

  • VRAM: 512 KB onboard, expandable to 1 MB via SIMM
  • VRAM slots: 2 (accepts 256 KB or 512 KB VRAMs)
Display Resolutions
Resolution 512 KB VRAM 1 MB VRAM
512 ร— 384 16-bit 16-bit
640 ร— 480 8-bit 16-bit
800 ร— 600 8-bit 16-bit
832 ร— 624 8-bit 16-bit
1024 ร— 768 4-bit 8-bit
1152 ร— 870 4-bit 8-bit

Input/Output and Expansion

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Port Configuration

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  • ADB ports: 2 (keyboard, mouse)
  • Serial ports: 2 (DIN-8 printer and modem)
  • SCSI: 1 (DB-25 external)
  • Video: 1 (DB-15)
  • Audio: Speaker out, microphone in
  • Ethernet: AAUI-15 (optional on some configurations)

Expansion Slots

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The Centris 610 has a single Processor Direct Slot (PDS). A NuBus adapter (Apple part M1402LL/A) allows installation of one 7-inch NuBus card. Only 7-inch NuBus cards fit; standard 12-inch cards will not work.[7]

The low clearance of the case initially prevented use of the full 68040 processor, which requires a heatsink that the 68LC040 does not need.

Power

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  • Line voltage: 100โ€“240 VAC
  • Line frequency: 50โ€“60 Hz โ€” Apple's figure for this machine
  • Maximum power: 112 W, not including the monitor[6]
  • PRAM battery: 3.6 V ยฝAA lithium. Apple's instruction is to replace it below 3.2 V[6]

86 W circulates for this machine as the maximum power. That is the Centris 660AV's figure, not this machine's; Apple gives 112 W for the 610.

The power switch is located on the front panel. Unlike the Mac II series, the Centris 610 cannot be powered on or off via the keyboard power key.

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Centris 610 General Maintenance page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the Macintosh Centris 610 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, chime but no video, intermittent operation, and other issues is available on the Macintosh Centris 610 Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification (Macintosh Centris 610, 1993)
CPU Motorola 68LC040 @ 20 MHz
Bus width 32-bit data โ€ข 32-bit address
ROM 1 MB
RAM 4 or 8 MB standard, expandable to 68 MB (80 ns or faster 72-pin SIMMs)[6]
Video Up to 1152 ร— 870 (built-in)
Sound 8-bit stereo
Disks 1.44 MB floppy, 80โ€“500 MB SCSI HDD
Ports ADB ร— 2, Serial ร— 2, SCSI, Video, Audio

Processor Specifications

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Component Specification
CPU Motorola 68LC040 @ 20 MHz[8]
FPU None (68LC040 variant)
Data Bus 32-bit
Address Bus 32-bit
Gestalt ID 52
Model Number M1444

Service documentation

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Apple's own service manual is hosted here as Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source, which covers the Centris 610 alongside the Quadra 610, the Quadra 610 DOS Compatible and the Workgroup Server 60. It gives the supply as 100โ€“240 VAC at 50โ€“60 Hz drawing 112 W excluding the monitor, and the PRAM cell threshold as replace below 3.2 V.[9]

Its Troubleshooting chapter stops at Peripheral โ€” there is no Miscellaneous and no Error Chords section โ€” so an unexplained startup chord on one of these has to be worked out elsewhere.[9]

See Also

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References

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  1. โ†‘ Macintosh Centris 610 Specs, EveryMac.comโ€”link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  2. โ†‘ Centris 610, Low End Macโ€”link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  3. โ†‘ Macintosh Quadra 610, Wikipediaโ€”link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  4. โ†‘ Macintosh Centris 610: Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.โ€”link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  5. โ†‘ Centris 610, Low End Macโ€”link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  6. โ†‘ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Apple Computer, Macintosh Quadra 610/Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source (Macintosh Quadra 610/ Centris 610/WS 60 Service Source, File:Quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures โ†’ Battery Verification.
  7. โ†‘ Macintosh Quadra 610, Wikipediaโ€”link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  8. โ†‘ Macintosh Centris 610: Technical Specifications, Apple Inc.โ€”link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  9. โ†‘ 9.0 9.1 Apple Computer, Macintosh Centris 610, Service Source, 103 pp, PDF distilled 20 November 1995. Hosted here as the wiki page linked above (File:quadra.centris_610.ws_60.pdf). Specifications chapter, and Additional Procedures โ€” Battery Verification where a threshold is quoted.