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{{Infobox computer
{{Infobox computer
| name        = Macintosh Quadra 605
| name        = Macintosh Quadra 605
| image        = [[File:Macintosh_LC_475.jpg]]
| image        = [[File:Macintosh Quadra 605.jpg|260px|frameless]]
| caption      = Macintosh Quadra 605
| caption      = Macintosh Quadra 605 (photo: Danamania, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons)
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type        = Personal Computer
| type        = Desktop personal computer
| release_date = October 21, 1993
| release_date = October 21, 1993
| discontinued = October 17, 1994
| discontinued = October 17, 1994
| price        = US$900 (4 MB/80 MB), US$1,300 (8 MB/160 MB)
| price        = US$900 (4 MB/80 MB), US$1,300 (8 MB/160 MB)
| cpu          = Motorola 68LC040 @ 25 MHz
| cpu          = Motorola 68LC040 at 25 MHz (socketed; no FPU)
| memory      = 4 MB RAM soldered + 1 SIMM slot (up to 36 MB)
| memory      = 4 MB on the logic board, one 72-pin SIMM socket, 36 MB maximum (80 ns)
| storage      = 80 MB or 160 MB SCSI hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy
| rom          = 1 MB
| display      = 512×384 to 1152×870
| storage      = 80 or 160 MB SCSI hard disk; 1.4 MB SuperDrive
| sound        = 8-bit stereo
| display      = External monitor; 512 KB VRAM, expandable to 1 MB
| dimensions  = 2.9" H × 12.2" W × 15.3" D (7.4 × 31 × 38.9 cm)
| sound        = Mono input, stereo output, 8-bit at 11 or 22 kHz
| weight      = 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
| expansion    = One LC-style expansion slot (96- or 114-pin cards)
| os          = System 7.1 – Mac OS 8.1
| power        = 26 W maximum, 100-240 V AC
| predecessor  =
| dimensions  = 7.7 × 31.0 × 38.2 cm (3.0 × 12.2 × 15.0 in)
| successor    =
| weight      = 4.0 kg (8.8 lb)
| codename    =
| os          = System 7.1 to Mac OS 8.1
| model        = M1476
| model        = M1476
}}
}}


The '''Macintosh Quadra 605''' is a personal computer introduced by Apple Computer on October 21, 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_605.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 605 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> It was the smallest and least expensive member of the Quadra line, housed in a compact "pizza box" case shared with the LC series.
The '''Macintosh Quadra 605''' is a low-profile desktop Macintosh introduced by Apple on October 21, 1993 and discontinued on October 17, 1994.<ref name="em">{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_605.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 605 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-09-30}}</ref> Apple's developer note describes it and the [[Macintosh LC 475]] as Apple's lowest-priced models with 68040-family processors, mechanically similar to the [[Macintosh LC III]] and electrically similar to the [[Macintosh Centris 650]].<ref name="dn">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh LC 475 and Macintosh Quadra 605 Developer Note'' (Developer Press, 1993), hosted as [[:File:Macintosh LC 475 and Quadra 605 Developer Note.pdf]] (see [[Macintosh LC 475 and Quadra 605 Developer Note]]). Preface p. vii; chapter 1 pp. 1-19; chapter 2 pp. 21-25; chapter 3 pp. 34-41; chapter 4 p. 44.</ref> The same hardware was sold as the LC 475 and as the [[Macintosh Performa 475|Performa 475]] and [[Macintosh Performa 476|Performa 476]], which differed in the hard disk supplied (160 MB and 230 MB).<ref name="lem">{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1993/quadra-605/ |title=Quadra 605 |publisher=Low End Mac |date=1993-10-18 |access-date=2026-09-30}}</ref>


The Quadra 605 targeted business users, while Apple sold essentially the same hardware to educational markets as the [[Macintosh LC 475|LC 475]] and to consumers as the [[Macintosh Performa 475|Performa 475]] and [[Macintosh Performa 476|Performa 476]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apple-history.com/quadra605 |title=Quadra 605 |publisher=Apple History |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> All three product lines share the same logic board design.
== Identification ==
 
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
== Model Variants ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:left;"
 
|+ '''Quadra 605 identifiers'''
The Quadra 605 shares its logic board with several other Apple models:
! Item !! Value
 
* '''[[Macintosh LC 475|LC 475]]''' – Education market variant
* '''[[Macintosh Performa 475|Performa 475]]''' – Consumer market variant 
* '''[[Macintosh Performa 476|Performa 476]]''' – Consumer market variant (bundled with different software/peripherals)
 
The primary differences between these models are case color, bundled software, and distribution channel. The LC 475 case has a slightly different appearance, but the internal hardware is identical.
 
== Architecture and Processor ==
 
The Quadra 605 uses a Motorola 68LC040 processor running at 25 MHz.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_quadra/specs/mac_quadra_605.html |title=Macintosh Quadra 605 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> The "LC" designation indicates this is a cost-reduced version of the 68040 that lacks a floating-point unit (FPU). The processor is socketed and can be upgraded to a full 68040 with FPU, or to a PowerPC 601 via third-party upgrade cards.
 
The system bus runs at 25 MHz. The 68LC040 includes 8 KB of on-chip cache. An optional 256 KB L2 cache card could be installed on a riser card that plugged into the CPU socket.
 
=== ROM and System Software ===
 
The Quadra 605 contains a 1 MB ROM. It shipped with System 7.1 and officially supports up to Mac OS 8.1.
 
== Memory and Storage ==
 
=== RAM Configuration ===
 
The Quadra 605 has 4 MB of RAM soldered to the logic board. A single 72-pin SIMM slot allows expansion. Apple officially supports up to 32 MB SIMMs for a maximum of 36 MB total RAM. Third-party testing has demonstrated compatibility with 128 MB SIMMs, allowing up to 132 MB total.
 
RAM must be 80 ns or faster.
 
=== Storage Systems ===
 
The Quadra 605 shipped with either an 80 MB or 160 MB internal SCSI hard drive. A single 1.44 MB 3.5" manual-inject floppy drive is standard. External SCSI devices can be connected via the rear panel SCSI port.
 
== Display and Graphics ==
 
The Quadra 605 has dedicated video with two VRAM SIMM slots. Standard configuration includes 512 KB of VRAM (two 256 KB SIMMs). Upgrading to 1 MB (two 512 KB SIMMs) increases color depth at higher resolutions.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
|+ '''Video Capabilities'''
|-
|-
! VRAM !! Resolution !! Color Depth
| Model number || M1476<ref name="em" />
|-
|-
| 512 KB || 512×384 || 16-bit (Thousands)
| Order number || M1821LL/A (4 MB RAM, 80 MB hard disk)<ref name="em" />
|-
|-
| 512 KB || 640×480 || 8-bit (256 colors)
| Gestalt machine type || 94 ($5E); the LC 475 is 89 ($59)<ref name="dn" /><ref name="lem" />
|-
| 512 KB || 832×624 || 8-bit (256 colors)
|-
| 512 KB || 1024×768 || 4-bit (16 colors)
|-
| 1 MB || 832×624 || 16-bit (Thousands)
|-
| 1 MB || 1024×768 || 8-bit (256 colors)
|-
| 1 MB || 1152×870 || 8-bit (256 colors)
|}
|}
EveryMac gives the Quadra 605's Gestalt ID as 89, which Apple's developer note assigns to the LC 475.<ref name="em" /><ref name="dn" />


A second display can be supported by adding an LC III PDS video card.
== Processor and architecture ==
 
The Quadra 605 uses a Motorola 68LC040 at 25 MHz: a 68040 without the floating-point unit. The processor sits in a socket, so it can be replaced with a full 68040 to add the FPU; an expansion card cannot add one.<ref name="dn" /> Low End Mac notes that a 33 MHz 68040 fitted to the 605 still runs at 25 MHz.<ref name="lem" />
== Input/Output and Expansion ==


=== Port Configuration ===
The machine has two internal buses. The system bus runs at the processor clock; the I/O bus runs at 16 MHz and is buffered by Apple's PrimeTime IC, which gives 68030-style byte steering and dynamic bus sizing for older I/O software. The five custom ICs are MEMCjr (memory controller and frame buffer), PrimeTime (I/O buffer, SWIM II floppy controller, both VIAs), DFAC II (sound input), Cuda (ADB and power control) and Antelope (video CLUT and DAC). The SCSI controller is a 53C96.<ref name="dn" />


* 1× Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) for keyboard and mouse
Apple's service replacement logic board is the same part for the LC 475 and the Quadra 605; a Quadra 605 board has a jumper fitted on pins J18, which Apple's technician moves from the old board to the new one.<ref name="ss" />
* 2× Serial ports (printer and modem)
* 1× SCSI port (external)
* 1× Video port (DB-15)
* 1× Audio in (3.5mm)
* 1× Audio out (3.5mm)


=== Expansion ===
There is no programmer's switch. The NMI is Command-Power On and a reset is Control-Command-Power On, each held for at least one second.<ref name="dn" />


The Quadra 605 includes a single LC III PDS slot. However, in practice this slot is largely inaccessible due to the compact case design – installing PDS cards requires significant modification. The slot shares the same pinout as the LC III PDS.
== Memory ==
The logic board has 4 MB of RAM and one 72-pin SIMM socket. Apple's configurations run from 4 MB to 36 MB using 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 MB SIMMs; access time must be 80 ns or less, and the SIMM contacts must be tin.<ref name="dn" /> Apple's service manual lists 4 MB or 8 MB as shipped.<ref name="ss">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh LC Series/ Quadra 605 Service Source'', hosted as [[:File:Quadra_605.lc_series.pdf]] (see [[Macintosh LC Series/ Quadra 605 Service Source]]). Specifications pp. 3-13; Take Apart, Logic Board pp. 23-24 (J18 jumper); Additional Procedures, Battery Verification pp. 1-2; Exploded View.</ref> EveryMac reports that third parties have run the machine with a 128 MB SIMM, for 132 MB.<ref name="em" />


== Power Supply ==
Apple's developer note gives 1 MB of ROM soldered to the logic board; the Service Source's memory page says "512K expandable to 1 MB" for the LC III, LC 475 and Quadra 605.<ref name="dn" /><ref name="ss" />


The Quadra 605 uses the same compact power supply as the LC, LC II, LC III, and LC 475. The power supply accepts 100V-240V AC at 47-63 Hz and draws a maximum of 30 watts. This shared power supply design means capacitor replacement guides for the LC series apply to the Quadra 605.
== Video ==
All video RAM is on two 68-pin VRAM SIMMs; there is none on the board. Both sockets must be filled with SIMMs of the same size, 256 KB each (512 KB total) or 512 KB each (1 MB); the system does not recognise more than 1 MB.<ref name="dn" />


== General Maintenance ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
 
|+ '''Maximum pixel depth (bits per pixel), from Apple's developer note Table 1-2'''
For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated [[Macintosh Quadra 605 General Maintenance]] page.
! Monitor !! Pixels !! 512 KB VRAM !! 1 MB VRAM
 
== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==
 
Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board and power supply can be found on the [[Macintosh Quadra 605 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.
 
== Troubleshooting ==
 
A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues including startup problems, video issues, and component failures is available on the [[Macintosh Quadra 605 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
|-
| '''CPU''' || Motorola 68LC040 @ 25 MHz
|-
| '''FPU''' || None (LC variant)
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 32-bit data, 32-bit address
|-
| '''System Bus''' || 25 MHz
|-
| '''ROM''' || 1 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 4 MB soldered + 1 SIMM slot (max 36 MB official, 132 MB tested)
|-
|-
| '''L1 Cache''' || 8 KB (on-chip)
| 12-inch colour || 512 × 384 || 16 || 16
|-
|-
| '''L2 Cache''' || Optional 256 KB (riser card)
| 12-inch monochrome || 640 × 480 || 8 || 8
|-
|-
| '''Video''' || 512 KB – 1 MB VRAM, up to 1152×870
| 14-inch colour, VGA or NTSC || 640 × 480 || 8 || 16
|-
|-
| '''Sound''' || 8-bit stereo input/output
| 15-inch portrait || 640 × 870 || 4 || 8
|-
|-
| '''Storage''' || SCSI internal/external, 1.44 MB floppy
| 16-inch colour || 832 × 624 || 8 || 16
|-
|-
| '''Expansion''' || 1× LC III PDS (limited accessibility)
| 19-inch colour || 1024 × 768 || 4 || 8
|-
|-
| '''Power''' || 30W max, 100-240V AC
| 21-inch colour or monochrome || 1152 × 870 || 4 || 8
|}
|}


=== Gestalt ID and Model Numbers ===
== Storage, sound and ports ==
* Hard disk: 80 or 160 MB internal SCSI in Apple's developer note; the Service Source lists 160 or 230 MB for the LC 475 and Quadra 605 together.<ref name="dn" /><ref name="ss" />
* Floppy: one 1.4 MB Apple SuperDrive, auto-inject or manual-insert.<ref name="ss" />
* Ports: two serial ports (the modem port is a 9-pin mini-DIN carrying +5 V on pin 9, with 500 mA shared with ADB), SCSI (DB-25), one ADB port, DB-15 video, sound in and sound out.<ref name="dn" />
* Sound: 8-bit, 11 or 22 kHz; mono input, stereo output.<ref name="ss" /> The LC and LC II microphone does not work; the input needs the line-level Apple PlainTalk microphone.<ref name="dn" />
 
== Expansion ==
The single internal slot takes 96-pin cards designed for the LC II and 114-pin cards designed for the LC III. It is not a processor-direct slot: it does not connect to the 68LC040, runs at 16 MHz and does not support 68040 bus transfers. Accelerators, 68882 FPU cards and cache cards made for 68020 or 68030 machines do not work in it. The card fits parallel to the logic board and reaches a knock-out opening in the back of the case.<ref name="dn" />


{| class="wikitable" style="width:70%"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:50%; text-align:center;"
|-
|+ '''Power available to an expansion card (4 W total maximum)'''
! Identifier !! Value
! Rail !! Maximum current
|-
|-
| Apple Model No. || M1476
| +5 V || 800 mA
|-
|-
| Apple Order No. || M1821LL/A
| −5 V || 20 mA
|-
|-
| Gestalt ID || 89
| +12 V || 200 mA
|-
| PRAM Battery || 3.6V Lithium
|}
|}
Source: developer note Table 3-3.<ref name="dn" />


== Service documentation ==
Apple's own Macintosh Processor Upgrade fits the 605: a PowerPC 601 card with a socket for the original 68LC040 and a 256K cache card, needing at least 8 MB of RAM and System 7.5.<ref name="ppu">Apple, ''Macintosh Processor Upgrade'' Service Source, Basics p. 1 and Specifications p. 1; see [[Macintosh Processor Upgrade Service Source]].</ref><ref name="ss" /> Low End Mac gives its clock as 50 MHz.<ref name="lem" />


Apple's own service manual is hosted here as
== Power supply and battery ==
[[Macintosh LC Series/ Quadra 605 Service Source]], which covers the Quadra 605 alongside the LC,
Apple rates the Quadra 605 at 26 W maximum, 100-240 V AC automatically configured, 50-60 Hz. The same page gives 50 W for the LC and LC II and 30 W for the LC III.<ref name="ss" /> The exploded view for the family lists power supply 661-1733 and lithium battery 742-0011.<ref name="ss" /> Apple's battery check is to replace the battery if it reads below 3.0 V; EveryMac gives the type as 3.6 V lithium.<ref name="ss" /><ref name="em" />
LC II, LC III and LC 475. It gives the Quadra 605 line frequency as '''50–60 Hz''' (the LC series is
47–63 Hz) on a '''100–240 VAC''' automatically configured input, a maximum power of just
'''26 W''', and the PRAM cell threshold as '''replace below 3.0 V'''.<ref name="ssmacintoshlcserie">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh LC Series/Quadra 605'', Service Source, 112 pp, PDF distilled 4 December 1995. Hosted here as the wiki page linked above ([[:File:quadra_605.lc_series.pdf]]). Specifications chapter, and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification where a threshold is quoted.</ref>


The supply ratings across that family are worth noting before swapping parts between them: LC and
== Service documentation ==
LC II '''50 W''', LC III '''30 W''', Quadra 605 '''26 W'''.<ref name="ssmacintoshlcserie" />
* [[Macintosh LC Series/ Quadra 605 Service Source]]: Apple's module-level service manual for the LC, LC II, LC III, LC 475 and Quadra 605.<ref name="ss" />
* [[Macintosh LC 475 and Quadra 605 Developer Note]]: specifications, pin assignments, custom ICs and the expansion-card design guide.<ref name="dn" />
* [[Macintosh Processor Upgrade Service Source]]


<pdf width="800" height="500">File:Quadra_605.lc_series.pdf</pdf>
<pdf width="800" height="500">File:Quadra_605.lc_series.pdf</pdf>


== See Also ==
== General maintenance, capacitors and troubleshooting ==
 
* [[Macintosh LC 475|LC 475]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 475|Performa 475]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 476|Performa 476]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 605 General Maintenance]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 605 General Maintenance]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 605 Capacitor Replacement Guide]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 605 Troubleshooting]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 605 Troubleshooting]]
* [[Macintosh Quadra 605 Capacitor Replacement Guide]]
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Quadra 605 insides.jpg|Inside a Quadra 605: hard disk, speaker, fan, floppy drive, power supply and logic board (photo: Danamania, CC BY-SA 2.5)
File:Quadra 605 Ports.jpg|Quadra 605 rear ports, with an Ethernet card's RJ-45 socket in the expansion opening (photo: Danamania, CC BY-SA 2.5)
</gallery>
 
== Related pages ==
* [[Macintosh LC 475]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 475]]
* [[Macintosh Performa 476]]
* [[Macintosh LC III]]
* [[Macintosh Centris 650]]


== References ==
== References ==
<references />


<references />
{{Navbox-AppleVintage|state=collapsed}}


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