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Macintosh IIsi: Difference between revisions

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Verify against Apple's Macintosh IIsi Service Source (hosted, already cited at the foot of this page): maximum power is Apple's 100 W, not the '160 W Sony power supply' the body of the page claimed; RAM is 2 MB standard (1 MB soldered plus a SIMM) expandable to 17 MB; hard drive is 40 MB with an optional 80 MB, not 40/80/160; added Apple's replace-below-3.0 V battery threshold - the IIsi is 3.0 V, not the 2.8 V often applied to it from the IIcx/IIci - and the 68030's 256-byte caches and burst...
Rewrite from IIsi Service Source and Developer Note: memory/video, ROM, slot and FPU, soft power, battery 3.0 V, part numbers; Apple spec sheet 160 W alongside the 100 W Service Source figure; remove uncited and Wikipedia-only claims
 
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{{Infobox computer
{{Infobox computer
| name        = Macintosh IIsi
| name        = Macintosh IIsi
| image        = [[File:Macintosh IIsi.jpg|250px]]
| image        = [[File:Macintosh IIsi.jpg|250px|frameless]]
| caption      = Macintosh IIsi
| caption      = Macintosh IIsi (All About Apple museum)
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type        = Desktop Personal Computer
| type        = Desktop personal computer
| release date = October 15, 1990
| released    = 15 October 1990
| discontinued = March 15, 1993
| discontinued = 15 March 1993
| price        = US$2,999 – $3,770
| price        = US$3,770-4,570 at introduction
| cpu          = Motorola 68030 @ 20 MHz
| cpu          = Motorola 68030 at 20 MHz
| memory      = 2 MB standard (1 MB soldered + SIMM), expandable to 17 MB
| fpu          = Optional 68882 on the slot adapter card
| storage      = Internal 40 MB SCSI hard drive; optional internal 80 MB
| memory      = 1 MB soldered plus four 30-pin SIMM sockets; 17 MB in Apple's specification, 65 MB with 16 MB SIMMs
| display      = Integrated video (640×480 @ 8-bit color)
| rom          = 512 KB
| sound        = 8-bit stereo output, 8-bit mono input
| storage      = Internal 40 or 80 MB SCSI hard drive
| dimensions  = 4.0" H × 12.4" W × 14.9" D (10.2 × 31.5 × 37.8 cm)
| media        = Internal 1.4 MB floppy drive; external floppy port
| weight      = 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
| graphics    = Built in (DB-15), frame buffer in the soldered 1 MB of RAM
| os          = System 6.0.7 – Mac OS 7.6.1
| sound        = Apple Sound Chip stereo output; 8-bit mono sound input
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh IIci]]
| expansion    = One 120-pin slot, NuBus or 68030 direct slot through an adapter card
| ports        = ADB, two RS-232/RS-422 serial (mini DIN-8), SCSI (DB-25), floppy (DB-19), video (DB-15), sound in and out
| power        = 100-240 V AC auto-configured, 50-60 Hz, 100 W maximum
| dimensions  = 4.0 × 12.4 × 14.9 in (10 × 31 × 37.2 cm)
| weight      = 10 lb (4.5 kg)
| os          = System 6.0.7 to Mac OS 7.6.1
| successor    = [[Macintosh Centris 610]]
| successor    = [[Macintosh Centris 610]]
| codename    = Erickson, Raffica, Ray Ban, Spin, Oceanic
| codename    = Erickson, Raffica, Raffika, Ray Ban, Spin, Oceanic
| model        = M0360
| model        = M0360 (Gestalt ID 18)
}}
}}
The '''Macintosh IIsi''' is a desktop personal computer designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Computer, Inc. from October 1990 to March 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/112193 |title=Macintosh IIsi: Technical Specifications |publisher=Apple Inc. |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref> Introduced as a lower-cost alternative to the [[Macintosh IIci]], the IIsi was Apple's entry-level professional Macintosh, with more expandability than the [[Macintosh LC]] which launched the same day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_ii/specs/mac_iisi.html |title=Macintosh IIsi Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
The '''Macintosh IIsi''' is a desktop Macintosh introduced by Apple on 15 October 1990 and discontinued on 15 March 1993.<ref name="everymac">{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_ii/specs/mac_iisi.html |title=Apple Macintosh IIsi Specs |publisher=EveryMac |access-date=2026-09-30}} Introduced 15 October 1990, discontinued 15 March 1993; US$3,770 and US$4,570; model M0360, Gestalt ID 18; order numbers M0363LL/A (2 MB, 40 MB), M0364LL/A and M0364LL/B (5 MB, 80 MB), M0491LL/B (3 MB, 40 MB), M0954LL/A (5 MB, 160 MB); 64-320K of RAM used by video; 3.6 V lithium battery.</ref> It is a lower-cost relative of the [[Macintosh IIci]] in a smaller case of its own: the same MDU and RBV chip set, a 20 MHz 68030, 1 MB of RAM soldered to the board, built-in video and sound input, and a single expansion connector that takes either a NuBus card or a 68030 direct-slot card through an adapter.<ref name="dn">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh IIsi Computer Developer Note'' (1990), [[:File:Macintosh IIsi Developer Note.pdf]]; see [[Macintosh IIsi Developer Note]]. Page numbers are the PDF's: features pp. 14-16; compatibility pp. 18-20; RAM interface and video use of RAM pp. 32-36; ROM interface p. 38; on-board video p. 41; sound p. 61; ADB microcontroller, RTC, soft power, reset and NMI pp. 62-66; 68030 Direct Slot pp. 70-72; NuBus adapter p. 95.</ref> Apple's service manual gives it a volume of its own.<ref name="ss">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh IIsi'' Service Source (1995), [[:File:Macintosh iisi.pdf]]; see [[Macintosh IIsi Service Source]]. Page numbers are the PDF's: Specifications pp. 5-12; Symptom Charts pp. 15-28; Take Apart pp. 30-48; Upgrades (adapter cards) pp. 50-56; Battery Verification p. 59; Battery Replacement pp. 60-62; Exploded View p. 64.</ref>
 
The IIsi was the first Macintosh with built-in audio recording, featuring an integrated microphone input.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1990/mac-iisi/ |title=Mac IIsi |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref> The compact desktop case was unique to the IIsi and not used for any other Macintosh model.
 
== Architecture and Processor ==
 
The Macintosh IIsi uses a '''Motorola MC68030''' microprocessor running at 20 MHz.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_IIsi |title=Macintosh IIsi |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
* '''32-bit internal registers''' with 32-bit data path
* '''24-bit or 32-bit addressing modes'''
* '''256-byte instruction and data caches''' on the 68030, and '''burst-mode RAM access''' — Apple's own wording<ref name="ssmacintoshiisi" />
* '''No Level 2 cache'''
 
The system bus runs at 20 MHz. Apple underclocked the IIsi from 25 MHz to 20 MHz to avoid cannibalizing sales of the more expensive IIci. Many users modified ("chipped") their IIsi to run at 25 MHz or 28 MHz.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1990/mac-iisi/ |title=Mac IIsi |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
=== Floating Point Unit ===
 
The Motorola 68882 FPU is optional and not included on the logic board. The FPU installs via the Apple NuBus Adapter card, which plugs into the Processor Direct Slot and converts it to a NuBus slot while providing the FPU socket.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_ii/specs/mac_iisi.html |title=Macintosh IIsi Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
== Memory ==
 
=== RAM Configuration ===
 
* '''Soldered RAM''': 1 MB on logic board
* '''SIMM Slots''': 4 × 30-pin SIMM slots
* '''SIMM Speed''': 100 ns minimum
* '''Maximum RAM''': 17 MB (Apple official), 65 MB (with unofficial 16 MB SIMMs)
* '''SIMM Installation''': Must be installed in matched groups of four identical SIMMs
* '''Supported SIMM Sizes''': 256 KB, 512 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB, 4 MB (8 MB and 16 MB SIMMs work but are not officially supported)
 
The IIsi's 1 MB of soldered RAM cannot be removed or disabled. When calculating total RAM, add this 1 MB to the SIMM capacity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/112193 |title=Macintosh IIsi: Technical Specifications |publisher=Apple Inc. |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
=== ROM ===
 
* '''ROM Size''': 512 KB
* '''ROM Type''': Usually soldered to the logic board
* '''ROM SIMM Slot''': Present on some units; may contain a ROM SIMM instead of soldered ROMs
* '''ROM ID''': $067C
 
Some IIsi units shipped with ROMs on a removable SIMM rather than soldered chips. The IIsi ROM is reportedly compatible with the [[Macintosh SE/30]] and may provide 32-bit clean operation when installed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1990/mac-iisi/ |title=Mac IIsi |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
== Video ==
 
The Macintosh IIsi uses integrated video that shares main system RAM, reducing available RAM and impacting performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_IIsi |title=Macintosh IIsi |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
=== Video Specifications ===
 
* '''Video Output''': DB-15 connector
* '''Video RAM''': 64 KB – 320 KB (shared from system RAM, depending on resolution)
* '''Maximum Resolution''': 640 × 480 pixels
* '''Color Depth''': 8-bit (256 colors) at 640 × 480
* '''Portrait Monitor Support''': 640 × 870 at 4-bit (16 grays)
 
Video uses the slow 1 MB of soldered RAM first, making video performance slower than dedicated VRAM systems. Setting the disk cache to 768 KB or larger forces video operations to use the faster SIMM RAM instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_IIsi |title=Macintosh IIsi |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
== Audio ==
 
The Macintosh IIsi was the first Macintosh with built-in audio input.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1990/mac-iisi/ |title=Mac IIsi |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
* '''Audio Output''': 8-bit stereo, 22 kHz
* '''Audio Input''': 8-bit mono, omnidirectional microphone input
* '''Output Jack''': 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack
* '''Input Jack''': 3.5 mm microphone input
* '''Internal Speaker''': Mono speaker on daughterboard
 
The IIsi develops sound issues over time due to its modular construction. The internal speaker mounts on a daughterboard with spring contacts that connect to the logic board. Speaker vibrations cause fretting of the contact surfaces, resulting in intermittent audio dropouts. Cleaning the contacts with a pencil eraser fixes this.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_IIsi |title=Macintosh IIsi |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
== Storage ==
 
=== Hard Drive ===
 
* '''Interface''': SCSI (DB-25 external connector)
* '''Standard Capacities''': 40 MB, 80 MB, or 160 MB
* '''Internal Bay''': One 3.5" SCSI hard drive bay
 
=== Floppy Drive ===
 
* '''Drive Type''': Apple SuperDrive (1.44 MB)
* '''Floppy Capacity''': 1.44 MB (HD) and 800 KB (DD)
* '''Injection Type''': Auto-inject
* '''External Connector''': DB-19 floppy port
 
== Input/Output and Expansion ==
 
=== Ports ===
 
* '''ADB Ports''': 1 (Apple Desktop Bus for keyboard and mouse)
* '''Serial Ports''': 2 × Mini DIN-8 RS-422 (Printer and Modem)
* '''SCSI Port''': DB-25 connector
* '''Floppy Port''': DB-19 connector
* '''Video Port''': DB-15 connector
* '''Audio Output''': 3.5 mm stereo jack
* '''Audio Input''': 3.5 mm microphone jack
 
=== Expansion Slot ===
 
The IIsi has a single '''Processor Direct Slot (PDS)''' compatible with [[Macintosh SE/30]] expansion cards. The slot runs at 20 MHz instead of 16 MHz, so some SE/30 cards may not work.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1990/mac-iisi/ |title=Mac IIsi |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
The '''Apple IIsi NuBus Adapter''' converts the PDS slot to accept standard 7-inch NuBus cards. This adapter also includes a socket for the optional 68882 FPU. With a slim hard drive, 12-inch NuBus cards may also fit.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_ii/specs/mac_iisi.html |title=Macintosh IIsi Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
== Power ==
 
* '''Maximum power''': '''100 W''', not including the monitor — Apple's figure<ref name="ssmacintoshiisi">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh IIsi Service Source'' ([[Macintosh IIsi Service Source]], [[:File:Macintosh_iisi.pdf]]), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures → Battery Verification.</ref>
* '''Input voltage''': 100–240 VAC, '''automatically configured'''
* '''Frequency''': 50–60 Hz, single phase
 
'''A "160 W Sony power supply" was previously given here, and appears elsewhere on this wiki.
Apple's published maximum power for the IIsi is 100 W.'''
* '''BTU per Hour''': 547.2
* '''PRAM battery''': 3.6 V ½AA lithium. Apple's instruction is '''replace below 3.0 V'''<ref name="ssmacintoshiisi" /> — not 2.8 V, which is the IIcx/IIci figure and is often applied to this machine by mistake. Neutralise lithium leakage with bicarbonate of soda, not vinegar
* '''Soft Power''': Yes (power controlled via ADB keyboard)
* '''Pass-Through''': Yes (power outlet on back for monitor)
 
== Case Design ==
 
The IIsi uses a unique compact desktop case not shared with any other Macintosh. The case uses clips and latches rather than screws, requiring no tools for disassembly.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macintosh_IIsi |title=Macintosh IIsi |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
* '''Dimensions''': 4.0" H × 12.4" W × 14.9" D (10.2 × 31.5 × 37.8 cm)
* '''Weight''': 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
 
== General Maintenance ==
 
Common maintenance concerns include capacitor leakage, PRAM battery failure, and speaker contact corrosion.
 
For cleaning, battery maintenance, board inspection, and power supply procedures, see the [[Macintosh IIsi General Maintenance]] page.
 
== PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==
 
The Macintosh IIsi has a logic board, power supply, and speaker daughterboard. Apple Service Source documentation provides troubleshooting and repair information.
 
=== Apple Service Manual ===
<pdf width="800" height="500">File:macintosh_iisi.pdf</pdf>
 
The complete Apple Service Source manual is at [[Macintosh IIsi Service Source]]. Additional manuals are in the [[:Category:Apple Service Source|Apple Service Source]] category.
 
== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==
 
The Macintosh IIsi logic board and power supply contain surface-mount electrolytic capacitors prone to leakage after 30+ years. Leaking capacitors corrode PCB traces and cause intermittent operation.
 
'''Logic Board Capacitors:'''
* 2 × 220 µF 16V (axial electrolytic)
* 11 × 47 µF 16V (surface-mount tantalum)
 
For capacitor specifications and procedures, see the [[Macintosh IIsi Capacitor Replacement Guide]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://68kmla.org/bb/threads/caps-macintosh-iisi.26708/ |title=Caps! -- Macintosh IIsi |publisher=68kMLA |access-date=2026-02-09}}</ref>
 
== Troubleshooting ==
 
Common issues include startup failures, video problems, audio dropouts, and SCSI device issues. Many problems are caused by capacitor failure or PRAM battery leakage.
 
For diagnostics on power, video, Sad Mac errors, sound, and SCSI failures, see the [[Macintosh IIsi Troubleshooting]] page.
 
== Technical Specifications ==


== Specifications ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:88%;"
=== System Overview ===
|+'''Macintosh IIsi specifications (Apple)'''
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
! Item !! Specification
! Sub-system !! Specification (Macintosh IIsi, October 1990)
|-
|-
| '''CPU''' || Motorola 68030 @ 20 MHz
| Processor || Motorola 68030 at 20 MHz; 256-byte instruction and data caches; burst-mode RAM access; built-in MMU<ref name="ss" />
|-
|-
| '''FPU''' || Optional Motorola 68882 (via NuBus adapter)
| Coprocessor || Motorola 68882 at 20 MHz, on the optional adapter card only<ref name="ss" />
|-
|-
| '''Bus Width''' || 32-bit data • 24-bit or 32-bit addressing
| RAM || 2 MB, expandable to 17 MB (1 MB soldered plus four 30-pin SIMMs); 100 ns fast-page-mode<ref name="ss" /><ref name="dn" />
|-
|-
| '''ROM''' || 512 KB
| ROM || 512K<ref name="ss" />
|-
|-
| '''RAM''' || Apple: '''2 MB standard, expandable to 17 MB'''<ref name="ssmacintoshiisi" /> — 1 MB soldered plus four 30-pin SIMM slots
| Parameter RAM || 256 bytes<ref name="ss" />
|-
|-
| '''L1 Cache''' || 0.5 KB (on-chip)
| Floppy drive || Internal 1.4 MB; external DB-19 port for an 800K or 1.4 MB drive<ref name="ss" /><ref name="dn" />
|-
|-
| '''L2 Cache''' || None
| Hard drive || Internal 40 MB; optional internal 80 MB<ref name="ss" />
|-
|-
| '''Video''' || Integrated, 640 × 480 @ 8-bit (shares system RAM)
| Expansion || One slot for either a NuBus or an 030 direct-slot card; 15 W maximum<ref name="ss" />
|-
|-
| '''Sound''' || 8-bit stereo output • 8-bit mono input
| Video || Built-in: 12-inch and 13-inch RGB and 12-inch monochrome monitors at up to 8 bits per pixel; 15-inch portrait monitor at up to 4 bits per pixel<ref name="dn" />
|-
|-
| '''Storage''' || 40/80/160 MB SCSI HDD • 1.44 MB SuperDrive
| Sound || Four-voice wavetable synthesis and stereo sampling; output impedance 8-600 Ω, short-circuit protected; internal speaker disabled when the jack is used; 8-bit mono sound input<ref name="ss" /><ref name="dn" />
|-
|-
| '''Expansion''' || Apple: "One slot for either a NuBus or 030 direct slot card", with '''15 W maximum''' available to it<ref name="ssmacintoshiisi" />. The printed current figures in that volume read "+12 V 175 A / −12 V 150 A", which must be '''175 mA''' and '''150 mA''' — see the note below
| Power || 100-240 V AC, automatically configured; 50-60 Hz single phase; 100 W maximum, not including the monitor<ref name="ss" />
|-
|-
| '''Ports''' || ADB • 2 × Serial • SCSI • Floppy • Video • Audio I/O
| Size and weight || 4.0 × 12.4 × 14.9 in (10 × 31 × 37.2 cm); 10 lb (4.5 kg), varying with configuration<ref name="ss" />
|}
|}


=== Model Configurations ===
Apple's online specification sheet for the IIsi gives the maximum as 160 W (1.33 A, 547.2 BTU per hour), the battery as 3.6 V lithium, and one ADB port.<ref name="applespecs">{{cite web |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/112193 |title=Macintosh IIsi: Technical Specifications |publisher=Apple |access-date=2026-09-30}} Max watts 160, amps 1.33, BTU per hour 547.2, 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz; battery 3.6 V lithium; soft power and pass-through outlet; 1 MB on the logic board, four 30-pin SIMM slots, 1-17 MB, 100 ns, installed in groups of four; one ADB port; Gestalt ID 18; ROM ID $067C; original system software 6.0.7; supported to 7.6.1.</ref>
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
 
|+ '''Macintosh IIsi Model Numbers and Configurations'''
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
! Order Number !! RAM !! Hard Drive !! Price (1990)
|+'''Macintosh IIsi order numbers (EveryMac)'''
! Order number !! RAM !! Hard drive
|-
|-
| M0363LL/A || 2 MB || 40 MB || US$2,999
| M0363LL/A || 2 MB || 40 MB
|-
|-
| M0364LL/A || 5 MB || 80 MB || US$3,769
| M0491LL/B || 3 MB || 40 MB
|-
|-
| M0364LL/B || 5 MB || 80 MB || —
| M0364LL/A, M0364LL/B || 5 MB || 80 MB
|-
|-
| M0491LL/B || 3 MB || 40 MB || —
| M0954LL/A || 5 MB || 160 MB
|-
| M0954LL/A || 5 MB || 160 MB || —
|}
|}


=== Identification ===
== Hardware ==
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:60%;"
=== Memory and video ===
|-
Bank A is the 1 MB soldered to the logic board, eight 256K × 4 DRAMs that cannot be changed. Bank B is four 30-pin SIMM sockets, filled with four identical SIMMs of 256K, 512K, 1 MB, 2 MB or 4 MB. Apple's developer note also allows 16 MB SIMMs, which give 65 MB.<ref name="dn" /><ref name="applespecs" /> Apple's figure for SIMM speed is 100 ns or faster.<ref name="dn" />
! Identifier !! Value
 
|-
The built-in video has no video RAM of its own. The RBV chip uses the soldered bank A as its frame buffer, taking only as much as the screen needs at the chosen depth.<ref name="dn" /> EveryMac gives 64K to 320K.<ref name="everymac" /> Video fetches tie up bank A only; the processor can use bank B at the same time.<ref name="dn" /> Low End Mac notes that sharing RAM with the video slows the machine slightly, and suggests a 768K disk cache, which occupies bank A so that programs run from the SIMMs.<ref name="lem">{{cite web |url=https://lowendmac.com/1990/mac-iisi/ |title=Mac IIsi |publisher=Low End Mac |access-date=2026-09-30}} Intended as a 25 MHz machine and scaled back to 20 MHz; 768K disk cache or IIsi-RAM-Muncher to keep programs out of the video bank; speaker fault from poor contact; ROM SIMM rare, and a IIsi that has one will not work without it; US$3,800; code names; SE/30 PDS at 20 MHz.</ref> With an unknown monitor, or none, the built-in video stops.<ref name="dn" />
| Apple Model Number || M0360
 
|-
=== ROM ===
| Gestalt ID || 18
Apple's developer note says the first production IIsi boards carry the 512K ROM on a ROM SIMM, and later boards have it soldered, with the SIMM socket kept for upgrades.<ref name="dn" /> Low End Mac says a board built with a ROM SIMM will not work without it.<ref name="lem" /> On the board Recap-a-Mac photographed, the soldered ROMs are the two square chips above the floppy connector.<ref name="ram">{{cite web |url=https://recapamac.com.au/macintosh-iisi/ |title=Macintosh IIsi |publisher=Recap-a-Mac |access-date=2026-09-30}} Annotated photograph of logic board 820-0301-A, hosted here as [[:File:Mac IIsi Recap Guide.jpg]]: 11 × 47 µF 16 V surface-mount and 2 × 220 µF 16 V axial; leaky capacitors on the logic board and in the power supply; some versions use a ROM SIMM instead of soldered ROMs.</ref>
|-
 
| ROM ID || $067C
=== Expansion slot and FPU ===
|}
The logic board has one 120-pin Euro-DIN connector. Apple sold two adapter cards for it: one takes a 68030 direct-slot card, the other a NuBus card, and both carry a 20 MHz 68882. A IIsi without an adapter has no FPU; a buyer who wanted the FPU and nothing else still had to fit an adapter.<ref name="dn" /><ref name="ss" /> Macintosh SE/30 direct-slot cards work if they can run at the IIsi's 20 MHz and their ribbon cables are at least 220 mm long.<ref name="dn" /> The NuBus card sits horizontally over the logic board at slot address $9, and Apple says any NuBus card size it specifies fits.<ref name="dn" />
 
Apple budgets 15 W for the slot. The Service Source prints the currents as "+5 V 2.0 A, +12 V 175 A, -12 V 150 A"; the last two can only be milliamps within 15 W.<ref name="ss" />
 
=== Power control ===
A Motorola 68HC05-based microcontroller runs ADB, the clock, parameter RAM, soft power and power-on reset. The supply keeps a +5 V trickle output whenever the machine is plugged in, which lets the controller watch the keyboard power key and the rear power switch.<ref name="dn" /> There is no programmer's switch: Command-Control-Power gives a hard reset, and Command-Power an NMI once a control panel has enabled it; hold either for at least a second.<ref name="dn" />
 
The rear power switch can be locked on with a screwdriver or coin, so that the IIsi restarts itself after a power cut. Apple's cure for "system restarts itself" is to turn that switch back to the unlocked, horizontal position.<ref name="dn" /><ref name="ss" />
 
=== Sound ===
Sound output uses the Apple Sound Chip and two Sony sound chips, as on the II, IIx, IIcx and IIci. Sound input is 8-bit mono through a filter, preamplifier and FIFO buffer; a microphone came with the machine.<ref name="dn" /> The speaker sits under the logic board and connects through metal fingers pressing against the underside of the board.<ref name="ss" /> When those contacts corrode, the internal speaker cuts out, sometimes only after hours of running; see [[Macintosh IIsi Troubleshooting]].<ref name="faq">Elliotte Rusty Harold and contributors, Macintosh hardware FAQ, "How can I fix the sound on my IIsi?", {{cite web |url=https://stason.org/TULARC/os-macintosh/hardware/32-How-can-I-fix-the-sound-on-my-IISI-Macintosh-hardware.html |title=32 How can I fix the sound on my IISI? |publisher=TULARC |access-date=2026-09-30}}</ref>
 
=== Power supply ===
Apple part 661-1616.<ref name="ss" /> Console5 and Recap-a-Mac identify it as a Sony APS-06M, and Recap-a-Mac says it is "extremely prone to leakage".<ref name="c5psu">{{cite web |url=https://wiki.console5.com/wiki/Sony_APS-06M |title=Sony APS-06M |publisher=Console5 TechWiki |access-date=2026-09-30}}</ref><ref name="rampsu">{{cite web |url=https://recapamac.com.au/macintosh-iisi-power-supply/ |title=Macintosh IIsi Power Supply |publisher=Recap-a-Mac |access-date=2026-09-30}}</ref> Its capacitor list is on the [[Macintosh IIsi Capacitor Replacement Guide]]. Apple publishes no rail tolerances and no adjustment for it; every power fault in the symptom charts ends at "replace power supply".<ref name="ss" />
 
=== Battery ===
The clock and parameter RAM are kept by a 3.6 V lithium cell in a holder on the logic board.<ref name="applespecs" /> Apple's test: with the cover off, measure on the 10 V DC range and replace the battery if it reads below 3.0 V. To change it, remove the cover and expansion card, prise open the latch at the end of the holder with a small flat-blade screwdriver, and match the "+" end to the "+" on the holder.<ref name="ss" /> Remove the cell before storing the machine; see [[Battery Explosion, Capacitor or Corrosion Damage]].


== Service documentation ==
=== Capacitors ===
Logic board 820-0301-A has eleven 47 µF 16 V surface-mount electrolytics and two 220 µF 16 V axial parts, and Recap-a-Mac found leaking capacitors on both the logic board and the power supply.<ref name="ram" /> Designators and the power supply list are on the [[Macintosh IIsi Capacitor Replacement Guide]].


Apple's own service manual is hosted here as [[Macintosh IIsi Service Source]]. It gives
== Maintenance and repair ==
'''2 MB of RAM expandable to 17 MB''', '''512K of ROM''', 256 bytes of PRAM, a maximum power of
* [[Macintosh IIsi General Maintenance]]: opening the case, battery, power supply and cleaning.
'''100 W''' excluding the monitor, and the PRAM cell threshold as '''replace below 3.0 V'''. It also
* [[Macintosh IIsi Troubleshooting]]: Apple's symptom charts and the known faults.
records that the '''68882 FPU is on the optional adapter card, not the logic board''' — a IIsi with
* [[Macintosh IIsi Capacitor Replacement Guide]]: logic board and power supply capacitor lists.
no card has no FPU, which is a common misdiagnosis.<ref name="ssmacintoshiisi">Apple Computer, ''Macintosh IIsi'', Service Source, 64 pp, PDF distilled 1 November 1995. Hosted here as the wiki page linked above ([[:File:Macintosh_iisi.pdf]]). Specifications chapter, and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification where a threshold is quoted.</ref>


One figure in that volume is '''wrong as printed'''. The expansion slot budget appears as
== Documentation ==
"+5 V 2.0 A / +12 V 175 A / −12 V 150 A" against a stated '''15 W maximum''' for the slot. 175 A at
* [[Macintosh IIsi Service Source]]: Apple's service manual.<ref name="ss" />
12 V is 2.1 kW; the figures must be '''175 mA''' and '''150 mA''', which is exactly what the
* [[Macintosh IIsi Developer Note]]: Apple's developer note, with the memory, video, power control and expansion details.<ref name="dn" />
[[Macintosh Quadra 840AV Service Source]] prints for the same NuBus budget (0.175 A and 0.15 A).<ref name="ssmacintoshiisi" />


== See Also ==
<pdf width="800" height="500">File:Macintosh_iisi.pdf</pdf>


== Related pages ==
* [[Macintosh IIci]]
* [[Macintosh IIci]]
* [[Macintosh LC]]
* [[Macintosh LC]], introduced the same day
* [[Macintosh SE/30]]
* [[Macintosh SE/30]], whose direct-slot cards fit the IIsi adapter
* [[Macintosh Centris 610]]
* [[Macintosh Centris 610]]
* [[Sad Mac Error Codes]]


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


{{Navbox-AppleVintage|state=collapsed}}
[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]
[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]
[[Category:Macintosh II series]]
[[Category:Macintosh II series]]

Latest revision as of 15:56, 30 September 2026

Macintosh IIsi
Macintosh IIsi (All About Apple museum)
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypeDesktop personal computer
Released15 October 1990
Discontinued15 March 1993
Intro priceUS$3,770-4,570 at introduction
CPUMotorola 68030 at 20 MHz
Memory1 MB soldered plus four 30-pin SIMM sockets; 17 MB in Apple's specification, 65 MB with 16 MB SIMMs
StorageInternal 40 or 80 MB SCSI hard drive
Display—
SoundApple Sound Chip stereo output; 8-bit mono sound input
GraphicsBuilt in (DB-15), frame buffer in the soldered 1 MB of RAM
ROM512 KB
FPU / coprocessorOptional 68882 on the slot adapter card
MediaInternal 1.4 MB floppy drive; external floppy port
Ports / interfaceADB, two RS-232/RS-422 serial (mini DIN-8), SCSI (DB-25), floppy (DB-19), video (DB-15), sound in and out
ExpansionOne 120-pin slot, NuBus or 68030 direct slot through an adapter card
Power100-240 V AC auto-configured, 50-60 Hz, 100 W maximum
Dimensions4.0 × 12.4 × 14.9 in (10 × 31 × 37.2 cm)
Weight10 lb (4.5 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 6.0.7 to Mac OS 7.6.1
SuccessorMacintosh Centris 610
CodenameErickson, Raffica, Raffika, Ray Ban, Spin, Oceanic
Model no.M0360 (Gestalt ID 18)

The Macintosh IIsi is a desktop Macintosh introduced by Apple on 15 October 1990 and discontinued on 15 March 1993.[1] It is a lower-cost relative of the Macintosh IIci in a smaller case of its own: the same MDU and RBV chip set, a 20 MHz 68030, 1 MB of RAM soldered to the board, built-in video and sound input, and a single expansion connector that takes either a NuBus card or a 68030 direct-slot card through an adapter.[2] Apple's service manual gives it a volume of its own.[3]

Specifications

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Macintosh IIsi specifications (Apple)
Item Specification
Processor Motorola 68030 at 20 MHz; 256-byte instruction and data caches; burst-mode RAM access; built-in MMU[3]
Coprocessor Motorola 68882 at 20 MHz, on the optional adapter card only[3]
RAM 2 MB, expandable to 17 MB (1 MB soldered plus four 30-pin SIMMs); 100 ns fast-page-mode[3][2]
ROM 512K[3]
Parameter RAM 256 bytes[3]
Floppy drive Internal 1.4 MB; external DB-19 port for an 800K or 1.4 MB drive[3][2]
Hard drive Internal 40 MB; optional internal 80 MB[3]
Expansion One slot for either a NuBus or an 030 direct-slot card; 15 W maximum[3]
Video Built-in: 12-inch and 13-inch RGB and 12-inch monochrome monitors at up to 8 bits per pixel; 15-inch portrait monitor at up to 4 bits per pixel[2]
Sound Four-voice wavetable synthesis and stereo sampling; output impedance 8-600 Ω, short-circuit protected; internal speaker disabled when the jack is used; 8-bit mono sound input[3][2]
Power 100-240 V AC, automatically configured; 50-60 Hz single phase; 100 W maximum, not including the monitor[3]
Size and weight 4.0 × 12.4 × 14.9 in (10 × 31 × 37.2 cm); 10 lb (4.5 kg), varying with configuration[3]

Apple's online specification sheet for the IIsi gives the maximum as 160 W (1.33 A, 547.2 BTU per hour), the battery as 3.6 V lithium, and one ADB port.[4]

Macintosh IIsi order numbers (EveryMac)
Order number RAM Hard drive
M0363LL/A 2 MB 40 MB
M0491LL/B 3 MB 40 MB
M0364LL/A, M0364LL/B 5 MB 80 MB
M0954LL/A 5 MB 160 MB

Hardware

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Memory and video

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Bank A is the 1 MB soldered to the logic board, eight 256K × 4 DRAMs that cannot be changed. Bank B is four 30-pin SIMM sockets, filled with four identical SIMMs of 256K, 512K, 1 MB, 2 MB or 4 MB. Apple's developer note also allows 16 MB SIMMs, which give 65 MB.[2][4] Apple's figure for SIMM speed is 100 ns or faster.[2]

The built-in video has no video RAM of its own. The RBV chip uses the soldered bank A as its frame buffer, taking only as much as the screen needs at the chosen depth.[2] EveryMac gives 64K to 320K.[1] Video fetches tie up bank A only; the processor can use bank B at the same time.[2] Low End Mac notes that sharing RAM with the video slows the machine slightly, and suggests a 768K disk cache, which occupies bank A so that programs run from the SIMMs.[5] With an unknown monitor, or none, the built-in video stops.[2]

Apple's developer note says the first production IIsi boards carry the 512K ROM on a ROM SIMM, and later boards have it soldered, with the SIMM socket kept for upgrades.[2] Low End Mac says a board built with a ROM SIMM will not work without it.[5] On the board Recap-a-Mac photographed, the soldered ROMs are the two square chips above the floppy connector.[6]

Expansion slot and FPU

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The logic board has one 120-pin Euro-DIN connector. Apple sold two adapter cards for it: one takes a 68030 direct-slot card, the other a NuBus card, and both carry a 20 MHz 68882. A IIsi without an adapter has no FPU; a buyer who wanted the FPU and nothing else still had to fit an adapter.[2][3] Macintosh SE/30 direct-slot cards work if they can run at the IIsi's 20 MHz and their ribbon cables are at least 220 mm long.[2] The NuBus card sits horizontally over the logic board at slot address $9, and Apple says any NuBus card size it specifies fits.[2]

Apple budgets 15 W for the slot. The Service Source prints the currents as "+5 V 2.0 A, +12 V 175 A, -12 V 150 A"; the last two can only be milliamps within 15 W.[3]

Power control

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A Motorola 68HC05-based microcontroller runs ADB, the clock, parameter RAM, soft power and power-on reset. The supply keeps a +5 V trickle output whenever the machine is plugged in, which lets the controller watch the keyboard power key and the rear power switch.[2] There is no programmer's switch: Command-Control-Power gives a hard reset, and Command-Power an NMI once a control panel has enabled it; hold either for at least a second.[2]

The rear power switch can be locked on with a screwdriver or coin, so that the IIsi restarts itself after a power cut. Apple's cure for "system restarts itself" is to turn that switch back to the unlocked, horizontal position.[2][3]

Sound

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Sound output uses the Apple Sound Chip and two Sony sound chips, as on the II, IIx, IIcx and IIci. Sound input is 8-bit mono through a filter, preamplifier and FIFO buffer; a microphone came with the machine.[2] The speaker sits under the logic board and connects through metal fingers pressing against the underside of the board.[3] When those contacts corrode, the internal speaker cuts out, sometimes only after hours of running; see Macintosh IIsi Troubleshooting.[7]

Power supply

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Apple part 661-1616.[3] Console5 and Recap-a-Mac identify it as a Sony APS-06M, and Recap-a-Mac says it is "extremely prone to leakage".[8][9] Its capacitor list is on the Macintosh IIsi Capacitor Replacement Guide. Apple publishes no rail tolerances and no adjustment for it; every power fault in the symptom charts ends at "replace power supply".[3]

Battery

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The clock and parameter RAM are kept by a 3.6 V lithium cell in a holder on the logic board.[4] Apple's test: with the cover off, measure on the 10 V DC range and replace the battery if it reads below 3.0 V. To change it, remove the cover and expansion card, prise open the latch at the end of the holder with a small flat-blade screwdriver, and match the "+" end to the "+" on the holder.[3] Remove the cell before storing the machine; see Battery Explosion, Capacitor or Corrosion Damage.

Capacitors

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Logic board 820-0301-A has eleven 47 µF 16 V surface-mount electrolytics and two 220 µF 16 V axial parts, and Recap-a-Mac found leaking capacitors on both the logic board and the power supply.[6] Designators and the power supply list are on the Macintosh IIsi Capacitor Replacement Guide.

Maintenance and repair

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Documentation

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References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Apple Macintosh IIsi Specs, EveryMac—link(accessed 2026-09-30) Introduced 15 October 1990, discontinued 15 March 1993; US$3,770 and US$4,570; model M0360, Gestalt ID 18; order numbers M0363LL/A (2 MB, 40 MB), M0364LL/A and M0364LL/B (5 MB, 80 MB), M0491LL/B (3 MB, 40 MB), M0954LL/A (5 MB, 160 MB); 64-320K of RAM used by video; 3.6 V lithium battery.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 Apple Computer, Macintosh IIsi Computer Developer Note (1990), File:Macintosh IIsi Developer Note.pdf; see Macintosh IIsi Developer Note. Page numbers are the PDF's: features pp. 14-16; compatibility pp. 18-20; RAM interface and video use of RAM pp. 32-36; ROM interface p. 38; on-board video p. 41; sound p. 61; ADB microcontroller, RTC, soft power, reset and NMI pp. 62-66; 68030 Direct Slot pp. 70-72; NuBus adapter p. 95.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 Apple Computer, Macintosh IIsi Service Source (1995), File:Macintosh iisi.pdf; see Macintosh IIsi Service Source. Page numbers are the PDF's: Specifications pp. 5-12; Symptom Charts pp. 15-28; Take Apart pp. 30-48; Upgrades (adapter cards) pp. 50-56; Battery Verification p. 59; Battery Replacement pp. 60-62; Exploded View p. 64.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Macintosh IIsi: Technical Specifications, Apple—link(accessed 2026-09-30) Max watts 160, amps 1.33, BTU per hour 547.2, 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz; battery 3.6 V lithium; soft power and pass-through outlet; 1 MB on the logic board, four 30-pin SIMM slots, 1-17 MB, 100 ns, installed in groups of four; one ADB port; Gestalt ID 18; ROM ID $067C; original system software 6.0.7; supported to 7.6.1.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mac IIsi, Low End Mac—link(accessed 2026-09-30) Intended as a 25 MHz machine and scaled back to 20 MHz; 768K disk cache or IIsi-RAM-Muncher to keep programs out of the video bank; speaker fault from poor contact; ROM SIMM rare, and a IIsi that has one will not work without it; US$3,800; code names; SE/30 PDS at 20 MHz.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Macintosh IIsi, Recap-a-Mac—link(accessed 2026-09-30) Annotated photograph of logic board 820-0301-A, hosted here as File:Mac IIsi Recap Guide.jpg: 11 × 47 µF 16 V surface-mount and 2 × 220 µF 16 V axial; leaky capacitors on the logic board and in the power supply; some versions use a ROM SIMM instead of soldered ROMs.
  7. ↑ Elliotte Rusty Harold and contributors, Macintosh hardware FAQ, "How can I fix the sound on my IIsi?", 32 How can I fix the sound on my IISI?, TULARC—link(accessed 2026-09-30)
  8. ↑ Sony APS-06M, Console5 TechWiki—link(accessed 2026-09-30)
  9. ↑ Macintosh IIsi Power Supply, Recap-a-Mac—link(accessed 2026-09-30)