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Power Macintosh 6500: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox computer
| name        = Power Macintosh 6500
| image        =
| caption      = Power Macintosh 6500
| manufacturer = Apple Computer, Inc.
| type        = Personal Computer
| release date = February 17, 1997
| discontinued = March 14, 1998
| price        = US$1,800–$3,000
| cpu          = PowerPC 603e @ 225–300 MHz
| memory      = 32–64 MB RAM (expandable to 128 MB)
| storage      = 2.0–6.0 GB IDE hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy, 12X–24X CD-ROM
| display      = 832×624 @ 24-bit (max)
| sound        = SRS 3D surround sound with 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          = Mac OS 7.5.5 – 9.1
| predecessor  = [[Macintosh Performa 6400]]
| successor    = [[Power Macintosh G3 (Desktop)]]
| codename    = Gazelle
| model        = M3548
}}
The '''Power Macintosh 6500''' is a series of personal computers introduced by Apple Computer on February 17, 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac/specs/powermac_6500_225.html |title=Power Macintosh 6500/225 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> Based on the "Gazelle" architecture, the 6500 series used the same tower case design as the [[Macintosh Performa 6400]] but featured faster PowerPC 603e processors ranging from 225 MHz to 300 MHz. The 6500 included 2D/3D graphics acceleration, an SRS 3D surround sound system with subwoofer, and various expansion options including PCI slots and internal Zip drives.
 
== Model Variants ==
 
The Power Macintosh 6500 was available in four processor configurations, with various sub-configurations for education, consumer, and small business markets:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac/specs/powermac_6500_250.html |title=Power Macintosh 6500/250 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref>
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! Model !! Processor !! Standard RAM !! Hard Drive !! CD-ROM !! Zip Drive !! Price (USD)
|-
| 6500/225 (Education) || 225 MHz || 32 MB || 2.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $2,000
|-
| 6500/225 (Consumer) || 225 MHz || 32 MB || 3.0 GB || 12X || No || $1,800
|-
| 6500/250 (Education) || 250 MHz || 32 MB || 3.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $2,100
|-
| 6500/250 (Consumer) || 250 MHz || 32 MB || 4.0 GB || 24X || Yes || $2,300
|-
| 6500/250 (Small Business) || 250 MHz || 48 MB || 4.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $2,600
|-
| 6500/275 (Consumer) || 275 MHz || 32 MB || 4.0–6.0 GB || 24X || Yes || $3,000
|-
| 6500/275 (Small Business) || 275 MHz || 48 MB || 6.0 GB || 12X || Yes || $3,000
|-
| 6500/300 || 300 MHz || 64 MB || 4.0–6.0 GB || 12X–24X || Yes || $3,000
|}
 
== Architecture and Processor ==
 
The Power Macintosh 6500 uses the PowerPC 603e processor, a 32-bit RISC processor with a 64-bit data path.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://everymac.com/systems/apple/powermac/specs/powermac_6500_275.html |title=Power Macintosh 6500/275 Specs |publisher=EveryMac.com |access-date=2026-02-10}}</ref> All models feature an integrated floating-point unit (FPU) and operate on a 50 MHz system bus.
 
=== Cache Configuration ===
* '''L1 Cache:''' 32 KB (on-die)
* '''L2 Cache:''' 256 KB (225/250 MHz models), 512 KB (275/300 MHz models)
 
=== ROM ===
The 6500 series includes 4 MB of ROM, a significant increase from earlier Macintosh models, allowing for faster startup and more efficient system software operation.
 
== Memory and Storage ==
 
=== RAM Configuration ===
* '''RAM Type:''' 168-pin DIMM (60 ns minimum)
* '''RAM Slots:''' 2
* '''Standard RAM:''' 32–64 MB (varies by configuration)
* '''Maximum RAM:''' 128 MB
* '''Interleaving:''' Not supported
 
=== Storage Systems ===
* '''Hard Drive:''' 2.0–6.0 GB IDE (varies by configuration)
* '''Floppy Drive:''' 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual eject)
* '''CD-ROM:''' 12X or 24X (varies by configuration)
* '''Zip Drive:''' Internal Zip 100 (most configurations)
 
== Display and Graphics ==
 
The Power Macintosh 6500 features dedicated 2D/3D graphics acceleration with 2 MB of onboard SGRAM (60 ns) that cannot be upgraded.
 
=== Supported Resolutions ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Resolution !! Color Depth
|-
| 512×384 || 24-bit
|-
| 640×480 || 24-bit
|-
| 800×600 || 24-bit
|-
| 832×624 || 24-bit
|-
| 1024×768 || 16-bit
|-
| 1152×870 || 16-bit
|-
| 1280×1024 || 8-bit
|}
 
A second display can be supported with the addition of a PCI video card.
 
== Audio Capabilities ==
 
The Power Macintosh 6500 includes an SRS 3D surround sound system with integrated subwoofer, providing enhanced audio compared to earlier Macintosh models.
 
== Input/Output and Expansion ==
 
=== Port Configuration ===
* '''Serial Ports:''' 2× Geoport (printer and modem)
* '''ADB Ports:''' 1× Apple Desktop Bus
* '''SCSI:''' External SCSI port
* '''Video Out:''' DB-15 monitor port
* '''Audio:''' Stereo audio in/out
 
=== Expansion Slots ===
* '''PCI Slots:''' 2
* '''Comm-II Slot:''' 1 (occupied by modem in consumer configurations)
* '''Video Input Slot:''' 1 (optional video input card)
* '''TV Slot:''' 1 (optional TV/FM tuner card)
 
=== Networking ===
* '''Modem:''' 33.6k internal (consumer models; absent in education models)
* '''Ethernet:''' 10Base-T available as optional upgrade
 
== General Maintenance ==
 
For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated [[Power Macintosh 6500 General Maintenance]] page.
 
== Troubleshooting ==
 
A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues such as power problems, startup failures, and video issues is available on the [[Power Macintosh 6500 Troubleshooting]] page.
 
== Capacitor Replacement Guide ==
 
Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the [[Power Macintosh 6500 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] page.
 
== Specifications ==
 
Full technical specifications are available on the [[Power Macintosh 6500 Specifications]] 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 (Power Macintosh 6500, 1997)
|-
| '''CPU''' || PowerPC 603e @ 225–300 MHz
|-
| '''Bus width''' || 32-bit processor, 64-bit data path
|-
| '''System Bus''' || 50 MHz
|-
| '''ROM''' || 4 MB
|-
| '''RAM''' || 32–64 MB standard (128 MB max)
|-
| '''Video''' || 2 MB SGRAM, 832×624 @ 24-bit max
|-
| '''Sound''' || SRS 3D surround with subwoofer
|-
| '''Storage''' || 2.0–6.0 GB IDE, 12X–24X CD-ROM
|-
| '''Ports''' || Serial ×2, ADB, SCSI, Audio
|-
| '''Expansion''' || 2× PCI, Comm-II, Video In, TV
|}
 
== See Also ==
 
* [[Macintosh Performa 6400]]
* [[Power Macintosh G3 (Desktop)]]
* [[Power Macintosh 5500]]
 
== References ==
<references />
 
[[Category:Apple Vintage Computers]]
Retrieved from "https://wiki.retrotechcollection.com/Power_Macintosh_6500"