Power Macintosh 6500: Difference between revisions
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P4 verification: cite Apple's own Service Source volume for this machine (hosted here) for the electrical specification and battery threshold, and link the documentation page |
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== Service documentation == | |||
Apple's own service manual is hosted here as | |||
[[Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series Service Source]]. It gives the '''6500 a maximum | |||
continuous power of 140 W''' against '''220 W for the 6400''', and — importantly — a line voltage of | |||
'''90–130 or 180–264 VAC, configured manually'''. This is '''not''' an auto-ranging supply, and the | |||
Basics chapter has a dedicated '''Voltage Switch''' section. A machine imported between regions can | |||
arrive set for the wrong mains. The PRAM cell threshold is '''replace below 3.0 V'''.<ref name="ssperformapowermac">Apple Computer, ''Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series'', Service Source, 232 pp, PDF distilled 19 February 1997. Hosted here as the wiki page linked above ([[:File:powermac.perf_6400.6500.pdf]]). Specifications chapter, and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification where a threshold is quoted.</ref> | |||
''Additional Procedures'' in that volume carries '''"6500 — Distinguishing Video Jitter from Blur"''' | |||
and a '''"Blurry Video Solution"''', which is Apple documenting a known display fault on this model, | |||
plus a '''Processor Fan''' procedure.<ref name="ssperformapowermac" /> | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Revision as of 08:51, 25 September 2026
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| Power Macintosh 6500 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | February 17, 1997 |
| Discontinued | March 14, 1998 |
| Intro 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 / Firmware | Mac OS 7.5.5 – 9.1 |
| Predecessor | Macintosh Performa 6400 |
| Successor | Power Macintosh G3 (Desktop) |
| Codename | Gazelle |
| Model no. | M3548 |
The Power Macintosh 6500 is a series of personal computers introduced by Apple Computer on February 17, 1997.[1] 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:[2]
| 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.[3] 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
| 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
System Architecture at a Glance
| 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 |
Service documentation
Apple's own service manual is hosted here as Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series Service Source. It gives the 6500 a maximum continuous power of 140 W against 220 W for the 6400, and — importantly — a line voltage of 90–130 or 180–264 VAC, configured manually. This is not an auto-ranging supply, and the Basics chapter has a dedicated Voltage Switch section. A machine imported between regions can arrive set for the wrong mains. The PRAM cell threshold is replace below 3.0 V.[4]
Additional Procedures in that volume carries "6500 — Distinguishing Video Jitter from Blur" and a "Blurry Video Solution", which is Apple documenting a known display fault on this model, plus a Processor Fan procedure.[4]
See Also
References
- ↑ Power Macintosh 6500/225 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Power Macintosh 6500/250 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Power Macintosh 6500/275 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Apple Computer, Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series, Service Source, 232 pp, PDF distilled 19 February 1997. Hosted here as the wiki page linked above (File:powermac.perf_6400.6500.pdf). Specifications chapter, and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification where a threshold is quoted.