Macintosh Performa 6400: Difference between revisions
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The Performa 6400 was sold in several configurations based on region and processor speed: | The Performa 6400 was sold in several configurations based on region and processor speed: | ||
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The Performa 6400 includes 8 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard, with two 168-pin DIMM slots supporting 70 ns memory modules. Maximum RAM capacity is 136 MB. | The Performa 6400 includes 8 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard, with two 168-pin DIMM slots supporting 70 ns memory modules. Maximum RAM capacity is 136 MB. | ||
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=== Storage Systems === | === Storage Systems === | ||
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Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions. This allocation persists regardless of total system RAM installed. | Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions. This allocation persists regardless of total system RAM installed. | ||
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=== Port Configuration === | === Port Configuration === | ||
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=== Expansion Slots === | === Expansion Slots === | ||
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Latest revision as of 12:09, 10 February 2026
 | |
| Macintosh Performa 6400/200 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | August 7, 1996 |
| Discontinued | August 1, 1997 |
| Intro price | US$2,100–$2,800 |
| CPU | PowerPC 603ev @ 180 or 200 MHz |
| Memory | 16 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB) |
| Storage | 1.6–2.4 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM |
| Display | Supports up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit |
| Sound | SRS 3D surround sound with integrated 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 | System 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1 |
| Predecessor | Performa 6360 |
| Successor | Power Macintosh 6500 |
| Codename | Alchemy (logic board) |
| Model no. | M3548 |
The Macintosh Performa 6400 is a personal computer designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer from August 1996 to August 1997.[1] It is the only Macintosh mini-tower to be branded as a Performa, and was one of the last new Performa-branded models introduced by Apple.[2]
The Performa 6400 was succeeded by the uniformly-named Power Macintosh 6500 in August 1997.
Model Variants
[edit | edit source]The Performa 6400 was sold in several configurations based on region and processor speed:
| Model | CPU Speed | Hard Drive | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performa 6400/180 | 180 MHz | 1.6 GB | North America | Base consumer model |
| Performa 6400/200 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | North America | Higher-end consumer model |
| Performa 6400/200 Video Editing Edition | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | North America | Included Avid Cinema video I/O card, 32 MB RAM |
| Power Macintosh 6400/200 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | North America, UK | Education market |
| Performa 6410 | 180 MHz | 1.6 GB | Europe, Asia | Rebadged 6400/180 |
| Performa 6420 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | Europe, Asia | Rebadged 6400/200 |
Architecture and Processor
[edit | edit source]All Performa 6400 models use a PowerPC 603ev processor soldered to the logic board and cooled by a fanless heatsink.[3] The processor is a 32-bit design with a 64-bit data path to main memory.
The logic board, codenamed "Alchemy", is shared with the Power Macintosh 5400 all-in-one and Performa 6360 desktop models. The Alchemy board improved upon its 5200/6200 predecessors by providing a 64-bit data path to main memory.
Though initially considered non-upgradable, third-party CPU upgrades became available that overrode the soldered CPU via the L2 cache slot.
Processor Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | PowerPC 603ev @ 180 or 200 MHz |
| FPU | Integrated |
| L1 Cache | 32 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB (optional) |
| System Bus | 40 MHz |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
Memory and Storage
[edit | edit source]RAM Configuration
[edit | edit source]The Performa 6400 includes 8 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard, with two 168-pin DIMM slots supporting 70 ns memory modules. Maximum RAM capacity is 136 MB.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| RAM Type | 168-pin DIMM |
| RAM Speed | 70 ns |
| Standard RAM | 16 MB (32 MB on Video Editing Edition) |
| Maximum RAM | 136 MB |
| Motherboard RAM | 8 MB |
| RAM Slots | 2 |
ROM and System Software
[edit | edit source]The Performa 6400 uses a 4 MB Macintosh ROM. It shipped with System 7.5.3 Revision 2.1, a release specific to these machines due to stability issues with the standard System 7.5.3 Release 2 on the new hardware, especially regarding the video card and LocalTalk file transfers.
Supported operating systems range from System 7.5.3 to Mac OS 9.1. With a PowerPC G3 processor upgrade, Mac OS 9.2.2 can be used.
Storage Systems
[edit | edit source]| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
| Standard Hard Drive | 1.6 GB (180 MHz) or 2.4 GB (200 MHz) |
| Optical Drive | 8X CD-ROM |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual inject) |
Display and Graphics
[edit | edit source]Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions. This allocation persists regardless of total system RAM installed.
| Resolution | Color Depth |
|---|---|
| 640×480 | 16-bit (Thousands) |
| 800×600 | 16-bit (Thousands) |
| 832×624 | 8-bit (256 colors) |
| 1024×768 | 8-bit (256 colors) |
A second display can be supported with the addition of a PCI video card.
Audio Capabilities
[edit | edit source]The Performa 6400's "InstaTower" case includes an integrated subwoofer speaker and supports SRS 3D surround sound. A bass level control knob on the rear of the case adjusts subwoofer output when external speakers are connected; without external speakers, the internal speaker provides full-range audio.
Two audio output jacks are provided—one on the front panel and one on the rear. Connecting headphones to the front jack disables the internal speaker and rear output.
Input/Output and Expansion
[edit | edit source]Port Configuration
[edit | edit source]| Port | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serial (GeoPort) | 2 | One printer, one modem |
| SCSI | 1 | External only |
| ADB | 1 | Apple Desktop Bus |
| Audio Out | 2 | Front and rear jacks |
| Audio In | 1 | |
| Video Out | 1 | DB-15 monitor port |
Expansion Slots
[edit | edit source]| Slot Type | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCI | 2 | Standard expansion |
| Communications Slot | 1 | Supports AAUI, Ethernet, modem cards (not compatible with other Mac comm slots) |
| TV Tuner Slot | 1 | |
| Video Input Slot | 1 | Occupied on Video Editing Edition |
10Base-T Ethernet was available as an optional upgrade.
General Maintenance
[edit | edit source]For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 6400 General Maintenance page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
[edit | edit source]Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Troubleshooting
[edit | edit source]A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing power issues, startup problems, video issues, and other common problems is available on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Troubleshooting page.
Technical Details
[edit | edit source]System Architecture at a Glance
[edit | edit source]| Sub-system | Specification (Macintosh Performa 6400, 1996) |
|---|---|
| CPU | PowerPC 603ev @ 180/200 MHz |
| Bus width | 64-bit data path |
| ROM | 4 MB |
| RAM | 16 MB (expandable to 136 MB) |
| Video | Up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit |
| Sound | SRS 3D surround with subwoofer |
| Storage | 1.6–2.4 GB IDE HDD, 8X CD-ROM |
| Ports | ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, Audio I/O |
Power Specifications
[edit | edit source]| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 100V–125V or 200V–240V AC |
| Frequency | 47–63 Hz |
| Maximum Power | 220 W |