Macintosh Centris 650
 | |
| Macintosh Centris 650 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | February 10, 1993 |
| Discontinued | October 21, 1993 (renamed to Quadra 650) |
| Intro price | US$2,699–$3,800 |
| CPU | Motorola 68040 @ 25 MHz (or 68LC040) |
| Memory | 4 or 8 MB RAM, expandable to 132 MB |
| Storage | 80–500 MB SCSI HDD, optional 2X CD-ROM |
| Display | Up to 1152×870 (with VRAM expansion) |
| Sound | 8-bit stereo sound |
| Dimensions | 6" H × 13" W × 16.5" D (15.2 × 33 × 41.9 cm) |
| Weight | 25 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.1 – Mac OS 8.1 |
| Predecessor | Macintosh IIci |
| Successor | Power Macintosh 7100 |
| Model no. | M1205 |
The Macintosh Centris 650 is a personal computer designed, manufactured, and sold by Apple Computer from February 1993 to October 1993.[1] It was introduced alongside the smaller Macintosh Centris 610 as a replacement for the Macintosh IIci and Macintosh Quadra 700.[2]
In October 1993, Apple renamed the Centris 650 to the Macintosh Quadra 650 and increased the processor speed to 33 MHz. The Centris and Quadra 650 share the same logic board and case design, which was originally introduced with the Macintosh IIvx.[3]
Model Variants
The Centris 650 was sold in several configurations:
- Entry-level (M1207LL/A): 68LC040 @ 25 MHz (no FPU), 4 MB RAM, 512 KB VRAM, 80 MB HDD
- Mid-range (M1337LL/A): 68040 @ 25 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 512 KB VRAM, 230 MB HDD, Ethernet
- CD-ROM Bundle (M1279LL/A): 68040 @ 25 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 1 MB VRAM, 230 MB HDD, 2X CD-ROM, Ethernet
The later Quadra 650 upgraded the processor to 33 MHz.
Architecture and Processor
The Centris 650 uses the Motorola 68040 processor running at 25 MHz (33 MHz in the Quadra 650). The entry-level model shipped with a 68LC040, which lacks the integrated floating-point unit (FPU). Third-party processor upgrades were available.[4]
Processor Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Motorola 68040 or 68LC040 @ 25 MHz (33 MHz Quadra) |
| Data Bus | 32-bit |
| Address Bus | 32-bit |
| L1 Cache | 8 KB |
| FPU | Integrated (68040 only) |
| System Bus | 25 MHz |
Memory and Storage
RAM Configuration
The Centris 650 has either 4 MB or 8 MB of RAM soldered to the logic board. Four 72-pin SIMM slots accept 80 ns modules in 4 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, or 32 MB sizes.
- Minimum RAM: 4 MB
- Maximum RAM: 132 MB (4 MB onboard) or 136 MB (8 MB onboard)
- SIMM Type: 72-pin, 80 ns or faster
RAM can be interleaved for improved performance.
Video RAM
Onboard video supports 512 KB or 1 MB of VRAM via two 80 ns VRAM SIMM slots.
- 512 KB VRAM: 640×480 at 8-bit, 1152×870 at 4-bit
- 1 MB VRAM: 640×480 at 16-bit, 1152×870 at 8-bit
The system cannot be expanded beyond 1 MB VRAM without a NuBus video card.
Storage Systems
- Internal Hard Drive: SCSI, 80 MB, 230 MB, or 500 MB configurations
- Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (auto-inject)
- CD-ROM: Optional internal 2X AppleCD 300i (5.25" bay)
Input/Output and Expansion
Port Configuration
| Port | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADB | 2 | Keyboard and mouse |
| Serial (Mini DIN-8) | 2 | Modem and Printer |
| External SCSI (DB-25) | 1 | Up to 6 external devices |
| AAUI-15 Ethernet | 1 | Some configurations only |
| Video (DB-15) | 1 | VGA via adapter |
| Sound In | 1 | 3.5mm |
| Sound Out | 1 | 3.5mm |
Expansion Slots
- NuBus Slots: 3
- Processor Direct Slot (PDS): 1 (68040 PDS)
- 5.25" External Bay: 1 (available if CD-ROM not installed)
Power and battery — Apple's figures
- Line voltage: 100–240 VAC; frequency: 50–60 Hz
- Maximum power: 112 W, not including the display
- PRAM battery: 3.6 V ½AA lithium, replace below 3.2 V
- Dimensions: 6.0 in (152 mm) H × 13.0 in (330 mm) W × 16.5 in (419 mm) D; weight 25 lb
(11.3 kg), varying with the drives fitted
- Environmental: operating 10–40 °C, storage −40 to 47 °C, 10–90 % RH non-condensing,
0–10,000 ft[5]
Apple publishes no rail tolerance and no power-supply adjustment for this machine. Its Adjustments chapter does not exist; the volume runs Basics, Specifications, Troubleshooting, Take Apart, Upgrades and Exploded View.[5]
General Maintenance
For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Centris 650 General Maintenance page.
Note: The Centris/Quadra 650 logic board uses tantalum capacitors rather than electrolytic capacitors, so the logic board does not require recapping. However, the power supply unit contains electrolytic capacitors that may need replacement.
PCB Schematics & Service Manual
The Macintosh Centris 650 shares its logic board design with the Quadra 650.
Apple Service Manual
The Apple Service Source manual covers both the Centris 650 and Quadra 650.
All Apple Service Manuals can be found on the Apple Service Source page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the Macintosh Centris 650 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Important: The logic board uses tantalum capacitors and does not require recapping. Only the power supply contains electrolytic capacitors.
Retrobrite
To address plastic yellowing on the case, detailed instructions can be found on the Retrobrite page.
Troubleshooting
A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, video issues, and common problems is available on the Macintosh Centris 650 Troubleshooting page.
Technical Details
System Architecture at a Glance
| Sub-system | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Motorola 68040/68LC040 @ 25 MHz (33 MHz Quadra) |
| Bus width | 32-bit data • 32-bit address |
| ROM | 1 MB |
| RAM | 4–8 MB onboard (expandable to 132 MB (Apple's figure; 136 MB is the Quadra 610/660AV-class number and was previously given here)[5]) |
| Video | Up to 1152×870 with 1 MB VRAM |
| Sound | 8-bit stereo, 22 kHz |
| Disks | SCSI HDD, 1.44 MB floppy, optional CD-ROM |
| Expansion | 3 NuBus, 1 PDS |
| Power | 100–240V AC, 230W max |
| Gestalt ID | 30 |
Related Models
- Macintosh Quadra 650 – Renamed version with 33 MHz processor
- Macintosh Centris 610 – Smaller desktop variant
- Macintosh IIvx – Uses same case design
- Macintosh IIvi – Earlier model in same case
Service Documentation
The official Apple Service Source documentation for this model:
See Also
- Macintosh Centris 650 General Maintenance
- Macintosh Centris 650 Troubleshooting
- Macintosh Centris 650 Capacitor Replacement Guide
References
- ↑ Centris 650: Technical Specifications, Apple—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Macintosh Centris 650 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Macintosh Quadra 650, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Macintosh Centris 650 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Apple Computer, Centris 650/Quadra 650 Service Source (Centris 650/Quadra 650 Service Source, File:Quadra.centris_650.pdf), Specifications chapter and Additional Procedures → Battery Verification.