Macintosh Performa 6360
 | |
| Macintosh Performa 6360 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | October 17, 1996 |
| Discontinued | October 1, 1997 |
| Intro price | US$1,500 |
| CPU | PowerPC 603e @ 160 MHz |
| Memory | 16 MB RAM (8 MB on-board, expandable to 136 MB) |
| Storage | 1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM |
| Display | DB-15 video output (800×600 16-bit, 1024×768 8-bit) |
| Sound | 16-bit stereo input and output with SRS 3D Surround Sound |
| Dimensions | 4.3" H × 16.5" W × 12.6" D (10.95 × 41.95 × 32 cm) |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.5.1 – Mac OS 9.1 |
| Predecessor | Performa 6320CD |
| Successor | Performa 6400 |
| Codename | Alchemy (logic board) |
| Model no. | N/A (Gestalt ID 58) |
The Macintosh Performa 6360 is a PowerPC-based desktop personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. and released on October 17, 1996.[1] Despite its similar name to the earlier Performa 6300 series, the 6360 uses a significantly different internal architecture based on the "Alchemy" logic board with faster DIMM-based memory, PCI expansion, and a faster 160 MHz processor.
The Performa 6360 shares its Alchemy logic board with the Performa 6400 mini-tower and Power Macintosh 5400 all-in-one.
Hardware Overview
The Performa 6360 represents a significant upgrade from the 6300 series:
- Processor: PowerPC 603e at 160 MHz with integrated FPU
- RAM: 8 MB soldered on-board plus two 168-pin DIMM slots (70 ns), 16 MB standard, expandable to 136 MB
- Storage: 1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
- Video: 1 MB system RAM dedicated to video
- Expansion: one internal slot for 6.88-inch PCI cards (the 6360 has no processor-direct slot), a 112-pin communications slot, a 60-pin video-in slot and a 10-pin TV tuner port
Key Differences from Performa 6300 Series
| Feature | Performa 6300CD | Performa 6360 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 100 MHz 603e | 160 MHz 603e |
| RAM Type | 72-pin SIMM | 168-pin DIMM |
| Onboard RAM | None | 8 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 64 MB | 136 MB |
| Expansion | LC PDS | PCI |
| L2 Cache | 256K standard | 256K standard |
| CD-ROM | 4X | 8X |
| Logic Board | M3076 | Alchemy (Gestalt ID 58) |
Architecture and Processor
The Performa 6360 uses the Alchemy logic board, which provides a 64-bit data path to main memory—a significant improvement over the earlier 5200/6200/6300 series. The 40 MHz system bus communicates with the 160 MHz PowerPC 603e processor.
Third-party processor upgrades are available that can override the soldered CPU via the L2 cache slot.
Memory and Storage
RAM Configuration
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| RAM Type | 168-pin DIMM |
| RAM Speed | 70 ns |
| Standard RAM | 16 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 136 MB |
| Motherboard RAM | 8 MB (soldered) |
| RAM Slots | 2 |
Storage Systems
- Hard Drive: 1.2 GB IDE internal drive
- Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB 3.5" SuperDrive (manual insert)
- CD-ROM: 8X internal CD-ROM drive
Display and Graphics
Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions:
| 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.
General Maintenance
For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 6400 General Maintenance page. The Performa 6360 shares the Alchemy logic board with the 6400 series.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the Alchemy logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Troubleshooting
A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing power issues, startup problems, and other common failures is available on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Troubleshooting page.
Technical Details
System Architecture at a Glance
| Sub-system | Specification (Macintosh Performa 6360, 1996) |
|---|---|
| CPU | PowerPC 603e @ 160 MHz |
| Bus width | 64-bit data path |
| System Bus | 40 MHz |
| ROM | 4 MB |
| RAM | 16 MB (expandable to 136 MB) |
| L1 Cache | 32 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (Apple: standard) |
| Video | 800×600 16-bit, 1024×768 8-bit |
| Sound | 16-bit stereo input and output, SRS 3D Surround Sound |
| Disks | 1.2 GB IDE HDD, 1.44 MB floppy, 8X CD-ROM |
| Ports | ADB, SCSI, 2× GeoPort Serial, Audio I/O, Video out |
Power Specifications
- Input: 90–270 VAC, 43–67 Hz — the 6360 has a wider input range than the rest of the
6200/6300 family, which Apple gives as 100–240 VAC at 47–63 Hz
- Maximum power: 150 W (125 W on the rest of the family)
Apple service data
Apple's Performa 6200/6300 Series Service Source volume treats the 6360 as an exception to almost every line of the family specification.[2]
| Item | Apple's figure for the Performa 6360 |
|---|---|
| Processor | PowerPC 603e, 160 MHz |
| DRAM | 16 MB, expandable to 136 MB in two sockets (168-pin, 70 ns or faster DIMMs) |
| Level 2 cache | 256K, standard |
| Sound | 16-bit stereophonic input and output featuring SRS 3D Surround Sound; sample rates 11.025, 22.05 and 44.1 kHz; sound-input connector line level 2 Vpp maximum into 10 kilohms; sound-output 2 Vpp maximum into 32 ohms |
| Speakers | One built-in speaker, one front headphone jack, one rear line-level output — the rest of the family has two speakers and two output ports |
| Video | 640×480 16-bit; 800×600 16-bit at 60 Hz (supports video input at 8-bit or less); 800×600 8-bit at 72 Hz (no video input); 832×624 8-bit at 75 Hz; 1024×768 8-bit at 60 or 70 Hz (no video input) |
| Line voltage | 90–270 VAC, 43–67 Hz |
| Power | 150 W |
| Case | Height 4.3 in. (10.95 cm), width 16.5 in. (41.95 cm), depth 12.6 in. (32 cm); 17 lb / 19 lb with CD-ROM |
| Humidity | Noncondensing 5–95% (the rest of the family is 20–95%) |
| PRAM battery | Apple's symptom chart calls it a 4.5 V battery; verify on the 10 V DC scale and replace below 3.0 V |
See Also
References
- ↑ Macintosh Performa 6360/160 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Apple Computer, Performa 6200/6300 Series, Service Source. Hosted here as Performa 6200/6300 Series Service Source (File:Performa_6200.6300.pdf). Specifications and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification chapters.