Macintosh LC III+

The Macintosh LC III+ is a personal computer released by Apple on October 18, 1993. The LC III+ is essentially a faster version of the Macintosh LC III, with the processor clock speed increased from 25 MHz to 33 MHz.

Macintosh LC III+

Macintosh LC III+ (Performa 460)
Specifications
Manufacturer	Apple Computer, Inc.
Type	Personal Computer
Released	October 18, 1993
Discontinued	February 14, 1994
Intro price	US$1,349
CPU	Motorola 68030 @ 33 MHz
Memory	4 MB RAM (expandable to 36 MB)
Storage	80 MB or 160 MB SCSI HDD, 1.44 MB SuperDrive
Display	640×480 8-bit (512K VRAM) or 16-bit (768K VRAM)
Sound	8-bit stereo input/output
Dimensions	2.9" H × 12.2" W × 15.3" D
Weight	8.8 lbs (4.0 kg)
OS / Firmware	System 7.1 – System 7.6.1
Predecessor	Macintosh LC III
Successor	Macintosh LC 475
Codename	Elsie III+
Model no.	M1254

Model Variants

The LC III+ was sold under several Performa brand names for consumer markets:

• Performa 460 — Base configuration
• Performa 466 — With different bundle
• Performa 467 — With CD-ROM drive

Design Changes

The LC III+ introduced a redesigned case with a smoother, more curved front bezel compared to the angular design of earlier LC models. This design continued in subsequent LC-series machines.

Architecture and Processor

The LC III+ uses a Motorola 68030 processor running at 33 MHz with a full 32-bit data bus. This provides approximately a 32% speed increase over the 25 MHz LC III.

Like the LC III, the LC III+ includes a socket for an optional Motorola 68882 FPU.

The Gestalt ID for the Macintosh LC III+ is 62.

Memory and Storage

RAM Configuration

The LC III+ shipped with 4 MB of RAM standard, expandable to 36 MB using a single 72-pin SIMM slot.

RAM Configurations

Configuration	SIMM Required
4 MB	4 MB onboard
8 MB	4 MB onboard + 4 MB SIMM
12 MB	4 MB onboard + 8 MB SIMM
20 MB	4 MB onboard + 16 MB SIMM
36 MB	4 MB onboard + 32 MB SIMM

Video RAM

The LC III+ includes 512 KB of VRAM onboard, expandable to 768 KB:

• 512 KB VRAM: 640×480 at 8-bit (256 colors)
• 768 KB VRAM: 640×480 at 16-bit (thousands of colors)

Storage Systems

Storage options included:

• 80 MB or 160 MB internal SCSI hard drive
• 1.44 MB SuperDrive

Input/Output and Expansion

Port Configuration

• 1× Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port
• 1× External SCSI (DB-25)
• 1× Audio input (3.5mm stereo minijack)
• 1× Audio output (3.5mm stereo minijack)
• 2× Serial ports (Mini DIN-8)
• 1× Video output (DA-15)

Expansion

The LC III+ features a single LC Processor Direct Slot (LC PDS) and an FPU socket for the 68882 coprocessor.

General Maintenance

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and connector care, refer to the dedicated Macintosh LC III+ General Maintenance page.

Troubleshooting

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues with the Macintosh LC III+ is available on the Macintosh LC III+ Troubleshooting page.

Capacitor Replacement

The Macintosh LC III+ logic board contains surface-mount electrolytic capacitors that commonly fail due to age. Detailed replacement guidelines can be found on the Macintosh LC III+ Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Note: The LC III+ shares the same C22 reversed polarity silkscreen error as the LC III.

Technical Details

Macintosh LC III+ Technical Specifications

Component	Specification
CPU	Motorola 68030 @ 33 MHz
FPU	Optional 68882 (socket provided)
PMMU	Integrated in 68030
Data Bus	32-bit
System Bus	33 MHz
ROM	1 MB
RAM	4 MB (max 36 MB)
VRAM	512 KB (max 768 KB)