Macintosh Performa 250
The Macintosh Performa 250 is a consumer-oriented compact Macintosh computer introduced by Apple Computer on April 1, 1993.[1] It is a rebranded version of the Macintosh Color Classic, sold in the UK and Australia through consumer retail channels as part of Apple's Performa line. The Performa 250 and Color Classic are identical in hardware specifications.
 | |
| Macintosh Performa 250 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | All-in-One Personal Computer |
| Released | April 1, 1993 |
| Discontinued | March 1, 1994 |
| CPU | Motorola 68030 @ 16 MHz |
| Memory | 4 MB RAM (expandable to 10 MB) |
| Storage | 40, 80, or 160 MB SCSI hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy drive |
| Display | 10" Sony Trinitron color CRT (512×384 pixels) |
| Sound | Stereo 8-bit |
| Dimensions | 14.5" H × 9.9" W × 12.6" D (36.8 cm × 25.1 cm × 32 cm) |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.1 – Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Successor | Performa 275 |
| Model no. | M1600 |
Relationship to Color Classic
editThe Performa 250 shares the same logic board, case design, and specifications as the Macintosh Color Classic. Both feature the first compact Macintosh with a color display, using the same Color Classic form factor that would be used for the later Color Classic II.[2]
The Performa branding indicated sale through consumer retail outlets, while the Color Classic was sold through Apple's traditional dealer network worldwide.
Architecture and Processor
editThe Performa 250 uses the Motorola 68030 processor running at 16 MHz with a 16-bit data bus. This limits memory bandwidth compared to machines with a full 32-bit data path. The system bus operates at 16 MHz.
An LC PDS (Processor Direct Slot) provides expansion capability, compatible with LC-series expansion cards but not SE PDS cards. An optional 68882 FPU could be installed.
Memory
edit- Standard RAM: 4 MB soldered on logic board
- Maximum RAM: 10 MB (4 MB onboard + 6 MB via two 3 MB 30-pin SIMMs)
- RAM Type: 30-pin SIMM, 100 ns or faster
- RAM Slots: 2 (must be installed in matched pairs)
- ROM: 1 MB
Video Memory
edit- Standard VRAM: 256 KB
- Maximum VRAM: 512 KB (with optional 256 KB VRAM SIMM)
Storage
edit- Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (auto-inject)
- Hard Drive: 40 MB, 80 MB, or 160 MB internal SCSI
- SCSI Interface: Internal and external SCSI ports
Display
editThe Performa 250 includes a built-in 10" Sony Trinitron color CRT display with a resolution of 512×384 pixels. With the standard 256 KB VRAM, the display supports 256 colors; expanding to 512 KB enables 32,768 colors.
Input/Output
edit- Keyboard Port: ADB (Apple Desktop Bus)
- Mouse Port: ADB
- Serial Ports: 2× Mini DIN-8 (printer and modem)
- SCSI Port: DB-25 external SCSI
- Audio: Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone input
- Expansion: LC PDS slot
General Maintenance
editFor detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Color Classic General Maintenance page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
editDetailed capacitor replacement guidelines for both analog and logic boards can be found on the Macintosh Color Classic Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Troubleshooting
editA comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, chime but no video, intermittent operation, Sad Mac errors, and floppy drive problems is available on the Macintosh Color Classic Troubleshooting page.
Retrobrite
editTo address plastic yellowing, detailed instructions can be found on the Retrobrite page.
Technical Details
editSystem Architecture at a Glance
edit| Sub-system | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Motorola 68030 @ 16 MHz |
| Bus width | 16-bit data • 32-bit address |
| ROM | 1 MB |
| RAM | 4 MB (expandable to 10 MB) |
| VRAM | 256 KB (expandable to 512 KB) |
| Video | 512 × 384 color (256 or 32,768 colors) |
| Sound | 8-bit stereo |
| Disks | 1.44 MB 3.5" floppy, 40/80/160 MB SCSI HDD |
| Ports | ADB × 2, Serial × 2, SCSI, LC PDS |