Macintosh Performa 275

Macintosh Performa 275
	Macintosh Performa 275
Specifications
Manufacturer	Apple Computer, Inc.
Type	All-in-One Personal Computer
Released	October 1, 1993
Discontinued	November 1, 1995
CPU	Motorola 68030 @ 33 MHz
Memory	4 MB RAM (expandable to 36 MB)
Storage	80 MB 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
Predecessor	Performa 250
Model no.	M1600

The Macintosh Performa 275 is a consumer-oriented compact Macintosh computer introduced by Apple Computer on October 1, 1993.^[1] It is a rebranded version of the Macintosh Color Classic II, sold in Asia through consumer retail channels as part of Apple's Performa line. Both models were exclusively available outside the United States.

Relationship to Color Classic II

The Performa 275 shares the same logic board, case design, and specifications as the Macintosh Color Classic II. The Color Classic II was sold in Japan, Canada, and Europe, while the Performa 275 was marketed in Asian markets.^[2]

The Color Classic II represents a significant upgrade over the original Color Classic, featuring a faster 33 MHz processor with a full 32-bit data path and support for substantially more RAM.

Architecture and Processor

The Performa 275 uses the Motorola 68030 processor running at 33 MHz with a 32-bit data bus—a significant improvement over the 16-bit data path of the original Color Classic. The system bus operates at 33 MHz.

An LC PDS (Processor Direct Slot) provides expansion capability, compatible with LC-series expansion cards. An optional 68882 FPU could be installed.

Memory

Standard RAM: 4 MB soldered on logic board
Maximum RAM: 36 MB (4 MB onboard + 32 MB via single 72-pin SIMM)
RAM Type: 72-pin SIMM, 80 ns or faster
RAM Slots: 1
ROM: 1 MB

The switch to 72-pin SIMMs and a single slot simplified RAM upgrades while allowing much greater expansion than the original Color Classic.

Video Memory

Standard VRAM: 256 KB
Maximum VRAM: 512 KB (with optional 256 KB VRAM SIMM)

Storage

Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (auto-inject)
Hard Drive: 80 MB or 160 MB internal SCSI
SCSI Interface: Internal and external SCSI ports

Display

The Performa 275 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

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

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Color Classic II General Maintenance page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for both analog and logic boards can be found on the Macintosh Color Classic II Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Troubleshooting

A 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 II Troubleshooting page.

Retrobrite

To address plastic yellowing, detailed instructions can be found on the Retrobrite page.

Technical Details

System Architecture at a Glance

Sub-system	Specification
CPU	Motorola 68030 @ 33 MHz
Bus width	32-bit data • 32-bit address
ROM	1 MB
RAM	4 MB (expandable to 36 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, 80/160 MB SCSI HDD
Ports	ADB × 2, Serial × 2, SCSI, LC PDS

References

↑ Macintosh Performa 275 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
↑ Macintosh Color Classic II Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)