Macintosh Performa 5440


The Macintosh Performa 5440 is an all-in-one personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc., introduced on August 1, 1996.[1] It is the fastest variant of the Performa 5400CD series with a 180 MHz processor and a distinctive black case.

Macintosh Performa 5440
Macintosh Performa 5440
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypeAll-in-one Personal Computer
ReleasedAugust 1, 1996
DiscontinuedJune 1, 1997
CPUPowerPC 603e @ 180 MHz
Memory16 MB or 24 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB)
Storage1.6 GB or 2.4 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM
Display15" shadow mask CRT (800×600 16-bit, 1024×768 8-bit)
Sound16-bit stereo output, 16-bit mono input, SRS surround
Dimensions17.5" H × 15.1" W × 16.0" D (44.5 × 38.4 × 40.6 cm)
Weight47 lbs (21.3 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1
PredecessorPerforma 5400CD
SuccessorPerforma 5500
CodenameAlchemy

The Performa 5440 was sold only in Europe and Asia. A Director's Edition variant sold in Australia featured 24 MB of RAM, a 2.4 GB hard drive, and pre-installed TV/video capabilities.

Differences from Performa 5400CD

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The Performa 5440 differs from the Performa 5400CD in the following ways:

  • CPU Speed: 180 MHz (vs 120 MHz)
  • CD-ROM: 8X (vs 4X)
  • Case Color: Black (vs platinum)
  • Display Resolution: Supports 800×600 at 16-bit (vs 640×480)
  • Market: Europe and Asia only
  • Director's Edition: 24 MB RAM, 2.4 GB HDD, TV/video (Australia only)

Architecture and Processor

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The Performa 5440 uses a PowerPC 603e processor running at 180 MHz on a 40 MHz system bus. The 603e is a 32-bit processor with a 64-bit data path and integrated floating-point unit.

Cache Configuration

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  • L1 Cache: 32 KB (16 KB instruction, 16 KB data)
  • L2 Cache: 256 KB (optional)

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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Specification Details
RAM Type 168-pin DIMM
Minimum Speed 70 ns
Motherboard RAM 8 MB soldered
Standard RAM 16 MB (24 MB Director's Edition)
Maximum RAM 136 MB
RAM Slots 2

Storage Systems

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  • Hard Drive: 1.6 GB or 2.4 GB (Director's Edition) IDE internal drive
  • Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB 3.5" manual-eject
  • CD-ROM: 8X

Display and Graphics

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The built-in 15" shadow mask CRT supports:

  • 640×480 at 16-bit color
  • 800×600 at 16-bit color
  • 832×624 at 8-bit color
  • 1024×768 at 8-bit color (external mirroring)

Black Case Design

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The Performa 5440 was one of the few Macintosh computers produced with a black case rather than the standard platinum color. This distinctive appearance was intended to appeal to the consumer multimedia market.

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 5400CD General Maintenance page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the Macintosh Performa 5400CD Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide is available on the Macintosh Performa 5400CD Troubleshooting page.

See Also

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References

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  1. Apple Macintosh Performa 5400/180 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)