Macintosh Performa 6110CD

Macintosh Performa 6110CD
	Macintosh Performa 6110CD
Specifications
Manufacturer	Apple Computer, Inc.
Type	Personal Computer
Released	November 1, 1994
Discontinued	July 1, 1995
Intro price	US$2,600
CPU	PowerPC 601 @ 60 MHz
Memory	8 MB RAM (expandable to 72 MB)
Storage	250 MB SCSI HDD, 2x CD-ROM
Display	Apple Multiple Scan 15 Display (bundled)
Sound	Stereo 16-bit input/output, mono speaker
Dimensions	3.4" H × 16.3" W × 15.6" D
Weight	14 lbs (6.4 kg)
OS / Firmware	System 7.5 – Mac OS 9.1
Predecessor	Performa 475
Successor	Performa 6200CD
Codename	Piltdown Man
Model no.	M1596

The Macintosh Performa 6110CD is the consumer-oriented version of the Power Macintosh 6100/60, released on November 1, 1994.^[1] It was the first PowerPC-based Performa, representing Apple's transition from the Motorola 680x0 architecture to the PowerPC platform in the consumer market.

The Performa 6110CD uses the same "pizza box" enclosure as the Centris 610 and Quadra 610 and shipped bundled with an Apple Multiple Scan 15 Display and AppleDesign Keyboard.^[2]

Model Variants

The Performa 6100 series consists of six models that share identical hardware specifications, differing only in hard drive capacity and bundled software:

Model	Hard Drive	Software Bundle	Release Date
Performa 6110CD	250 MB	Bundle #1	November 1, 1994
Performa 6112CD	250 MB	Bundle #2	November 1, 1994
Performa 6115CD	350 MB	Bundle #1	November 1, 1994
Performa 6116CD	350 MB	N/A	July 17, 1995
Performa 6117CD	700 MB	N/A	November 1, 1994
Performa 6118CD	500 MB	Bundles #1 & #2	November 1, 1994

Software Bundle #1: ClarisWorks, clip art collections, Now Up-To-Date, Now Contact

Software Bundle #2: Microsoft Works, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, Kid Works, Thinkin' Things, The Writing Center, Fractal Dabbler, Spaceway 2000, San Diego Zoo Presents... the Animals!, Wacky Jacks CD Gameshow

All models shipped with 3D World Atlas and children's software on CD-ROM.

Architecture and Processor

The Performa 6110CD uses the PowerPC 601 processor running at 60 MHz on a 30 MHz system bus. The 601 was the first generation PowerPC chip developed jointly by Apple, IBM, and Motorola (the "AIM alliance"). It features a 32-bit architecture with a 64-bit data path and integrates the FPU on-die.

Cache

L1 Cache: 32 KB (16 KB data + 16 KB instruction)
L2 Cache: Optional 256 KB (cache slot on logic board)

Memory and Storage

RAM Configuration

The system includes 8 MB of RAM soldered to the logic board with two 72-pin SIMM slots for expansion. SIMMs must be installed in matched pairs.

RAM Type: 72-pin FPM or EDO SIMMs
Minimum Speed: 80 ns
Maximum RAM: 72 MB officially; 136 MB with third-party 64 MB SIMMs

Storage Systems

Hard Drive: 250 MB internal SCSI (varies by model)
Optical: 2x CD-ROM (Apple 300i)
Floppy: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (manual inject)
Interface: 50-pin internal SCSI, DB-25 external SCSI

Display and Graphics

Video output is provided through the HDI-45 connector. The system uses 640 KB of system RAM dedicated to video functions.

Standard Resolution: 640×480 at 16-bit color
Maximum Resolution: 832×624 at 8-bit color
VRAM: 640 KB (borrowed from system RAM)

Higher resolutions and color depths are available with third-party NuBus video cards via PDS-to-NuBus adapter.

Input/Output and Expansion

Port Configuration

ADB: 1 port
Serial: 2 GeoPort-compatible Mini DIN-8 (printer, modem)
SCSI: DB-25 external
Audio Out: Stereo 16-bit mini jack
Audio In: Stereo 16-bit mini jack
Video: HDI-45
Ethernet: AAUI-15

Expansion

The system has one PDS (Processor Direct Slot) that can accept either a PDS card or a 7" NuBus card via Apple's PDS-to-NuBus adapter (M1402LL/A). The AV card occupies both slots.

General Maintenance

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and connector corrosion prevention, refer to the dedicated Power Macintosh 6100 General Maintenance page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for both analog and logic boards can be found on the Power Macintosh 6100 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 Power Macintosh 6100 Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

System Architecture at a Glance

Sub-system	Specification
CPU	PowerPC 601 @ 60 MHz
Bus width	64-bit data • 32-bit address
Bus speed	30 MHz
ROM	4 MB
RAM	8 MB onboard (expandable to 72 MB)
Video	640×480 @ 16-bit (640 KB system RAM)
Sound	16-bit stereo input/output
Disks	250 MB SCSI HDD, 2x CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
Ports	ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, HDI-45, AAUI-15, Audio I/O

Processor Specifications

Component	Specification
CPU	PowerPC 601 @ 60 MHz
FPU	Integrated
Data Bus	64-bit
Address Bus	32-bit
L1 Cache	32 KB (16 KB data + 16 KB instruction)
L2 Cache	Optional 256 KB

References

↑ Macintosh Performa 6110CD, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
↑ Power Macintosh 6100, Apple-History.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)