RetroTechCollection

Macintosh Performa 6300CD

The Macintosh Performa 6300CD is a PowerPC-based desktop personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. and released on January 27, 1996.[1] It features a 100 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, 16 MB of RAM, a 1.2 GB IDE hard drive, and a 4X CD-ROM drive in a compact desktop case based on the Macintosh Quadra 630 form factor. The system shipped with a 15" Apple color monitor.

Macintosh Performa 6300CD
Macintosh Performa 6300CD
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedJanuary 27, 1996
DiscontinuedOctober 1, 1996
Intro priceUS$2,800
CPUPowerPC 603e @ 100 MHz
Memory16 MB RAM (expandable to 64 MB)
Storage1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 4X CD-ROM
DisplayDB-15 video output (640×480 16-bit, 800×600 8-bit)
SoundMonophonic input, stereo output
Dimensions4.3" H × 12.6" W × 16.5" D (10.9 × 32 × 41.9 cm)
Weight19 lbs (8.6 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.5.1 – Mac OS 9.1
PredecessorPerforma 6200CD
SuccessorPerforma 6360
Model no.M3076

The Performa 6300CD shares its logic board with the Performa 5300CD all-in-one system and is part of Apple's consumer-oriented Performa line.[2]

Model Variants

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The Performa 6300 series includes several regional and specification variants that share the same logic board (Model M3076, Gestalt ID 42):

Model CPU RAM Storage Region Release Date Notes
Performa 6290CD 100 MHz 603e 8 MB 1.2 GB North America January 27, 1996 Base model without bundled monitor
Performa 6300CD 100 MHz 603e 16 MB 1.2 GB North America January 27, 1996 Includes 15" monitor
Performa 6310CD 100 MHz 603e 16 MB 1.2 GB Europe/Asia February 14, 1996 International version of 6300CD
Performa 6320CD 120 MHz 603e 16 MB 1.2 GB North America April 22, 1996 Includes TV/Video input card

The Performa 6360 uses a different logic board ("Alchemy") with DIMM RAM and PCI expansion.

Architecture and Processor

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The Performa 6300CD is powered by a 100 MHz PowerPC 603e processor with integrated FPU. The processor communicates over a 100 MHz front-side bus to 256 KB of L2 cache and 4 MB of ROM.[3]

The internal bus structure consists of three buses:

  • A 64-bit 100 MHz 603 bus connecting the CPU, L2 cache, and ROM
  • A 32-bit 40 MHz 68040-compatible bus connecting memory, video, and I/O controllers via the Capella chip
  • A 32-bit 16 MHz I/O bus managed by the PrimeTime II chip

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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The system includes two 72-pin SIMM slots supporting 80 ns or faster memory:

  • Standard RAM: 16 MB
  • Maximum RAM: 64 MB
  • No onboard RAM; all memory installed via SIMMs

Storage Systems

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  • Hard Drive: 1.2 GB IDE internal drive
  • Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB 3.5" SuperDrive (manual insert)
  • CD-ROM: 4X internal CD-ROM drive

The system uses an IDE interface for the hard drive rather than SCSI, though an external SCSI port is available for peripherals.

Display and Graphics

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Video is handled by integrated graphics using 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video function:

Resolution Color Depth
640×480 16-bit (Thousands)
800×600 8-bit (256 colors)
832×624 8-bit (256 colors)

A DB-15 video output port provides connection to external monitors. A second display can be supported with the addition of a PDS video card.

Audio Capabilities

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  • Monophonic 8-bit sound input
  • Stereo 16-bit sound output via internal speakers
  • 3.5mm audio input and output jacks

Input/Output and Expansion

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Port Configuration

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  • 2× RS-232/422 serial ports (printer and modem)
  • 1× External SCSI port (DB-25)
  • 1× ADB port
  • 1× Audio input (3.5mm mono)
  • 1× Audio output (3.5mm stereo)
  • 1× DB-15 video output

Expansion Slots

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  • 1× LC PDS (Processor Direct Slot)
  • 1× Communications Slot
  • 1× Video I/O slot
  • 1× TV tuner slot

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 6300CD General Maintenance page.

PCB Schematics & Service Manual

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The Macintosh Performa 6300CD features the same logic board as the Performa 5300 series.

Apple Service Manual

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The Apple Service Source manual for the Performa 6200/6300 series covers all variants.

All Apple Service Manuals can be found on the Apple Service Source page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 6300CD Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Retrobrite

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

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, startup issues, video problems, and other common failures is available on the Macintosh Performa 6300CD Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification (Macintosh Performa 6300CD, 1996)
CPU PowerPC 603e @ 100 MHz
Bus width 32-bit data (I/O) • 64-bit data (CPU)
ROM 4 MB
RAM 16 MB (expandable to 64 MB)
L1 Cache 32 KB
L2 Cache 256 KB
Video 640×480 16-bit, 800×600 8-bit
Sound Mono input, stereo output
Disks 1.2 GB IDE HDD, 1.44 MB floppy, 4X CD-ROM
Ports ADB, SCSI, 2× Serial, Audio I/O, Video out

Processor Specifications

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Component Specification
CPU PowerPC 603e @ 100 MHz[4]
Data Bus 64-bit (CPU), 32-bit (I/O)
FPU Integrated
L1 Cache 32 KB (16 KB instruction, 16 KB data)
L2 Cache 256 KB

Power Specifications

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  • Input: 100V-240V AC, 50-60 Hz
  • Maximum power consumption: 55 Watts

See Also

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References

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  1. ↑ Macintosh Performa 6300CD Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  2. ↑ Power Macintosh 6200, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  3. ↑ Macintosh Performa 6200CD: Technical Specifications, Apple—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  4. ↑ Macintosh Performa 6300CD Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
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