RetroTechCollection

Power Macintosh 5260

The Power Macintosh 5260 is an all-in-one personal computer introduced by Apple Computer on March 10, 1996.[1] It features a PowerPC 603e processor and a built-in 14" shadow mask color CRT display in a compact all-in-one case. In North America, the Power Macintosh 5260 was sold exclusively to the educational market, while the consumer version was branded as the Performa 5260CD.

Power Macintosh 5260
Power Macintosh 5260
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypeAll-in-one Personal Computer
ReleasedMarch 10, 1996
DiscontinuedMarch 1, 1997
Intro priceEducation only (North America)
CPUPowerPC 603e @ 100–120 MHz
Memory8–16 MB RAM (expandable to 64 MB)
Storage800 MB–1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy, 4X–8X CD-ROM
DisplayBuilt-in 14" shadow mask CRT (640×480)
SoundStereo 16-bit output, mono input
Dimensions17.5" H × 15.1" W × 16.0" D (44.5 × 38.4 × 40.6 cm)
Weight45 lbs (20.4 kg)
OS / FirmwareMac OS 7.5.3 – 9.1
PredecessorPower Macintosh 5200
SuccessorPower Macintosh 5400
Model no.M3457

Model Variants

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The Power Macintosh 5260 was available in two processor configurations:

Model Order Number Release Processor Standard RAM Hard Drive CD-ROM Market
5260/100 M4982LL/A March 1996 100 MHz 8–16 MB 800 MB 4X Education (NA), Consumer (Asia/Australia)
5260/120 M5233LL/A September 1996 120 MHz 16 MB 1.2 GB 8X Education only
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  • Performa 5260CD: Consumer version with bundled software
  • Performa 5260/120: Consumer version of the 120 MHz model

Architecture and Processor

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The Power Macintosh 5260 uses the PowerPC 603e processor, a low-power variant designed for cost-effective and all-in-one systems.[2]

Processor Specifications

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  • Processor: PowerPC 603e
  • Clock Speed: 100 MHz or 120 MHz
  • Architecture: 32-bit processor with 64-bit data path
  • FPU: Integrated
  • System Bus: 40 MHz

Cache Configuration

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  • L1 Cache: 32 KB (on-die)
  • L2 Cache: 256 KB (optional)

ROM

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  • ROM Size: 4 MB
  • ROM Type: Macintosh ROM

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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  • RAM Type: 72-pin SIMM (80 ns minimum)
  • RAM Slots: 2
  • Standard RAM: 8–16 MB (varies by configuration)
  • Maximum RAM: 64 MB
  • Interleaving: Not supported

Storage Systems

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  • Hard Drive: 800 MB or 1.2 GB IDE
  • Hard Drive Interface: IDE
  • Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual eject)
  • CD-ROM: 4X or 8X (varies by configuration)

Display and Graphics

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The Power Macintosh 5260 features an integrated 14" shadow mask CRT display with dedicated video memory shared from system RAM.

Display Specifications

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  • Display Size: 14" diagonal
  • Display Type: Shadow mask RGB CRT
  • Resolution: 640×480
  • Color Depth: 16-bit (thousands of colors)
  • Video RAM: 1 MB (from system RAM)
  • External Monitor: Supported via LC PDS video card

Audio Capabilities

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  • Audio Output: Stereo 16-bit
  • Audio Input: Mono 16-bit
  • Built-in Speakers: Yes

Input/Output and Expansion

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Port Configuration

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  • Serial Ports: 2 (printer and modem)
  • ADB Ports: 1× Apple Desktop Bus
  • Audio: Stereo out, mono in
  • Video Out: Optional (via LC PDS card)

Expansion Slots

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  • LC PDS Slot: 1
  • Comm Slot: 1
  • Video Input Slot: 1
  • Video Output Slot: 1
  • TV Tuner Slot: 1

Networking

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  • Ethernet: 10Base-T available as optional upgrade

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and CRT safety procedures, refer to the dedicated Power Macintosh 5260 General Maintenance page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues such as power problems, startup failures, and video issues is available on the Power Macintosh 5260 Troubleshooting page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the Power Macintosh 5260 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Specifications

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Full technical specifications are available on the Power Macintosh 5260 Specifications page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification (Power Macintosh 5260, 1996–1997)
CPU PowerPC 603e @ 100–120 MHz
Bus width 32-bit processor, 64-bit data path
System Bus 40 MHz
ROM 4 MB
RAM 8–16 MB standard (64 MB max)
Display Built-in 14" CRT, 640×480 @ 16-bit
Video 1 MB shared RAM
Sound Stereo 16-bit output, mono input
Storage 800 MB–1.2 GB IDE, 4X–8X CD-ROM
Expansion LC PDS, Comm, Video I/O, TV

See Also

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References

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  1. ↑ Power Macintosh 5260/100 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  2. ↑ Power Macintosh 5260/120 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
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