RetroTechCollection

Power Macintosh 6500

The Power Macintosh 6500 is a series of personal computers introduced by Apple Computer on February 17, 1997.[1] Based on the "Gazelle" architecture, the 6500 series used the same tower case design as the Macintosh Performa 6400 but featured faster PowerPC 603e processors ranging from 225 MHz to 300 MHz. The 6500 included 2D/3D graphics acceleration, an SRS 3D surround sound system with subwoofer, and various expansion options including PCI slots and internal Zip drives.

Power Macintosh 6500
Power Macintosh 6500
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedFebruary 17, 1997
DiscontinuedMarch 14, 1998
Intro priceUS$1,800–$3,000
CPUPowerPC 603e @ 225–300 MHz
Memory32–64 MB RAM (expandable to 128 MB)
Storage2.0–6.0 GB IDE hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy, 12X–24X CD-ROM
Display832×624 @ 24-bit (max)
SoundSRS 3D surround sound with subwoofer
Dimensions16.0" H × 7.8" W × 16.9" D (40.6 × 19.8 × 42.9 cm)
Weight44.5 lbs (20.2 kg)
OS / FirmwareMac OS 7.5.5 – 9.1
PredecessorMacintosh Performa 6400
SuccessorPower Macintosh G3 (Desktop)
CodenameGazelle
Model no.M3548

Model Variants

edit

The Power Macintosh 6500 was available in four processor configurations, with various sub-configurations for education, consumer, and small business markets:[2]

Model Processor Standard RAM Hard Drive CD-ROM Zip Drive Price (USD)
6500/225 (Education) 225 MHz 32 MB 2.0 GB 12X Yes $2,000
6500/225 (Consumer) 225 MHz 32 MB 3.0 GB 12X No $1,800
6500/250 (Education) 250 MHz 32 MB 3.0 GB 12X Yes $2,100
6500/250 (Consumer) 250 MHz 32 MB 4.0 GB 24X Yes $2,300
6500/250 (Small Business) 250 MHz 48 MB 4.0 GB 12X Yes $2,600
6500/275 (Consumer) 275 MHz 32 MB 4.0–6.0 GB 24X Yes $3,000
6500/275 (Small Business) 275 MHz 48 MB 6.0 GB 12X Yes $3,000
6500/300 300 MHz 64 MB 4.0–6.0 GB 12X–24X Yes $3,000

Architecture and Processor

edit

The Power Macintosh 6500 uses the PowerPC 603e processor, a 32-bit RISC processor with a 64-bit data path.[3] All models feature an integrated floating-point unit (FPU) and operate on a 50 MHz system bus.

Cache Configuration

edit
  • L1 Cache: 32 KB (on-die)
  • L2 Cache: 256 KB (225/250 MHz models), 512 KB (275/300 MHz models)

ROM

edit

The 6500 series includes 4 MB of ROM, a significant increase from earlier Macintosh models, allowing for faster startup and more efficient system software operation.

Memory and Storage

edit

RAM Configuration

edit
  • RAM Type: 168-pin DIMM (60 ns minimum)
  • RAM Slots: 2
  • Standard RAM: 32–64 MB (varies by configuration)
  • Maximum RAM: 128 MB
  • Interleaving: Not supported

Storage Systems

edit
  • Hard Drive: 2.0–6.0 GB IDE (varies by configuration)
  • Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual eject)
  • CD-ROM: 12X or 24X (varies by configuration)
  • Zip Drive: Internal Zip 100 (most configurations)

Display and Graphics

edit

The Power Macintosh 6500 features dedicated 2D/3D graphics acceleration with 2 MB of onboard SGRAM (60 ns) that cannot be upgraded.

Supported Resolutions

edit
Resolution Color Depth
512×384 24-bit
640×480 24-bit
800×600 24-bit
832×624 24-bit
1024×768 16-bit
1152×870 16-bit
1280×1024 8-bit

A second display can be supported with the addition of a PCI video card.

Audio Capabilities

edit

The Power Macintosh 6500 includes an SRS 3D surround sound system with integrated subwoofer, providing enhanced audio compared to earlier Macintosh models.

Input/Output and Expansion

edit

Port Configuration

edit
  • Serial Ports: 2× Geoport (printer and modem)
  • ADB Ports: 1× Apple Desktop Bus
  • SCSI: External SCSI port
  • Video Out: DB-15 monitor port
  • Audio: Stereo audio in/out

Expansion Slots

edit
  • PCI Slots: 2
  • Comm-II Slot: 1 (occupied by modem in consumer configurations)
  • Video Input Slot: 1 (optional video input card)
  • TV Slot: 1 (optional TV/FM tuner card)

Networking

edit
  • Modem: 33.6k internal (consumer models; absent in education models)
  • Ethernet: 10Base-T available as optional upgrade

General Maintenance

edit

For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated Power Macintosh 6500 General Maintenance page.

Troubleshooting

edit

A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues such as power problems, startup failures, and video issues is available on the Power Macintosh 6500 Troubleshooting page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

edit

Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the Power Macintosh 6500 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Specifications

edit

Full technical specifications are available on the Power Macintosh 6500 Specifications page.

Technical Details

edit

System Architecture at a Glance

edit
Sub-system Specification (Power Macintosh 6500, 1997)
CPU PowerPC 603e @ 225–300 MHz
Bus width 32-bit processor, 64-bit data path
System Bus 50 MHz
ROM 4 MB
RAM 32–64 MB standard (128 MB max)
Video 2 MB SGRAM, 832×624 @ 24-bit max
Sound SRS 3D surround with subwoofer
Storage 2.0–6.0 GB IDE, 12X–24X CD-ROM
Ports Serial ×2, ADB, SCSI, Audio
Expansion 2× PCI, Comm-II, Video In, TV

See Also

edit

References

edit
  1. ↑ Power Macintosh 6500/225 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  2. ↑ Power Macintosh 6500/250 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  3. ↑ Power Macintosh 6500/275 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
Retrieved from "https://wiki.retrotechcollection.com/index.php?title=Power_Macintosh_6500&oldid=9711"