Macintosh Performa 6400
The Macintosh Performa 6400 is a personal computer designed, manufactured and sold by Apple Computer from August 1996 to August 1997.[1] It is the only Macintosh mini-tower to be branded as a Performa, and was one of the last new Performa-branded models introduced by Apple.[2]
 | |
| Macintosh Performa 6400/200 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | August 7, 1996 |
| Discontinued | August 1, 1997 |
| Intro price | US$2,100–$2,800 |
| CPU | PowerPC 603ev @ 180 or 200 MHz |
| Memory | 16 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB) |
| Storage | 1.6–2.4 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM |
| Display | Supports up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit |
| Sound | 16-bit stereo in/out with SRS 3D Surround; one mono full-range speaker/subwoofer |
| Dimensions | 16.0" H × 7.8" W × 16.9" D (40.6 × 19.8 × 42.9 cm) |
| Weight | 44.5 lbs (20.2 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1 |
| Predecessor | Performa 6360 |
| Successor | Power Macintosh 6500 |
| Codename | Alchemy (logic board) |
| Model no. | M3548 |
The Performa 6400 was succeeded by the uniformly-named Power Macintosh 6500 in August 1997.
Model Variants
editThe Performa 6400 was sold in several configurations based on region and processor speed:
| Model | CPU Speed | Hard Drive | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performa 6400/180 | 180 MHz | 1.6 GB | North America | Base consumer model |
| Performa 6400/200 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | North America | Higher-end consumer model |
| Performa 6400/200 Video Editing Edition | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | North America | Included Avid Cinema video I/O card, 32 MB RAM |
| Power Macintosh 6400/200 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | North America, UK | Education market |
| Performa 6410 | 180 MHz | 1.6 GB | Europe, Asia | Rebadged 6400/180 |
| Performa 6420 | 200 MHz | 2.4 GB | Europe, Asia | Rebadged 6400/200 |
Architecture and Processor
editAll Performa 6400 models use a PowerPC 603ev processor soldered to the logic board and cooled by a fanless heatsink.[3] The processor is a 32-bit design with a 64-bit data path to main memory.
The logic board, codenamed "Alchemy", is shared with the Power Macintosh 5400 all-in-one and Performa 6360 desktop models. The Alchemy board improved upon its 5200/6200 predecessors by providing a 64-bit data path to main memory.
Though initially considered non-upgradable, third-party CPU upgrades became available that overrode the soldered CPU via the L2 cache slot.
Processor Specifications
edit| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | PowerPC 603ev @ 180 or 200 MHz |
| FPU | Integrated |
| L1 Cache | 32 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB (optional) |
| System Bus | 40 MHz |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
Memory and Storage
editRAM Configuration
editThe Performa 6400 includes 8 MB of RAM soldered to the motherboard, with two 168-pin DIMM slots supporting 70 ns memory modules. Maximum RAM capacity is 136 MB.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| RAM Type | 168-pin DIMM |
| RAM Speed | 70 ns |
| Standard RAM | 16 MB (32 MB on Video Editing Edition) |
| Maximum RAM | 136 MB |
| Motherboard RAM | 8 MB |
| RAM Slots | 2 |
ROM and System Software
editThe Performa 6400 uses a 4 MB Macintosh ROM. It shipped with System 7.5.3 Revision 2.1, a release specific to these machines due to stability issues with the standard System 7.5.3 Release 2 on the new hardware, especially regarding the video card and LocalTalk file transfers.
Supported operating systems range from System 7.5.3 to Mac OS 9.1. With a PowerPC G3 processor upgrade, Mac OS 9.2.2 can be used.
Storage Systems
edit| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
| Standard Hard Drive | 1.6 GB (180 MHz) or 2.4 GB (200 MHz) |
| Optical Drive | 8X CD-ROM |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual inject) |
Display and Graphics
editVideo memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions. This allocation persists regardless of total system RAM installed.
| Resolution | Color Depth |
|---|---|
| 640×480 | 16-bit (Thousands) |
| 800×600 | 16-bit (Thousands) |
| 832×624 | 8-bit (256 colors) |
| 1024×768 | 8-bit (256 colors) |
A second display can be supported with the addition of a PCI video card.
Audio Capabilities
editThe Performa 6400's "InstaTower" case includes an integrated subwoofer speaker and supports SRS 3D surround sound. A bass level control knob on the rear of the case adjusts subwoofer output when external speakers are connected; without external speakers, the internal speaker provides full-range audio.
Two audio output jacks are provided—one on the front panel and one on the rear. Connecting headphones to the front jack disables the internal speaker and rear output.
Input/Output and Expansion
editPort Configuration
edit| Port | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serial (GeoPort) | 2 | One printer, one modem |
| SCSI | 1 | External only |
| ADB | 1 | Apple Desktop Bus |
| Audio Out | 2 | Front and rear jacks |
| Audio In | 1 | |
| Video Out | 1 | DB-15 monitor port |
Expansion Slots
edit| Slot Type | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCI | 2 | Standard expansion |
| Communications Slot | 1 | Supports AAUI, Ethernet, modem cards (not compatible with other Mac comm slots) |
| TV Tuner Slot | 1 | |
| Video Input Slot | 1 | Occupied on Video Editing Edition |
10Base-T Ethernet was available as an optional upgrade.
General Maintenance
editFor detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 6400 General Maintenance page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
editDetailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Troubleshooting
editA comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing power issues, startup problems, video issues, and other common problems is available on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Troubleshooting page.
Technical Details
editSystem Architecture at a Glance
edit| Sub-system | Specification (Macintosh Performa 6400, 1996) |
|---|---|
| CPU | PowerPC 603ev @ 180/200 MHz |
| Bus width | 64-bit data path |
| ROM | 4 MB |
| RAM | 16 MB (expandable to 136 MB) |
| Video | Up to 1024×768 @ 8-bit |
| Sound | SRS 3D surround with subwoofer |
| Storage | 1.6–2.4 GB IDE HDD, 8X CD-ROM |
| Ports | ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, Audio I/O |
Power Specifications
edit| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input voltage | 90–130 or 180–264 VAC, set manually on the rear voltage switch |
| Frequency | 47–63 Hz |
| Maximum power | 220 W continuous (Performa/Power Macintosh 6400); 140 W on the 6500 |
Apple service data
editApple's own figures, from the Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series Service Source volume hosted on this wiki.[4]
| Item | Apple's figure |
|---|---|
| Processor | PowerPC 603ev throughout: 180 MHz (6400/180, 6410), 200 MHz (6400/200, 6420), 225/250/275/300 MHz (6500) |
| Processor bus | 64-bit wide, 40 MHz on the 6400 and 50 MHz on the 6500, supporting split address and data tenures |
| DRAM (Performa 6400, 6410, 6420) | 16 MB — the 6420 ships with up to 24 MB — expandable to 136 MB in two sockets, 168-pin fast-paged mode, 70 ns or faster, 2K refresh |
| DRAM (Power Macintosh 6400) | 16 MB, expandable to 136 MB, 168-pin extended data out (EDO), 60 ns or faster, 1K or 2K refresh — not the same part as the Performa takes |
| DRAM (6500) | 32 MB (48 MB on some /275, 64 MB on the /300), expandable to 128 MB, 168-pin 5-volt buffered EDO, 60 ns or faster, 2K refresh |
| ROM / PRAM | 4 MB ROM; 8K of non-volatile parameter memory |
| VRAM | 1 MB built in on the 6400; 2 MB of 88 MHz synchronous graphic RAM on the 6500 |
| Level 2 cache | Optional 256K on the 6400, 6410 and 6500/225–250 base; standard 256K on the 6420 and on the 6400/200 with Zip drive; standard 512K on the 6500/275 and 6500/300 |
| CD-ROM | AppleCD 600i on the 6400 (4X); AppleCD 1200i 8X on the 6410, 6420 and the 6400/200 with Zip; 12X or 24X on the 6500 |
| Hard drive | 1.2 GB IDE (6400), 1.6 GB (6410), 2.4 GB (6420 and 6400/200 with Zip), 2 GB (6500/225), 3 or 4 GB (6500/250), 4 or 6 GB (6500/275, /300) |
| SCSI | One external port supporting up to six external devices, or five if the optional Zip drive is fitted |
| Expansion | Two PCI slots; one communications slot (PCI-bus configuration); a TV/FM tuner port; a video-in slot whose 60-pin DAV connector takes an optional real-time video card, with an adapter cable for backward compatibility with Power Macintosh 5200 DVA cards |
| Sound | 16-bit stereo in and out with SRS 3D Surround Sound; sample rates 11.025, 22.05 and 44.1 kHz; one rear line-level output, one front headphone jack, one stereo input |
| Speaker | One built-in, full-range, monophonic speaker/subwoofer. Stereo comes only from external speakers, headphones or the monitor |
| Electrical | 90–130 or 180–264 VAC, set manually by the voltage switch; 47–63 Hz. 220 W maximum continuous on the 6400; 140 W maximum continuous on the 6500 |
| Case | Height 16 in. (406 mm), width 7 13/16 in. (198 mm), depth 16 7/8 in. (428 mm); 44.5 lb. (20.18 kg) without CD-ROM |
| Expansion bay | Configured for 5.25-inch SCSI devices; a 3.5-inch SCSI device fits with a modified carrier |
| PRAM battery | On a hook-and-loop base with a pull-up connector. Verify on the 10 V DC scale; replace below 3.0 V. Apple warns it is a lithium pack that could explode if mishandled — neutralise leakage with sodium bicarbonate, never vinegar |
The voltage switch
editThis machine has a manually set voltage switch and Apple's own wording is that it "must be set correctly to avoid damaging the computer." Insert a screwdriver in the slot and set it to show "115" for supplies between 100 and 130 V or "230" for supplies between 200 and 270 V. Apple gives the line voltage as 90–130 or 180–264 VAC configured manually, at 47–63 Hz — not a universal auto-ranging input. Apple's volume also prints a country-by-country voltage table, and notes that some countries use two standardised voltages.[4]
Things that are not faults
edit- With external speakers attached the subwoofer works as a bass speaker; without them it produces
full-range sound instead of just bass. The subwoofer balance control only does anything when external speakers are connected.[4]
- Inserting a plug into either output jack disconnects the internal speaker, and the rear jack is
muted when headphones are in the front jack. That is by design.[4]
See Also
editReferences
edit- ↑ Macintosh Performa 6400/180: Technical Specifications, Apple—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Apple Macintosh Performa 6400/200 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ Power Macintosh 6400, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Apple Computer, Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series, Service Source. Hosted here as Performa/Power Macintosh 6400 and 6500 Series Service Source (File:Powermac.perf_6400.6500.pdf). Basics, Specifications and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification chapters.