Macintosh IIvx
 | |
| Macintosh IIvx | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Desktop Personal Computer |
| Released | October 19, 1992 |
| Discontinued | October 21, 1993 |
| Intro price | US$2,950 – $3,550 |
| CPU | Motorola 68030 @ 32 MHz |
| Memory | 4–5 MB RAM onboard (expandable to 68 MB) |
| Storage | 40 MB, 80 MB, or 230 MB SCSI hard drive |
| Display | DB-15 video, 640×480 @ 16-bit (1 MB VRAM) |
| Sound | 8-bit stereo output, mono input |
| Dimensions | 6.0" H × 13.0" W × 16.5" D (15.2 × 33 × 41.9 cm) |
| Weight | 25 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.1 – Mac OS 7.6.1 |
| Predecessor | Macintosh IIci |
| Successor | Macintosh Centris 650 |
| Model no. | M1350 |
The Macintosh IIvx is a desktop personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. from October 1992 to October 1993.[1] The IIvx was the last of the Macintosh II family and the first Macintosh to accommodate an internal CD-ROM drive.[2]
The IIvx was introduced alongside the slower Macintosh IIvi. Both models use the same high-profile desktop case. The consumer version, the Performa 600, was based on the same architecture.[3]
Development History
The IIvx began as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate how an internal CD-ROM drive could be added to a Macintosh. After Apple CEO John Sculley announced a Mac with CD-ROM at MacWorld Tokyo, the IIvx was rushed into production with several design compromises.[4]
Apple originally intended the IIvx to be the first Macintosh Centris, but trademark clearance was not completed in time. The Centris name debuted a few months later with 68040-based models.
Architecture and Processor
The Macintosh IIvx uses a Motorola MC68030 microprocessor running at 32 MHz, paired with a Motorola 68882 FPU.[5]
- Clock Speed: 32 MHz
- Bus Speed: 16 MHz
- Data Path: 32-bit
- L1 Cache: 0.5 KB (on-chip)
- L2 Cache: 32 KB
- FPU: Motorola 68882 @ 32 MHz (included)
The 32 MHz CPU runs on a 16 MHz bus, which limits performance. The IIvx is slightly slower than the older Macintosh IIci in many benchmarks despite the higher clock speed.[6] The serial port is limited to 57.6 kbit/s, which can cause problems with MIDI hardware.
The 32K L2 cache distinguishes the IIvx from the IIvi and Performa 600, which lack L2 cache.
Memory
RAM Configuration
- Onboard RAM: 4 MB or 5 MB (depending on configuration)
- SIMM Slots: 4 × 30-pin
- SIMM Speed: 80 ns minimum
- Maximum RAM: 68 MB (4 MB onboard + 64 MB in SIMMs)
- SIMM Installation: Four identical SIMMs must be installed as a group
ROM
- ROM Size: 1 MB
- ROM Type: Macintosh ROM
VRAM
- Standard VRAM: 512 KB or 1 MB (depending on configuration)
- Maximum VRAM: 1 MB (two 512 KB VRAMs)
- VRAM Slots: 2 × VRAM SIMM slots
- VRAM Speed: 100 ns
Video
- Video Output: DB-15 connector
- Maximum Resolution: 640 × 480 pixels
- Color Depth (512K VRAM): 8-bit (256 colors) at 640×480, 16-bit at 512×384
- Color Depth (1 MB VRAM): 16-bit (thousands) at 640×480
Additional displays can be connected via NuBus video cards.
Storage
Hard Drive
- Interface: SCSI (DB-25 external connector)
- Standard Capacities: 40 MB, 80 MB, or 230 MB
Floppy Drive
- Drive Type: Apple SuperDrive (1.44 MB)
- Auto-inject: Yes
CD-ROM Drive
- Type: 2X internal (optional, standard on M1373LL/A configuration)
- Bay: Front-accessible 5.25" bay
The IIvx was the first Macintosh to offer an internal CD-ROM drive option.
Input/Output and Expansion
Ports
- ADB Ports: 2 (Apple Desktop Bus)
- Serial Ports: 2 × Mini DIN-8 RS-422 (Printer and Modem) — limited to 57.6 kbit/s
- SCSI Port: DB-25 connector
- Video Port: DB-15 connector
- Audio Output: 3.5 mm stereo jack
- Audio Input: 3.5 mm mono jack
Expansion Slots
- NuBus Slots: 3
- Processor Direct Slot (PDS): 1
- Expansion Bay: 1 × 5.25" (for CD-ROM)
Power
- Power Supply: 230W maximum
- Input Voltage: 100V – 240V AC
- Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz
- PRAM Battery: 3.6V lithium
Case Design
The IIvx uses a high-profile desktop case shared with the Macintosh IIvi, Performa 600, Macintosh Centris 650, Macintosh Quadra 650, and Power Macintosh 7100. The case design continued through the PowerPC era. The logic board can be swapped with a Centris/Quadra 650 board for an upgrade.[7]
- Dimensions: 6.0" H × 13.0" W × 16.5" D (15.2 × 33 × 41.9 cm)
- Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
General Maintenance
Common maintenance concerns include capacitor leakage, PRAM battery failure, and power supply issues.
For cleaning, battery maintenance, and inspection procedures, see the Macintosh IIvx General Maintenance page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
The Macintosh IIvx logic board contains surface-mount electrolytic capacitors that leak over time.
For capacitor specifications and procedures, see the Macintosh IIvx Capacitor Replacement Guide.
Troubleshooting
Common issues include startup failures, video problems, slow serial ports, and SCSI errors.
For diagnostics, see the Macintosh IIvx Troubleshooting page.
Technical Specifications
| Sub-system | Specification (Macintosh IIvx, October 1992) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Motorola 68030 @ 32 MHz |
| FPU | Motorola 68882 @ 32 MHz (included) |
| Bus Speed | 16 MHz |
| ROM | 1 MB |
| RAM | 4–5 MB onboard + 4 × 30-pin SIMM slots (68 MB max) |
| L1 Cache | 0.5 KB (on-chip) |
| L2 Cache | 32 KB |
| Video | 640 × 480 @ 8-bit (512K VRAM), 16-bit with 1 MB |
| Sound | 8-bit stereo output, mono input |
| Storage | 40/80/230 MB SCSI HDD, 1.44 MB SuperDrive, optional 2X CD-ROM |
| Expansion | 3 × NuBus, 1 × PDS, 1 × 5.25" bay |
| Ports | 2 × ADB, 2 × Serial (57.6 kbit/s), SCSI, Video, Audio I/O |
Model Configurations
| Order Number | RAM | VRAM | Hard Drive | CD-ROM | Price (1992) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1355LL/A | 4 MB | 512 KB | 80 MB | No | US$2,949 |
| M1371LL/A | 4 MB | 512 KB | 230 MB | No | US$3,549 |
| M1373LL/A | 5 MB | 1 MB | 80 MB | Yes (2X) | US$3,219 |
Identification
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple Model Number | M1350 |
| Gestalt ID | 48 |
See Also
References
- ↑ Macintosh IIvx Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
- ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
- ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
- ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
- ↑ Macintosh IIvx Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
- ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
- ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)