Power Macintosh 6100
The Power Macintosh 6100 is a personal computer introduced by Apple Computer on March 14, 1994.[1] It was one of the first three Power Macintosh models released, alongside the Power Macintosh 7100 and Power Macintosh 8100, marking Apple's transition from Motorola 68k processors to the PowerPC architecture. Based on the "PDM" (Piltdown Man) architecture, the 6100 used the same low-profile desktop case as the Macintosh Centris 610 and Macintosh Quadra 610.
| Power Macintosh 6100 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Personal Computer |
| Released | March 14, 1994 |
| Discontinued | October 14, 1995 |
| Intro price | US$1,750–$2,350 |
| CPU | PowerPC 601 @ 60–66 MHz |
| Memory | 8 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB) |
| Storage | 160–500 MB SCSI hard drive, 1.44 MB floppy, optional 2X CD-ROM |
| Display | 640×480 @ 16-bit (max without video card) |
| Sound | Stereo 16-bit audio |
| Dimensions | 3.4" H × 16.3" W × 15.6" D (8.6 × 41.4 × 39.6 cm) |
| Weight | 14.0 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.1.2 – Mac OS 9.1 |
| Predecessor | Macintosh Quadra 610 |
| Successor | Power Macintosh 6200 |
| Codename | PDM (Piltdown Man) |
| Model no. | M1596 |
Model Variants
The Power Macintosh 6100 was available in two processor configurations with various sub-models:
| Model | Release | Processor | Bus | L2 Cache | Standard RAM | Hard Drive | CD-ROM | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6100/60 | March 1994 | 60 MHz | 30 MHz | Optional 256k | 8 MB | 160 MB | Optional 2X | $1,820 |
| 6100/60 | March 1994 | 60 MHz | 30 MHz | Optional 256k | 8 MB | 160 MB | 2X | $2,000 |
| 6100/60 | March 1994 | 60 MHz | 30 MHz | Optional 256k | 16 MB | 250 MB | 2X | $2,350 |
| 6100/66 | January 1995 | 66 MHz | 33 MHz | 256k | 8 MB | 350 MB | Optional 2X | $1,750 |
| 6100/66 | January 1995 | 66 MHz | 33 MHz | 256k | 8 MB | 350 MB | 2X | $1,950 |
DOS Compatible Version
A PC-compatible version was also available, featuring a 66 MHz Intel 486DX2 processor on a NuBus card. This allowed users to run DOS and Windows alongside Mac OS. The PC card could be configured with up to 32 MB of dedicated RAM.
Related Models
- Performa 6110CD, 6112CD, 6115CD, 6116CD, 6117CD, 6118CD: Consumer versions with bundled software
- Workgroup Server 6150: Server version with additional networking features
Architecture and Processor
The Power Macintosh 6100 uses the PowerPC 601 processor, Apple's first PowerPC chip developed in collaboration with IBM and Motorola (the "AIM Alliance").[2]
Processor Specifications
- Processor: PowerPC 601
- Clock Speed: 60 MHz or 66 MHz
- Architecture: 32-bit processor with 64-bit data path
- FPU: Integrated
- System Bus: 30 MHz (6100/60) or 33 MHz (6100/66)
Cache Configuration
- L1 Cache: 32 KB (on-die)
- L2 Cache: 256 KB (optional on 6100/60, standard on 6100/66)
ROM
- ROM Size: 4 MB
- ROM Type: Macintosh ROM
Memory and Storage
RAM Configuration
- RAM Type: 72-pin SIMM (80 ns minimum)
- RAM Slots: 2 (SIMMs must be installed in matching pairs)
- Onboard RAM: 8 MB
- Standard RAM: 8–16 MB (varies by configuration)
- Maximum RAM: 72 MB (official), 136 MB (with 2× 64 MB SIMMs)
Storage Systems
- Hard Drive: 160–500 MB SCSI (varies by configuration)
- Hard Drive Interface: SCSI
- Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB 3.5" (manual eject)
- CD-ROM: 2X (optional on some configurations)
Display and Graphics
The Power Macintosh 6100 uses integrated video that shares 640 KB of system RAM.
Supported Resolutions
| Resolution | Color Depth |
|---|---|
| 512×384 | 16-bit (thousands) |
| 640×480 | 16-bit (thousands) |
| 832×624 | 8-bit (256 colors) |
Video RAM cannot be upgraded. A second display can be supported with the addition of a NuBus video card (requires PDS-to-NuBus adapter).
Audio Capabilities
The Power Macintosh 6100 includes stereo 16-bit audio with standard input and output ports.
Input/Output and Expansion
Port Configuration
- Serial Ports: 2× Geoport (printer and modem)
- ADB Ports: 1× Apple Desktop Bus
- SCSI: External 25-pin HDI-30 connector
- Video Out: DB-15 monitor port
- Audio: Stereo audio in/out
- Ethernet: AAUI-15
Expansion
- PDS Slot: 1× 601 Processor Direct Slot
- NuBus: Available with PDS-to-NuBus adapter card (M1402LL/A)
- Drive Bay: 1× front-facing 5.25" bay (if CD-ROM not installed)
General Maintenance
For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated Power Macintosh 6100 General Maintenance page.
Troubleshooting
A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing common issues such as power problems, startup failures, and video issues is available on the Power Macintosh 6100 Troubleshooting page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines can be found on the Power Macintosh 6100 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Specifications
Full technical specifications are available on the Power Macintosh 6100 Specifications page.
Technical Details
System Architecture at a Glance
| Sub-system | Specification (Power Macintosh 6100, 1994–1995) |
|---|---|
| CPU | PowerPC 601 @ 60–66 MHz |
| Bus width | 32-bit processor, 64-bit data path |
| System Bus | 30–33 MHz |
| ROM | 4 MB |
| RAM | 8–16 MB standard (136 MB max) |
| Video | 640 KB shared RAM, 640×480 @ 16-bit max |
| Sound | Stereo 16-bit |
| Storage | 160–500 MB SCSI, optional 2X CD-ROM |
| Ports | Serial ×2, ADB, SCSI, Ethernet (AAUI-15) |
| Expansion | 1× PDS (NuBus via adapter) |