RetroTechCollection

Macintosh IIvx

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]

Macintosh IIvx
Macintosh IIvx
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypeDesktop Personal Computer
ReleasedOctober 19, 1992
DiscontinuedOctober 21, 1993
Intro priceUS$2,950 – $3,550
CPUMotorola 68030 @ 32 MHz
Memory4–5 MB RAM onboard (expandable to 68 MB)
Storage40 MB, 80 MB, or 230 MB SCSI hard drive
DisplayDB-15 video, 640×480 @ 16-bit (1 MB VRAM)
Sound8-bit stereo output, mono input
Dimensions6.0" H × 13.0" W × 16.5" D (15.2 × 33 × 41.9 cm)
Weight25 lbs (11.3 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.1 – Mac OS 7.6.1
PredecessorMacintosh IIci
SuccessorMacintosh Centris 650
Model no.M1350

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

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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

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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

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RAM Configuration

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  • 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

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  • ROM Size: 1 MB
  • ROM Type: Macintosh ROM

VRAM

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  • 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

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  • 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

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Hard Drive

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  • Interface: SCSI (DB-25 external connector)
  • Standard Capacities: 40 MB, 80 MB, or 230 MB

Floppy Drive

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  • Drive Type: Apple SuperDrive (1.44 MB)
  • Auto-inject: Yes

CD-ROM Drive

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  • 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

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Ports

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  • 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

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  • NuBus Slots: 3
  • Processor Direct Slot (PDS): 1
  • Expansion Bay: 1 × 5.25" (for CD-ROM)

Power

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  • Power Supply: 230W maximum
  • Input Voltage: 100V – 240V AC
  • Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz
  • PRAM Battery: 3.6V lithium

Case Design

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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

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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

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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

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Common issues include startup failures, video problems, slow serial ports, and SCSI errors.

For diagnostics, see the Macintosh IIvx Troubleshooting page.

Technical Specifications

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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

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Macintosh IIvx Order Numbers
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

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Identifier Value
Apple Model Number M1350
Gestalt ID 48

See Also

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References

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  1. ↑ Macintosh IIvx Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
  2. ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
  3. ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
  4. ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
  5. ↑ Macintosh IIvx Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
  6. ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
  7. ↑ Macintosh IIvx, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-09)
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