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Macintosh Performa 6110CD

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Macintosh Performa 6110CD
Macintosh Performa 6110CD
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedNovember 1, 1994
DiscontinuedJuly 1, 1995
Intro priceUS$2,600
CPUPowerPC 601 @ 60 MHz
Memory8 MB RAM (expandable to 72 MB)
Storage250 MB SCSI HDD, 2x CD-ROM
DisplayApple Multiple Scan 15 Display (bundled)
Sound16-bit stereo in and out; mono internal speaker
Dimensions3.4" H × 16.3" W × 15.6" D (85 × 415 × 399 mm)
Weight14 lbs (6.4 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.5 – Mac OS 9.1
PredecessorPerforma 475
SuccessorPerforma 6200CD
CodenamePiltdown Man
Model no.M1596

The Macintosh Performa 6110CD is the consumer-oriented version of the Power Macintosh 6100/60, released on November 1, 1994.[1] It was the first PowerPC-based Performa, representing Apple's transition from the Motorola 680x0 architecture to the PowerPC platform in the consumer market.

The Performa 6110CD uses the same "pizza box" enclosure as the Centris 610 and Quadra 610 and shipped bundled with an Apple Multiple Scan 15 Display and AppleDesign Keyboard.[2]

Model Variants

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The Performa 6100 series consists of six models that share identical hardware specifications, differing only in hard drive capacity and bundled software:

Model Hard Drive Software Bundle Release Date
Performa 6110CD 250 MB Bundle #1 November 1, 1994
Performa 6112CD 250 MB Bundle #2 November 1, 1994
Performa 6115CD 350 MB Bundle #1 November 1, 1994
Performa 6116CD 350 MB N/A July 17, 1995
Performa 6117CD 700 MB N/A November 1, 1994
Performa 6118CD 500 MB Bundles #1 & #2 November 1, 1994

Software Bundle #1: ClarisWorks, clip art collections, Now Up-To-Date, Now Contact

Software Bundle #2: Microsoft Works, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, Kid Works, Thinkin' Things, The Writing Center, Fractal Dabbler, Spaceway 2000, San Diego Zoo Presents... the Animals!, Wacky Jacks CD Gameshow

All models shipped with 3D World Atlas and children's software on CD-ROM.

Architecture and Processor

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The Performa 6110CD uses the PowerPC 601 processor running at 60 MHz on a 30 MHz system bus. The 601 was the first generation PowerPC chip developed jointly by Apple, IBM, and Motorola (the "AIM alliance"). It features a 32-bit architecture with a 64-bit data path and integrates the FPU on-die.

Cache

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  • L1 Cache: 32 KB (16 KB data + 16 KB instruction)
  • L2 Cache: Optional 256 KB (cache slot on logic board)

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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The system includes 8 MB of RAM soldered to the logic board with two 72-pin SIMM slots for expansion. SIMMs must be installed in matched pairs.

  • RAM Type: 72-pin FPM or EDO SIMMs
  • Minimum Speed: 80 ns
  • Maximum RAM: 72 MB officially; 136 MB with third-party 64 MB SIMMs

Storage Systems

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  • Hard Drive: 250 MB internal SCSI (varies by model)
  • Optical: 2x CD-ROM (Apple 300i)
  • Floppy: 1.44 MB SuperDrive (manual inject)
  • Interface: 50-pin internal SCSI, DB-25 external SCSI

Display and Graphics

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Video output is provided through the HDI-45 connector. The system uses 640 KB of system RAM dedicated to video functions.

  • Standard Resolution: 640×480 at 16-bit color
  • Maximum Resolution: 832×624 at 8-bit color
  • VRAM: 640 KB (borrowed from system RAM)

Higher resolutions and color depths are available with third-party NuBus video cards via PDS-to-NuBus adapter.

Input/Output and Expansion

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Port Configuration

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  • ADB: 1 port
  • Serial: 2 GeoPort-compatible Mini DIN-8 (printer, modem)
  • SCSI: DB-25 external
  • Audio Out: Stereo 16-bit mini jack
  • Audio In: Stereo 16-bit mini jack
  • Video: HDI-45
  • Ethernet: AAUI-15

Expansion

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The system has one PDS (Processor Direct Slot) that can accept either a PDS card or a 7" NuBus card via Apple's PDS-to-NuBus adapter (M1402LL/A). The AV card occupies both slots.

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and connector corrosion prevention, refer to the dedicated Power Macintosh 6100 General Maintenance page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for both analog and logic boards can be found on the Power Macintosh 6100 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing no power, chime but no video, intermittent operation, Sad Mac errors, and floppy drive problems is available on the Power Macintosh 6100 Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification
CPU PowerPC 601 @ 60 MHz
Bus width 64-bit data • 32-bit address
Bus speed 30 MHz
ROM 4 MB
RAM 8 MB onboard (expandable to 72 MB)
Video 640×480 @ 16-bit (640 KB system RAM)
Sound 16-bit stereo input/output
Disks 250 MB SCSI HDD, 2x CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
Ports ADB, Serial × 2, SCSI, HDI-45, AAUI-15, Audio I/O

Processor Specifications

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Component Specification
CPU PowerPC 601 @ 60 MHz
FPU Integrated
Data Bus 64-bit
Address Bus 32-bit
L1 Cache 32 KB (16 KB data + 16 KB instruction)
L2 Cache Optional 256 KB

Apple service data

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Apple's own figures, from the Power Macintosh 6100/WS 6150 Service Source volume hosted on this wiki.[3]

Item Apple's figure
Processor PowerPC 601 at 60 MHz (6100/60, 6150) or 66 MHz (6100/66, 6150/66), with built-in MMU and FPU and 32K of on-chip cache. The 60 MHz machines need system software 7.1.2 or later, the 66 MHz machines 7.5 or later
RAM 8 MB soldered on the board; expandable to 72 MB in two SIMM sockets. SIMMs must go in as a pair of the same size and speed, 80 ns or faster, 72-pin, and must be noncomposite. The 16 MB configuration is the 8 MB soldered plus two 4 MB SIMMs
ROM 4 MB, installed on a SIMM socket
VRAM None. Video on the 6100/60, 6100/66, 6150 and 6150/66 is DRAM-based off the logic board; only the Power Macintosh AV card carries VRAM, 2 MB of it
Level 2 cache Optional 256K on the 6100/60 and 6150; standard 256K on the 6100/66
Video port One HDI-45 DRAM-based video port for direct connection to Apple AudioVision monitors. With the included HDI-45 to DB-15 adapter it drives 12-, 13-, 14-, 15-inch portrait, 16- and 17-inch monitors. The AV card adds a DB-15 VRAM-based port good to 20- and 21-inch, plus one S-video/composite input and one output — only one monitor may be attached to the AV card at a time
Sound 16-bit stereo in and out; sample rates 48, 44.1, 24 and 22.05 kHz; input/output line level 1 V peak to peak; signal-to-noise ratio 82 dB with no audible discrete tones; bandwidth 20 Hz–20 kHz (± 2 dB) at 44.1 kHz; THD+N less than 0.05% measured 20 Hz–20 kHz with a 1 V rms sine input
Serial Two RS-232/RS-422 LocalTalk/GeoPort ports on mini DIN-9 connectors, backward compatible with mini DIN-8
ADB One ADB port, mini DIN-4; 500 mA maximum, three devices maximum
SCSI One DB-25 port; up to six external devices, five when a CD-ROM is installed
Ethernet One built-in AAUI-15 Ethernet port (printed "AUUI-15" in Apple's text)
Expansion One internal slot taking either a processor-direct card or a 7-inch NuBus card with the appropriate adapter. On AV models that slot is already filled by the Power Macintosh AV card
Electrical 100–240 VAC RMS single phase, automatically configured, 50–60 Hz. 132 W maximum continuous input, 201 W peak input, not including the monitor; 86 W continuous DC output
Case Height 3.4 in. (85 mm), width 16.3 in. (415 mm), depth 15.6 in. (399 mm); 14.0 lb. (6.4 kg)
PRAM battery Replace below 3.2 V. A lithium cell — neutralise any leakage with sodium bicarbonate, never vinegar

There is no VRAM in a non-AV 6100, so "replace the VRAM" is not a repair step on this machine. A video fault on a plain 6100 is the logic board, the HDI-45 adapter or the monitor.[3]

On DOS Compatible models, Apple's symptom chart for a black screen at boot or errors in DOS is to remove the DOS Compatibility card and check that the jumper is in the "SX" position, over the two right-most prongs, before replacing anything.[3]

See Also

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References

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  1. ↑ Macintosh Performa 6110CD, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  2. ↑ Power Macintosh 6100, Apple-History.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Apple Computer, Power Macintosh 6100/WS 6150, Service Source. Hosted here as Power Macintosh 6100/ WS 6150 Service Source (File:Powermac_6100_series.pdf). Specifications, Take Apart and Additional Procedures — Battery Verification chapters.