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Macintosh Performa 6360

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Macintosh Performa 6360
Macintosh Performa 6360
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedOctober 17, 1996
DiscontinuedOctober 1, 1997
Intro priceUS$1,500
CPUPowerPC 603e @ 160 MHz
Memory16 MB RAM (8 MB on-board, expandable to 136 MB)
Storage1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM
DisplayDB-15 video output (800×600 16-bit, 1024×768 8-bit)
SoundMonophonic input, stereo output
Dimensions4.3" H × 12.6" W × 16.5" D (10.9 × 32 × 41.9 cm)
Weight19 lbs (8.6 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.5.1 – Mac OS 9.1
PredecessorPerforma 6320CD
SuccessorPerforma 6400
CodenameAlchemy (logic board)
Model no.N/A (Gestalt ID 58)

The Macintosh Performa 6360 is a PowerPC-based desktop personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. and released on October 17, 1996.[1] Despite its similar name to the earlier Performa 6300 series, the 6360 uses a significantly different internal architecture based on the "Alchemy" logic board with faster DIMM-based memory, PCI expansion, and a faster 160 MHz processor.

The Performa 6360 shares its Alchemy logic board with the Performa 6400 mini-tower and Power Macintosh 5400 all-in-one.

Hardware Overview

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The Performa 6360 represents a significant upgrade from the 6300 series:

  • Processor: PowerPC 603e at 160 MHz with integrated FPU
  • RAM: 8 MB soldered on-board plus two 168-pin DIMM slots (70 ns), 16 MB standard, expandable to 136 MB
  • Storage: 1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM, 1.44 MB floppy
  • Video: 1 MB system RAM dedicated to video
  • Expansion: 1× PCI slot, communications slot, video I/O slot, TV tuner slot

Key Differences from Performa 6300 Series

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Feature Performa 6300CD Performa 6360
Processor 100 MHz 603e 160 MHz 603e
RAM Type 72-pin SIMM 168-pin DIMM
Onboard RAM None 8 MB
Maximum RAM 64 MB 136 MB
Expansion LC PDS PCI
L2 Cache 256 KB included 256 KB optional
CD-ROM 4X 8X
Logic Board M3076 Alchemy (Gestalt ID 58)

Architecture and Processor

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The Performa 6360 uses the Alchemy logic board, which provides a 64-bit data path to main memory—a significant improvement over the earlier 5200/6200/6300 series. The 40 MHz system bus communicates with the 160 MHz PowerPC 603e processor.

Third-party processor upgrades are available that can override the soldered CPU via the L2 cache slot.

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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Specification Details
RAM Type 168-pin DIMM
RAM Speed 70 ns
Standard RAM 16 MB
Maximum RAM 136 MB
Motherboard RAM 8 MB (soldered)
RAM Slots 2

Storage Systems

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  • Hard Drive: 1.2 GB IDE internal drive
  • Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB 3.5" SuperDrive (manual insert)
  • CD-ROM: 8X internal CD-ROM drive

Display and Graphics

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Video memory is integrated, with 1 MB of system RAM dedicated to video functions:

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.

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, and general upkeep, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 6400 General Maintenance page. The Performa 6360 shares the Alchemy logic board with the 6400 series.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the Alchemy logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide addressing power issues, startup problems, and other common failures is available on the Macintosh Performa 6400 Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification (Macintosh Performa 6360, 1996)
CPU PowerPC 603e @ 160 MHz
Bus width 64-bit data path
System Bus 40 MHz
ROM 4 MB
RAM 16 MB (expandable to 136 MB)
L1 Cache 32 KB
L2 Cache 256 KB (optional)
Video 800×600 16-bit, 1024×768 8-bit
Sound Mono input, stereo output
Disks 1.2 GB IDE HDD, 1.44 MB floppy, 8X CD-ROM
Ports ADB, SCSI, 2× GeoPort Serial, Audio I/O, Video out

Power Specifications

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  • Input: 100V-125V or 200-240V AC, 47-63 Hz
  • Maximum power consumption: 220 Watts

See Also

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References

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  1. Macintosh Performa 6360/160 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)