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Power Macintosh 6100

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Power Macintosh 6100
Power Macintosh 6100
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypePersonal Computer
ReleasedMarch 14, 1994
DiscontinuedJanuary 3, 1995
Intro priceUS$1,820 – $2,350
CPUPowerPC 601 @ 60 MHz
Memory8 MB or 16 MB RAM (expandable to 136 MB)
Storage160 MB or 250 MB SCSI hard drive
DisplayExternal (640×480 at 16-bit)
Sound
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.1.2 – Mac OS 9.1
PredecessorMacintosh Centris 610
SuccessorPower Macintosh 6200
CodenamePDM (Piltdown Man)
Model no.M1596

The Power Macintosh 6100 is a desktop Macintosh computer based on the PDM (Piltdown Man) architecture, released on March 14, 1994.[1] It was one of the first Power Macintosh computers, featuring a PowerPC 601 processor running at 60 MHz.

The consumer version is the Performa 6110CD and related models, and the server version is the Workgroup Server 6150/60.

Hardware Overview

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Processor and Memory

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The Power Macintosh 6100 uses a PowerPC 601 processor at 60 MHz with a 30 MHz system bus. It has a 32-bit processor with a 64-bit data path. The system includes 32K of L1 cache and supports optional 256K L2 cache.

RAM uses 72-pin SIMMs at 80 ns minimum speed. The system has 8 MB of onboard RAM and 2 SIMM slots (SIMMs must be installed in matching pairs). Maximum RAM is officially 72 MB, but can reach 136 MB with two 64 MB SIMMs plus the onboard memory. 640K of system RAM is dedicated to video function.

Storage

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The system includes a 160 MB or 250 MB internal SCSI hard drive. A 2X CD-ROM drive is optional (standard in some configurations). A 1.44 MB floppy drive is standard.

Display

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The system supports a single external display at 512×394 or 640×480 at 16-bit, or 832×624 at 8-bit. A second display can be added with an expansion video card.

Expansion

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The system has a single 601 PDS or 7" NuBus slot (NuBus available with PDS-to-NuBus adapter M1402LL/A).

Networking

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AAUI-15 Ethernet is standard. Two Geoport serial ports (printer and modem) are included.

Case Design

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The 6100 uses the low-profile Macintosh Centris 610 case form factor.

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices, refer to the General Maintenance page (shared hardware with Performa 6100 series).

Troubleshooting

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For troubleshooting information, see the Troubleshooting page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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For capacitor replacement guidelines, see the Capacitor Replacement Guide.

See Also

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References

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  1. Power Macintosh 6100/60 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)