RetroTechCollection

Macintosh Performa 5260


The Macintosh Performa 5260 (also known as the Performa 5260/120) is an all-in-one personal computer manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc., introduced on October 1, 1996.[1] It is a faster variant of the Performa 5260CD with a 120 MHz PowerPC 603e processor and 8X CD-ROM drive.

Macintosh Performa 5260
Macintosh Performa 5260
Specifications
ManufacturerApple Computer, Inc.
TypeAll-in-one Personal Computer
ReleasedOctober 1, 1996
DiscontinuedFebruary 1, 1997
CPUPowerPC 603e @ 120 MHz
Memory8 MB or 16 MB RAM (expandable to 64 MB)
Storage1.2 GB IDE hard drive, 8X CD-ROM
Display14" Shadow Mask CRT (640×480 at 16-bit color)
Sound16-bit mono sound input
Dimensions17.5" H × 15.1" W × 16.0" D (44.5 × 38.4 × 40.6 cm)
Weight45 lbs (20.4 kg)
OS / FirmwareSystem 7.5.3 – Mac OS 9.1
PredecessorPerforma 5260CD
SuccessorPerforma 5400CD
Model no.M3457

This model was sold in Asia and Europe. The educational version, the Power Macintosh 5260/120, was sold in North America. It is functionally identical to the Performa 5280 sold in Japan.[2]

Differences from Performa 5260CD

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The Performa 5260/120 differs from the base Performa 5260CD in the following ways:

  • CPU Speed: 120 MHz (vs 100 MHz)
  • CD-ROM: 8X (vs 4X)
  • Introduction: October 1996 (vs April 1996)

Architecture and Processor

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The Performa 5260/120 uses the PowerPC 603e processor running at 120 MHz with a 40 MHz system bus. The 603e is a 32-bit processor with a 64-bit data path and includes an integrated floating-point unit.

Cache Configuration

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  • L1 Cache: 32 KB (16 KB instruction + 16 KB data)
  • L2 Cache: 256 KB (optional expansion slot)

Memory and Storage

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RAM Configuration

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Specification Details
RAM Type 72-pin SIMM
Minimum Speed 80 ns
Standard RAM 8 MB or 16 MB
Maximum RAM 64 MB
RAM Slots 2

RAM cannot be interleaved on this system. 1 MB of system RAM is permanently dedicated to video function.

Storage Systems

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

Display and Graphics

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The Performa 5260/120 features a built-in 14" Shadow Mask RGB CRT display running at 640×480 resolution with 16-bit color. Video memory consists of 1 MB dedicated from system RAM and cannot be expanded.

General Maintenance

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For detailed maintenance practices including cleaning, PRAM battery management, connector corrosion prevention, and voltage adjustments, refer to the dedicated Macintosh Performa 5260CD General Maintenance page.

Capacitor Replacement Guide

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Detailed capacitor replacement guidelines for the logic board can be found on the Macintosh Performa 5260CD Capacitor Replacement Guide page.

Troubleshooting

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A comprehensive troubleshooting guide is available on the Macintosh Performa 5260CD Troubleshooting page.

Technical Details

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System Architecture at a Glance

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Sub-system Specification (Performa 5260/120, October 1996)
CPU PowerPC 603e @ 120 MHz
System Bus 40 MHz
ROM 4 MB
RAM 8-64 MB (72-pin SIMM)
Video 640 × 480 @ 16-bit color
VRAM 1 MB (from system RAM)
Disks 1.44 MB floppy, 1.2 GB HDD, 8X CD-ROM

See Also

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References

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  1. ↑ Apple Macintosh Performa 5260/120 Specs, EveryMac.com—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
  2. ↑ Power Macintosh 5260, Wikipedia—link(accessed 2026-02-10)
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