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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)
SoundStereo 16-bit input/output, mono speaker
Dimensions3.4" H × 16.3" W × 15.6" D
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

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)

See Also

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