Macintosh LC 630
 | |
| Macintosh LC 630 | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Apple Computer, Inc. |
| Type | Desktop personal computer |
| Released | July 18, 1994 |
| Discontinued | April 1, 1995 |
| Intro price | US$1,299 (4 MB) – $1,949 (8 MB with CD-ROM) |
| CPU | Motorola 68LC040 @ 33 MHz |
| Memory | 4 MB RAM on-board, expandable to 36 MB (68 MB with modification) |
| Storage | 250 MB IDE hard drive, optional 2X CD-ROM drive |
| Display | External monitor support (1 MB DRAM for video) |
| Sound | Stereo 16-bit sound |
| Dimensions | 3.4" H × 12.3" W × 15.8" D (86 × 312 × 401 mm) |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) |
| OS / Firmware | System 7.1.2 with Enabler 405 – Mac OS 8.1 |
| Predecessor | Macintosh Quadra 610 |
| Successor | Power Macintosh 6200 |
| Codename | Crusader |
| Model no. | M2116 (LC 630) |
The Macintosh LC 630 was introduced on July 18, 1994, as the final 68040-based desktop Mac. Sold alongside the Macintosh Quadra 630 (full 68040) and Macintosh Performa 630 series (consumer variants), the LC 630 targeted educational institutions with its 68LC040 processor and innovative slide-out motherboard design. The LC 630 pioneered IDE hard drive usage in desktop Macs and introduced a unique three-slot expansion architecture combining LC PDS, Communication Slot, and video input capabilities.
Development & Market Context
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 emerged during Apple's PowerPC transition period. While Power Macintosh models had launched months earlier, Apple developed the 630 series for specific market reasons:
- PowerPC-native educational software remained scarce in 1994
- Non-English PowerPC software localization lagged significantly
- 68040 processors cost substantially less than PowerPC chips
- Schools required compatibility with existing 68K software investments
The new case design, featuring front-mounted volume controls and headphone jack, represented Apple's first major desktop form factor revision since the Macintosh II. The slide-out motherboard drawer simplified servicing and upgrades, particularly important for educational IT departments.
Model Variants
[edit | edit source]The 630 architecture spawned numerous variants across education, business, and consumer markets:
Education Models (LC 630)
[edit | edit source]- LC 630 – 4 MB RAM, 250 MB IDE hard drive, no CD-ROM ($1,299)
- LC 630 with CD-ROM – 8 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive, 2X CD-ROM ($1,949)
- LC 630 DOS Compatible – Includes 486DX2/66 MHz DOS card, 8 MB RAM ($1,899)
Business Model (Quadra 630)
[edit | edit source]- Quadra 630 – Full 68040 processor with FPU, 4 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive ($1,199)
Consumer Models (Performa)
[edit | edit source]- Performa 630 – 4 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive ($1,449)
- Performa 630CD – 4 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive, 2X CD-ROM ($1,849)
- Performa 631CD – 5 MB RAM, 250 MB hard drive, 2X CD-ROM, two SIMM slots
- Performa 635CD – 5 MB RAM, 2X CD-ROM, modem, 15" display bundle
- Performa 636/636CD – Higher education variants
- Performa 637CD – 350 MB hard drive, TV/video card, monitor
- Performa 638CD – TV/video card without monitor
- Performa 640CD DOS Compatible – 8 MB RAM, 500 MB hard drive, DOS card
General Maintenance
[edit | edit source]Cleaning procedures, thermal management, connector maintenance, and preventive care are documented in Macintosh LC 630 General Maintenance.
PCB Architecture & Service Documentation
[edit | edit source]Logic Board
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 logic board (part number 820-0524) features:
- Slide-out drawer design for easy access
- Single or dual SIMM slots depending on variant
- Integrated IDE controller (first in desktop Mac)
- Three-slot expansion architecture
- Shared DRAM for video (cost-saving measure)
Service Manual
[edit | edit source]
Service documentation available on the Apple Service Source page.
Capacitor Replacement Guide
[edit | edit source]Surface-mount electrolytic capacitors require periodic replacement. The LC 630 uses similar capacitor configurations to other mid-1990s Macs. Specifications and procedures are documented on the Macintosh LC 630 Capacitor Replacement Guide page.
Troubleshooting
[edit | edit source]IDE compatibility issues, memory recognition problems, DOS card conflicts, and video problems are covered in the Macintosh LC 630 Troubleshooting guide.
Technical Details
[edit | edit source]System Architecture
[edit | edit source]| Sub-system | Specification (Macintosh LC 630, July 1994) |
|---|---|
| CPU | Motorola 68LC040 @ 33 MHz • No FPU (Quadra 630 has full 68040) |
| Bus width | 32-bit data • 32-bit address (4 GB addressable space) |
| ROM | 1 MB ROM • System 7.1+ support • IDE driver support |
| RAM | 4 MB soldered • expandable to 36 MB standard (68 MB with modification) |
| Video | 1 MB DRAM (not VRAM) • 640 × 480 at 16-bit • 832 × 624 at 8-bit |
| Sound | Stereo 16-bit sound • 44.1 kHz sampling • Front headphone jack |
| Storage | 250-500 MB IDE hard drive • Optional 2X CD-ROM (SCSI) |
| I/O Ports | ADB × 2 • Mini-DIN-8 serial × 2 • DB-25 SCSI • Audio in/out |
| Expansion | Extended LC PDS • Comm Slot • Video input slot |
Memory Configuration
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 memory system varies by model, with some featuring a single SIMM slot and others (DOS Compatible, Performa 631/640) having two:
| Configuration | Soldered | SIMM Slot 1 | Total RAM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4 MB | Empty | 4 MB |
| 4 MB | 1 MB | 5 MB | |
| 4 MB | 2 MB | 6 MB | |
| 4 MB | 4 MB | 8 MB | |
| 4 MB | 8 MB | 12 MB | |
| 4 MB | 16 MB | 20 MB | |
| Maximum | 4 MB | 32 MB | 36 MB |
| With 64 MB SIMM* | 4 MB | 64 MB | 68 MB |
| Reported 128 MB** | 4 MB | 128 MB | 132 MB |
*Single-banked 64 MB SIMMs only; double-banked not supported **Unofficial; one user reported stable operation with 128 MB SIMM
| Configuration | Soldered | Slot 1 | Slot 2*** | Total RAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4 MB | Empty | Empty | 4 MB |
| Standard DOS | 4 MB | 4 MB | Empty | 8 MB |
| 4 MB | 32 MB | Empty | 36 MB | |
| 4 MB | 32 MB | 1 MB | 37 MB | |
| 4 MB | 32 MB | 4 MB | 40 MB | |
| Maximum | 4 MB | 32 MB | 16 MB | 52 MB |
***Slot 2 accepts only single-sided SIMMs (1, 4, or 16 MB)
SIMM Specifications:
- 72-pin, 80ns or faster
- Non-parity (parity ignored if present)
- 2K refresh rate or better
- Standard sizes: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 MB
Second SIMM Slot Modification
[edit | edit source]Single-slot LC 630 boards include unpopulated solder pads for a second SIMM socket. Users can solder a 72-pin socket to these pads, enabling dual-slot functionality:
- Increases maximum RAM from 36 MB to 52 MB
- Second slot limited to single-sided SIMMs (16 MB maximum)
- Requires basic soldering skills
- Socket sourced from PC motherboards or electronics suppliers
IDE Storage Subsystem
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 was the first desktop Mac with IDE storage:
IDE Controller Specifications:
- Single device support only (no master/slave)
- PIO Mode 3 maximum (11.1 MB/s theoretical)
- 8 GB addressing limit (controller limitation)
- No SCSI termination power (relies on external devices)
Common Issues:
- System 7.5.1 and earlier cannot recognize modern IDE drives
- Requires Drive Setup 1.0.3+ or third-party utilities
- Some drives require manufacturer-specific formatting tools
CD-ROM (when present):
- Apple CD 300i Plus (2X speed, SCSI)
- Tray-loading mechanism (replaced Quadra 610's caddy system)
- Reads 656 MB and 748 MB data CDs
- Audio CD playback support
Video System
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 uses shared DRAM instead of dedicated VRAM:
Video Memory Architecture:
- 1 MB DRAM soldered to motherboard
- Shared with system operations (causes performance penalty)
- Cannot be upgraded
- Results in screen flicker potential
Display Capabilities:
| Resolution | Color Depth | Colors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512 × 384 | 16-bit | 32,768 | Standard 12" RGB |
| 640 × 480 | 16-bit | 32,768 | VGA/13" RGB |
| 832 × 624 | 8-bit | 256 | 16" monitor |
| 1024 × 768 | 4-bit | 16 | Requires 19" monitor |
MacWorld testing described video performance as "mediocre" due to DRAM sharing and lack of acceleration.
Expansion Architecture
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 features three distinct expansion slots:
Extended LC PDS
[edit | edit source]- 114-pin connector (backward compatible with 96-pin LC cards)
- Supports both LC II (96-pin) and LC III/520 (114-pin) cards
- Direct 68040 bus access at 33 MHz
- Used by DOS Compatibility Card (occupies CPU socket and PDS)
Communication Slot
[edit | edit source]- Original Comm Slot standard (not Comm Slot II)
- Based on LC PDS architecture
- Supports modems and 10BASE-T Ethernet
- Modem installation disables external modem port
Video Input Slot
[edit | edit source]- Unique to 630 and LC 580 series
- Supports Apple Video System Card
- Enables TV tuner functionality (Performa 637CD/638CD)
- Allows video capture and overlay
DOS Compatibility Card
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 DOS Compatible features a unique dual-processor architecture:
DOS Card Specifications:
- Processor: Intel 486DX2/66 MHz or Cyrix 486DX2/66 (some models)
- RAM: Up to 32 MB dedicated (separate SIMM slot on card)
- Connectivity: Occupies CPU socket and PDS slot simultaneously
- Unique feature: PC game port for joystick support
- Video: Shares Mac video output (no hydra cable required)
- Software: MS-DOS 6.22, Windows 3.1, SoundBlaster drivers
DOS Card Architecture:
- Card consists of two PCBs connected together
- Lower board plugs into 68LC040 socket
- Upper board connects to PDS slot
- Leaves Comm Slot and video slot available
- Can share Mac RAM or use dedicated RAM
CPU Upgrade Potential:
- Socket supports 5V processors with 33 MHz bus
- Successful upgrades: Cyrix 5x86-100GP
- AMD 5x86-133 and Intel DX4-100 cause Windows 95 instability
- Requires voltage adapter for 3.3V processors
Custom Chips & Controllers
[edit | edit source]| Chip | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 68LC040 | Main CPU | 33 MHz, no FPU (field-upgradeable to 68040) |
| SWIM II | Floppy controller | 400K, 800K, 1.44 MB disk support |
| NCR 53C96 | SCSI controller | CD-ROM and external devices only |
| IDE controller | Hard drive interface | Integrated, single device support |
| CUDA | ADB/Power | Handles ADB, power control, PRAM |
| AWACS | Audio | 16-bit stereo sound generation |
Case Design Innovation
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 introduced several design firsts:
Front Panel Features:
- Volume up/down buttons (first for Macintosh)
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Infrared receiver for TV remote (637CD/638CD models)
- Activity LEDs for power and drive access
Slide-Out Motherboard:
- Rear panel opens downward
- Logic board mounted on sliding drawer
- No tools required for RAM/expansion access
- Similar mechanism later used in LC 575/580
Thermal Design:
- Passive cooling (no system fan)
- Ventilation slots on top and sides
- Heat sink on 68040 processor
- DOS card includes additional heat sink
PowerPC Upgrade Path
[edit | edit source]Apple Macintosh Processor Upgrade Card:
- PowerPC 601 at 50 MHz (Apple) or 100 MHz (third-party)
- Installs in LC PDS slot
- Enables Mac OS 8.5-9.1 support
- Maintains 68040 emulation
Third-party options:
- DayStar PowerCache accelerators
- Sonnet Presto PPC upgrades
- Various clock-chipping modifications
Overclock Potential
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 supports a 40 MHz overclock modification:
- Remove specific resistors on logic board
- Increases CPU from 33 MHz to 40 MHz
- 21% performance improvement
- DOS card (if installed) maintains 66 MHz operation
- Procedure identical to Performa 580 modification
Known Issues & Solutions
[edit | edit source]Common Problems
[edit | edit source]- IDE compatibility – Older system software cannot format modern drives
- Video flicker – DRAM sharing causes screen artifacts
- Single IDE device – Cannot add slave drive
- SIMM limitations – Second slot restrictions confuse users
- DOS card conflicts – Some software incompatible with dual-processor setup
Reliability Concerns
[edit | edit source]- Surface-mount capacitors prone to leakage
- PRAM battery corrosion damages nearby components
- IDE controller less reliable than SCSI predecessors
- Passive cooling leads to heat accumulation
- Front panel buttons wear out with use
Performance Limitations
[edit | edit source]MacWorld benchmarks showed the Quadra 630 performed:
- Slightly slower than Quadra 950
- Notably slower than Quadra 650 and 800
- Video performance particularly weak
- IDE drive slower than SCSI equivalents
Historical Impact
[edit | edit source]The LC 630 marked several transitions:
- Final 68040-based desktop Mac design
- First desktop Mac with IDE storage
- Last new Quadra model introduced
- Bridge between 68K and PowerPC eras
Production continued until April 1995 (LC variant) and March 1996 (Performa variants). The form factor lived on in the Power Macintosh 6200 series, though at nearly double the price point. No direct replacement matched the 630's sub-$1,200 positioning until the Power Macintosh 4400 in 1997.
Design Legacy
[edit | edit source]The LC 630's innovations influenced subsequent designs:
- Slide-out motherboard adopted by LC 575/580
- Front panel controls became standard
- IDE adoption continued through Performa line
- Three-slot expansion concept refined in later models
- Case design evolved into Power Macintosh 6200 series
The DOS Compatibility Card represented Apple's most integrated PC compatibility solution, superior to previous "Houdini" cards and later software emulation approaches.
Maintenance Resources
[edit | edit source]- Macintosh LC 630 General Maintenance – Cleaning and preventive care
- Macintosh LC 630 Capacitor Replacement Guide – Complete specifications
- Macintosh LC 630 Troubleshooting – Diagnostic procedures
- DOS Compatibility Card – Configuration and upgrades
Related Pages
[edit | edit source]- Macintosh Quadra 630 – Business variant with FPU
- Macintosh Performa 630 – Consumer variants
- Macintosh LC 580 – All-in-one using 630 architecture
- Power Macintosh 6200 – PowerPC successor
- Communication Slot – Expansion standard