Power Macintosh 4400 Power Macintosh 4400

Power Macintosh 4400 Explained

In the ever-evolving world of technology, where today’s cutting-edge device becomes tomorrow’s relic, it’s always intriguing to take a step back in time and explore the innovations of the past. In 1996, Apple unveiled the Power Macintosh 4400, a computer that not only marked a significant moment in Apple’s history but also showcased the company’s willingness to experiment and adapt.

On November 15, 1996, Apple introduced the Power Macintosh 4400 to the world. With a starting price of $1,500, it was positioned as an affordable entry point into the Power Macintosh series, making Apple’s technology accessible to a broader audience.

At the heart of the Power Macintosh 4400 lay cutting-edge technology for its time. It was powered by a 160 MHz or 200 MHz PowerPC 603e processor, came with either 16 MB or 32 MB of RAM, offered a 1.2 GB or 2 GB hard drive, and featured either an 8x CD-ROM or 12x CD-ROM drive, along with a 1.44 MB floppy drive. These specs, though modest by today’s standards, were quite impressive in the mid-’90s.

One of the standout features of the Power Macintosh 4400 was its use of the “Tanzania” architecture, originally designed for Macintosh clone manufacturers. This architecture featured a unique riser card with three slots, allowing users to customize their desktops. They could accommodate a 7″ PCI card, a 12″ PCI card, and a Comm Slot II card, offering versatility that was ahead of its time.

Apple had a trick up its sleeve for those seeking even more power. The Power Macintosh 4400 could be upgraded to a PowerPC G3 processor using an L2 cache slot, turning it into a performance beast. This flexibility appealed to tech enthusiasts looking for a machine that could evolve with their needs.

In a bold move, Apple also offered a PC-compatible version of the Power Macintosh 4400. This variant featured a 166 MHz Cyrix P166x86 processor, designed specifically for MS-DOS or Windows. It came equipped with a 166 MHz Cyrix 6×86 PCI card, allowing for up to 80 MB of RAM to be dedicated to the DOS/Windows operating system. Apple’s foray into the PC market at that time was a testament to its commitment to innovation and adaptability.

What set the Power Macintosh 4400 apart from its predecessors was its reliance on industry-standard parts, a move aimed at keeping costs low. This decision not only made it more affordable but also signaled Apple’s willingness to embrace change and adapt to the needs of its users.

Regrettably, the Power Macintosh 4400 was discontinued on October 11, 1997, marking the end of an era. However, its legacy lives on, serving as a significant piece of computer history and a testament to Apple’s innovative spirit.

The Power Macintosh 4400 was more than just a computer; it was a statement of Apple’s adaptability and innovation. While it may be 27 years old, its impact on the tech world is still felt today. In an industry where change is constant, taking a moment to appreciate the pioneers like the Power Macintosh 4400 reminds us of the roots from which modern technology has grown.

Power Mac 4400/200
Source: pinterest.com – Power Mac 4400/200

Power Macintosh 4400 Details

IntroducedNovember 15, 1996 (160 MHz)
February 17, 1997 (200 MHz)
DiscontinuedOctober 11, 1997
Model Identifier514 (160 MHz)
515 (200 MHz)
Model NumberM3959
Order NumberM5767LL/A
M5817LL/A
Original Price$1,500
$1,700
$2,400
ColorsPlatinum
Weight24 Ibs.
10.886 KG
Dimensions5.43” H x 15.12” W x 17.37” D
13.79 cm H x 38.4 cm W x 44.11 cm D

Power Mac 4400 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorPowerPC 603e
Cyrix P166x86*
Processor Speed160 MHz
166 MHz*
200 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus40 MHz
Cache32 KB L1
256 KB L2 (Optional)
CoprocessorBuilt-in FPU
*PC version only

Storage & Media

Storage1.2 GB
2 GB
Media1 – 1.44 MB Floppy
1 – 8x CD-ROM or 12x CD-ROM

Memory

Built-in Memory16 MB
32 MB
Maximum Memory160 MB
Memory Slots3 – 168 pin DIMM
Minimum Speed60 ns
ROMUnknown
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardNone
Graphics Memory1 MB
4 MB
Display Connection1 – DB-15

Expansion

Expansion Slots3 – 12″ PCI (160 MHz)
2 – 12″ PCI (200 MHz)
1 – Comm II (200 MHz)
Hard Drive InterfaceIDE / ATA

Connections

EthernetNone
Modem10BASE-T (Optional only in 200 MHz)
Wi-FiNone
BluetoothNone
ADB1
Serial2
SCSI1 – DB-25
Floppy PortNone
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
1 – Built-in speaker
Display1 – DB-15

Software

Original OSSystem Software 7.5.2
Maximum OSMac OS 9.1
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Power

Backup Battery4.5 V Alkaline
Maximum Continuous Power150 W
Line Voltage100-130 V or 200-230 V

Further Reading and References

Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.

Last updated: September 24, 2023