Mac Performa 450 Mac Performa 450

Macintosh Performa 450 Explained

In 1993, Apple unveiled the Macintosh Performa 450, a personal computer that was at the forefront of technology at the time. With its sleek design and impressive specifications, the Performa 450 quickly captured the attention of consumers. Although it has been 30 years since its release, the legacy of this remarkable machine continues to live on.

On April 12th, 1993, the Macintosh Performa 450 made its grand entrance into the market, accompanied by a price tag starting at $1,800. Boasting a 25 MHz Motorola 68030 processor, a Motorola 68882 FPU coprocessor, 4 MB of RAM, a 120 MB hard drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, the Performa 450 was considered a cutting-edge machine during its time. Although these specifications may seem underwhelming by today’s standards, they represented the pinnacle of technology in the early 1990s.

While the Performa 450 retained the iconic “pizza box” case of its predecessors in the Performa 400 range, it was internally enhanced with several notable improvements. One of the standout enhancements was the introduction of a faster processor on a 32-bit bus, paving the way for increased performance and smooth multitasking capabilities. The Macintosh Performa 450 also offered support for greater amounts of RAM, enabling users to handle more demanding tasks with ease. Additionally, the graphics capability was enhanced, providing a more visually immersive experience.

For educational institutions, Apple introduced the Mac LC III, a variant of the Performa 450. Sharing many similarities with its sibling, the LC III was designed specifically to cater to the needs of students and educators. By offering an affordable option with the same powerful specifications, Apple aimed to empower the education sector with cutting-edge technology, fostering a generation of digital learners.

Regrettably, the glory days of the Macintosh Performa 450 were short-lived. On November 1st, 1993, Apple discontinued the production of this iconic machine, marking the end of an era. As technology advanced rapidly, newer and more powerful computers took center stage, leaving the Performa 450 as a relic of the past.

Despite its discontinuation, the Macintosh Performa 450 continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike. It serves as a poignant reminder of how far technology has come, with today’s devices boasting mind-boggling advancements in processors, memory, and storage. The Performa 450 stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and its constant pursuit of pushing boundaries.

The Macintosh Performa 450 may have faded into obscurity, but its impact on Apple’s history and the tech industry as a whole cannot be understated. This once cutting-edge machine represents a time when technology was rapidly evolving, laying the groundwork for the devices we use today.

As we marvel at our powerful and efficient gadgets, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of machines like the Performa 450. They paved the way for a future where technology is not just a tool but an integral part of our lives. So, let’s take a moment to remember and appreciate the Macintosh Performa 450—a true legend in the world of personal computing.

Macintosh Performa 450
Source: computinghistory.org.uk – Macintosh Performa 450

Macintosh Performa 450 Details

IntroducedApril 12, 1993
DiscontinuedNovember 1, 1993
Model Identifier27
Model NumberM1254
Order NumberM1698LL/A
M1744LL/A
Original Price$1,800
ColorsPlatinum
Weight8.8 Ibs.
3.991 KG
Dimensions2.9” H x 12.2” W x 15.3” D
7.36 cm H x 30.98 cm W x 38.86 cm D

Mac Performa 450 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorMotorola 68030
Processor Speed25 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus25 MHz
Cache0.5 KB L1
CoprocessorMotorola 68882 FPU (Optional)

Storage & Media

Storage120 MB
Media1 – 1.44 MB Floppy

Memory

Built-in Memory4 MB
Maximum Memory36 MB
Memory Slots2 – 72 pin SIMM
Minimum Speed80 ns
ROMUnknown
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardNone
Graphics Memory512 KB (Upgradeable to 768 KB via one socket)
Display Connection1 – DB-15

Expansion

Expansion Slots1 – LC III PDS (Cache Bus)
Hard Drive InterfaceSCSI

Connections

EthernetNone
ModemNone
ADB1
Serial2
SCSI1 – DB-25
Floppy PortNone
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm mono input jack
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm mono output jack
1 – Built-in speaker
Display1 – DB-15

Software

Original OSSystem Software 7.1P2
Maximum OSMac OS 7.6.1
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Power

Backup Battery3.6 V lithium
Maximum Continuous Power50 W
Line VoltageUnknown

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: July 1, 2023