When it comes to pioneering technology and groundbreaking innovation, Apple has etched its name indelibly into the annals of history. In the mid-1990s, amidst a rapidly evolving tech landscape, Apple unveiled yet another marvel: the Macintosh Performa 5220CD.
This personal computing marvel, part of the esteemed Macintosh Performa series, left an indelible mark on the industry. Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and revisit the legacy of the Macintosh Performa 5220CD, a powerhouse that reshaped personal computing.
Emerging from Apple’s innovation powerhouse, the Macintosh Performa 5220CD made its debut on July 14, 1995. At a time when personal computing was gaining momentum, this cutting-edge device carved a niche for itself as an instrument of power and versatility, tailored for individual use. The introduction of the Performa 5220CD was akin to a revolution, a testament to Apple’s unwavering commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
The Performa 5220CD wasn’t just a computer; it was a technological marvel. Boasting an impressive 75 MHz PowerPC 603 processor, a 15-inch color CRT display, 8 MB of RAM, a 500 MB hard drive, a 4x CD-ROM drive, and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, this computer was the epitome of technological prowess. Users marveled at its ability to effortlessly handle their daily computing needs, whether it was work, entertainment, or creative pursuits.
As with all things in life, the Macintosh Performa 5220CD’s journey came to an end. On July 1, 1996, Apple bid adieu to this trailblazing creation, marking the conclusion of an era. However, its legacy endured, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who vividly recall the days of CRT monitors and floppy drives. The Performa 5220CD’s influence wasn’t just fleeting; it was an unforgettable chapter in the saga of personal computing.
The Macintosh Performa 5220CD shared similarities with the Performa 5215CD, yet it wasn’t a mere duplicate. Distinguished by a smaller hard drive, this model catered specifically to audiences in Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, North America embraced the educational variant—the Power Macintosh 5200 LC. This divergence in distribution reflected Apple’s understanding of global needs and its commitment to tailoring devices to specific markets.
Even now, 28 years after its discontinuation, the Macintosh Performa 5220CD remains a cherished memory for many. It represents an era of trailblazing innovation, a period when the world of personal computing was in its infancy, yet bursting with potential. For those who remember the symphony of clicking floppy drives and the vibrant glow of CRT monitors, the Performa 5220CD encapsulates an unforgettable time in their technological journey.
In retrospect, the Macintosh Performa 5220CD was more than a computer; it was a window into the future. It showcased Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation, and its impact on personal computing continues to reverberate. The Performa 5220CD reminds us that every innovation builds a bridge between the past and the future and that even the passage of time cannot diminish the brilliance of a truly transformative creation.
Macintosh Performa 5220CD Details
| Introduced | July 14, 1995 |
| Discontinued | July 1, 1996 |
| Model Identifier | 41 |
| Model Number | M3046 |
| Order Number | Unknown |
| Original Price | Unknown |
| Colors | Platinum |
| Weight | 47 Ibs. 21.318 KG |
| Dimensions | 17.5” H x 15.1” W x 16” D 44.45 cm H x 38.35 cm W x 40.64 cm D |
Mac Performa 5220CD Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 603 |
| Processor Speed | 75 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 37.5 MHz |
| Cache | 16 KB L1 256 KB L2 |
| Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 500 MB |
| Media | 1 – 4x CD-ROM 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 8 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 64 MB |
| Memory Slots | 2 – 72 pin SIMM |
| Minimum Speed | 80 ns |
| ROM | Unknown |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | 15″ Shadow Mask RGB CRT display |
| Resolution | 640×480 at 16-bit 800×600 at 8-bit 832×624 at 8-bit |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | 1 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 (Optional) |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – LC PDS (Cache Bus) 1 – Comm. Slot 1 – Video I/O 1 – TV Tuner |
| Hard Drive Interface | IDE |
Connections
| Ethernet | None |
| Modem | None |
| ADB | 1 |
| Serial | 2 |
| SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
| Floppy Port | None |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – Built-in microphone |
| Audio Out | 2 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 2 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – DB-15 (Optional) |
Software
| Original OS | System Software 7.5.1 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Power
| Backup Battery | 4.5 V Alkaline |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 125 W |
| Line Voltage | Unknown |
Further Reading and References
- Macintosh Performa 5220CD: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Macintosh Performa 5220CD – IT History Society
- Macintosh Performa – Wikipedia
- Revisiting the Past: A Look Back at the x200 Series – Low End Mac
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: August 27, 2023
