Macintosh Quadra 610 Macintosh Quadra 610

Macintosh Quadra 610 Explained

On October 21, 1993, Apple made waves in the personal computing industry with the introduction of the Macintosh Quadra 610. This cutting-edge addition to the Macintosh Quadra series pushed the boundaries of technology during its brief but impactful lifespan. Priced at $1,440, the Quadra 610 offered powerful performance and versatility that appealed to both business professionals and personal users.

The Macintosh Quadra 610 was a pinnacle of innovation in its era. Equipped with a 25 MHz Motorola 68040 or 25 MHz Motorola 68LC040 processor, 8 MB of RAM, and varying hard drive options ranging from 80 MB to 500 MB, the Quadra 610 delivered a robust computing experience. It also featured a CD-ROM drive and a 1.44 MB floppy drive, catering to users’ diverse needs.

In a bold move, Apple also released a PC version of the Quadra 610, powered by a 25 MHz Intel 486SX processor, designed for MS-DOS or Windows. This groundbreaking feature allowed users to run both Macintosh and PC software on the same machine, making the Quadra 610 an exceptional choice for those who required flexibility and adaptability.

Despite its advanced technology and versatility, the Macintosh Quadra 610 had a relatively short lifespan. Apple discontinued the model on May 28, 1994, merely seven months after its initial release. Nevertheless, this iconic computer remains a beloved classic that embodies the spirit of innovation and forward-thinking design.

Today, the Macintosh Quadra 610 celebrates its 30-year anniversary, and although its technology has been surpassed by modern advancements, its historical significance cannot be understated. Apple enthusiasts and computer history enthusiasts alike recognize the Quadra 610 as a true collector’s item, showcasing Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of personal computing.

Originally marketed as the Macintosh Centris 610, the Quadra 610 was part of Apple’s mid-range Centris line of computers, introduced in February 1993. Following an industry trend of naming product families based on target customers, Apple later rebranded the Centris 610 as the Quadra 610, positioning it for business users.

The Macintosh Quadra 610 introduced a sleek “pizza box” form factor, following the footsteps of the Macintosh LC family. This design would later be adopted for other notable models such as the Centris/Quadra 660AV and the Power Macintosh 6100. The Quadra 610 also offered a “DOS compatible” model, featuring an additional 486SX processor on a Processor Direct Slot card.

Apple expanded the Quadra 610 lineup to cater to diverse needs. In July 1993, they introduced the Workgroup Server 60, featuring a 20 MHz processor that received a 25 MHz upgrade in October of the same year. Additionally, Apple launched a “DOS Compatible” version in February 1994, testing the market’s interest in a Macintosh that could run DOS. This version sold an impressive 25,000 units in just two months.

The Quadra 610 boasted standard features such as onboard video with VGA support, ADB and serial ports, and an external SCSI connector. With two SIMM slots supporting various capacities, users could expand the RAM up to 68 MB. Ethernet-capable models also included an AAUI port. The absence of NuBus slots was compensated by an optional expansion card that allowed the installation of a single 7-inch NuBus card.

While the Macintosh Quadra 610 may no longer be at the forefront of technology, its impact on the personal computing industry remains significant. Apple’s commitment to innovation and versatility is evident in this classic computer, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item for enthusiasts and a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of technology.

Macintosh Quadra 610 Details

IntroducedOctober 21, 1993
DiscontinuedMay 28, 1994
Model Identifier53
Model NumberM2113
Order NumberM2372LL/A
M2099LL/A
M2322LL/A
Original Price$1,440
$1,650

$2,100
ColorsPlatinum
Weight14 Ibs.
6.350 KG
Dimensions3.4” H x 16.3” W x 15.6” D
8.63 cm H x 41.4 cm W x 39.62 cm D

Mac Quadra 610 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorMotorola 68LC040
Motorola 68040
Intel 486SX*
Processor Speed25 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus25 MHz
Cache8 KB L1
CoprocessorNone (68LC040)
Integrated FPU (68040)
*PC version only

Storage & Media

Storage80 MB
230 MB
500 MB
Media1 – CD-ROM
1 – 1.44 MB Floppy

Memory

Built-in Memory8 MB
Maximum Memory68 MB
Memory Slots2 – 72 pin SIMM
Minimum Speed80 ns
ROMUnknown
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardNone
Graphics Memory512 KB
1 MB
Display Connection1 – DB-15

Expansion

Expansion Slots1 – 7″ NuBus or PDS (Cache Bus)
Hard Drive InterfaceSCSI

Connections

EthernetAAUI-15
ModemNone
ADB2
Serial2
SCSI1 – DB-25
Floppy PortNone
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm mono input jack
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm stereo output jack
Display1 – DB-15

Software

Original OSSystem Software 7.1
Maximum OSMac OS 8.1
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Power

Backup Battery3.6 V lithium
Maximum Continuous Power210 W
Line VoltageUnknown

Further Reading and References

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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 15, 2023