Power Mac G3 in Blue and White Power Mac G3 in Blue and White

Power Mac G3 in Blue and White Explained

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, certain products manage to carve a niche for themselves, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and capturing the hearts of enthusiasts. One such gem is the Power Mac G3 in Blue and White, introduced by Apple in 1999.

The Power Mac G3 in Blue and White affectionately codenamed Yosemite, marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the Beige Mini Tower model. Launched on January 5th, 1999, with a starting price of $1,599, this powerhouse became an instant hit among Apple enthusiasts. It represented the first Power Macintosh model to embrace the New World ROM while bidding farewell to the ADB port.

Stepping into the era of the iMac, the Power Mac G3 adopted the same eye-catching blue-and-white color scheme. The exterior featured a groundbreaking design with a logic board mounted on a folding “door,” providing tool-free access to internal components. This innovative approach facilitated easy upgrades and maintenance, a testament to Apple’s commitment to user-friendly design.

The Power Macintosh G3 inherited the keyboard and mouse designs from the iMac, maintaining color consistency. However, not without criticism – the keyboard was deemed “cheap” compared to its predecessors. The Apple USB Mouse also faced scrutiny for its round design, making it challenging to distinguish the top from the bottom by touch. Despite these critiques, these accessories complemented the overall aesthetics of the system.

Apple Studio 15-inch Display and Power Mac G3
Source: 512pixels.net – Apple Studio 15-inch Display and Power Mac G3

In June 1999, a mere six months after the initial release, the Power Mac G3 line underwent revisions. The 300 MHz model was phased out, making room for a new 450 MHz model priced at $2,999. These updates reflected Apple’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and addressing the evolving needs of users.

Powered by the PowerPC G3 processor, the Power Macintosh G3 in Blue and White boasted impressive specifications, including processor speeds of 300 MHz, 350 MHz, 400 MHz, and the later 450 MHz model. Memory options ranged from 64 MB to 128 MB of RAM, with hard drive capacities varying from 6 GB to 12 GB. The inclusion of a 32x CD-ROM or 5x DVD-ROM showcased Apple’s dedication to multimedia capabilities.

The Power Mac G3 1999 introduced several innovations, including copper-based PowerPC G3 CPUs made by IBM, consuming significantly less power than their Motorola counterparts. The logic board featured 4 PCI slots, accommodating various expansion options. Noteworthy changes included the shift to Ultra ATA/33 for onboard ATA, the introduction of FireWire ports, and the replacement of serial ports with USB 1.1 ports.

Like any pioneering product, the Blue and White G3 had its share of challenges. Early units faced IDE controller problems related to the ATA/33 hard drive controller, impacting the connection of two hard drives. However, with the release of “Revision 2” units, these issues were resolved, featuring an improved UDMA-33 IDE controller and support for standard IDE master/slave configurations.

Despite its initial success, the Power Mac G3 in Blue and White was discontinued on August 31, 1999. However, its legacy lives on in the hearts of Apple aficionados. The sleek design, robust performance, and innovative features make it a timeless classic, celebrated even after 25 years.

The Power Mac G3 in Blue and White stands as a testament to Apple’s prowess in design and innovation. Its impact resonates through the years, and the nostalgia it evokes among users is a testament to its enduring legacy. As technology continues to advance, taking a trip down memory lane to appreciate the contributions of such iconic devices becomes a rewarding experience. This Power Mac remains a symbol of an era where Apple’s commitment to excellence set the stage for future innovations in the world of personal computing.

Power Macintosh G3 Blue & White
Source: applemuzeumpolska.pl – Power Macintosh G3 Blue & White

Power Mac G3 in Blue and White Details

IntroducedJanuary 5, 1999 (Revision A)
June 1, 1999 (Revision B)
DiscontinuedJune 1, 1999 (Revision A)
August 31, 1999 (Revision B)
Model IdentifierPowerMac1,1
Model NumberM5183
Order NumberM6670LL/A (300 MHz)
M6668LL/A (350 MHz)
M6666LL/A (350 MHz)
M6665LL/A (400 MHz)
M7556LL/A (350 MHz Revision B)
M7555LL/A (400 MHz Revision B)
M7554LL/A (400 MHz Revision B)
M7553LL/A (450 MHz Revision B)
Original Price$1,599
$1,999
$2,499
$2,999
ColorsBlue and White
Weight30 Ibs.
13.607 KG
Dimensions17” H x 8.9” W x 18.4” D
43.18 cm H x 22.6 cm W x 46.73 cm D

Power Mac G3 1999 Tech Specs

Processor

ProcessorPowerPC 750 G3
Processor Speed300 MHz
350 MHz
400 MHz
450 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus100 MHz
Cache64 KB L1
512 KB or 1 MB backside L2

Storage & Media

Storage6 GB
9 GB
12 GB
Media1 – 24x CD-ROM or 32x CD-ROM
1 – 5x DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM
1 – Zip (Optional)

Memory

Built-in Memory64 MB
128 MB
Maximum Memory1 GB
Memory Slots4 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM
Minimum Speed8 ns (125 MHz)
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardATI Rage 128 GL
ATI Xclaim VR
Graphics Memory4 MB (ATI Xclaim VR)
16 MB (ATI Rage 128 GL)
Display Connection1 – VGA
Display ModesSingle display only

Expansion

Expansion Slots3 – 33 MHz PCI
1 – 66 MHz PCI
Bays3 or 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays
1 – Optical drive bay
1 – Zip 100 bay
Hard Drive InterfaceUltra ATA/33 (ATA-4)
Optical Drive InterfaceEIDE (ATA-3)

Connections

Ethernet10/100BASE-T (RJ-45)
Modem56k (Optional)
Wi-FiNone
BluetoothNone
ADB1
USB2 – 12 Mbps
SerialNone
SCSINone
FireWire2 – 400 Mbps (15W total power)
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
1 – Built-in speaker
Display1 – VGA

Software

Original OSMac OS 8.5.1
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.4.11
FirmwareMac OS ROM 1.2

Keyboard and Mouse

PeripheralsApple USB Keyboard
Apple USB Mouse

Power

Backup Battery3.6 V Lithium (922-1262)
Maximum Continuous Power200 W
Line Voltage115 V AC (90-132 V AC) or 230 V AC (180-264 V AC)

Power Mac G3 in Blue and White Introduction

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: January 13, 2024