In the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing, one device that left an indelible mark on Apple’s history is the Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower. Released on November 10th, 1997, this compact powerhouse was a cornerstone in Apple’s Power Macintosh series.
In 1997, Apple set the stage for a computing revolution with the introduction of the Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower. Priced at $2,399, this personal computer boasted a robust 233 MHz to 333 MHz PowerPC 750 G3 processor, making it a powerhouse for its time. With configurations offering 32 MB to 128 MB of RAM, 4 GB to 9 GB hard drives, a 24x CD-ROM drive, and 2 MB ATI 3D Rage II+ graphics, the G3 Mini Tower was a technological marvel in the late ’90s.
The G3 Mini Tower’s 233 MHz model, akin to the Power Macintosh 8600, featured a 4 GB drive, while the 266 MHz and 300 MHz variants upped the ante with 6 GB and 8 GB drives, respectively. The 300 MHz model even introduced a RAID configuration with two 4 GB drives. The August 1998 update saw the CPU boost to 333 MHz, accompanied by a 9.1 GB 7200 RPM SCSI drive, setting a new standard for performance.
What set the G3 Mini Tower apart was its incorporation of the “Third-Generation” (G3) PowerPC 750 processor, marking a shift from the traditional “lookaside” level 2 cache to a new “backside” level 2 cache. This innovation delivered a substantial performance boost, laying the groundwork for future Apple systems.
The G3 Mini Tower offered at least three standard configurations. The original version, priced at $3,399, featured 64 MB of RAM, a single 4 GB Ultra/Wide SCSI hard drive, and 6 MB of VRAM. Another variant, costing $4,599, boasted 128 MB of RAM, dual 4 GB Ultra/Wide SCSI hard drives, dual display support, and both 10Base-T and 10/100Base-T Ethernet.
In August 1998, the G3 Mini Tower was transformed with a model priced at $2,399. This version featured a single 8 GB IDE/ATA-2 hard drive, a Zip drive, Rage Pro Turbo graphics with 6 MB of VRAM, and the “Wings personality card” with audio and video input/output.
Regrettably, the G3 Mini Tower’s journey was short-lived, being discontinued on December 14, 1998, just a year after its introduction. Despite its brief existence, the G3 Mini Tower holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember it, symbolizing a crucial chapter in Apple’s evolution.
As the Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower turns 26, it serves as a reminder of how far technology has come since its inception. What was once a cutting-edge marvel has paved the way for the sleek and powerful devices that dominate our present technological landscape.
In conclusion, the Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower may be a relic of the past, but its impact resonates through time. As we commemorate its 26-year anniversary, let’s reflect on the role it played in shaping Apple’s journey towards becoming the tech giant it is today. The G3 Mini Tower was more than just a computer; it was a testament to innovation, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in its era.
Power Mac G3 Mini Tower Details
Introduced | November 10, 1997 (233 MHz & 266 MHz) March 17, 1998 (300 MHz) August 12, 1998 (333 MHz) |
Discontinued | July 7, 1998 (233 MHz) August 12, 1998 (266 MHz) December 14, 1998 (300 MHz & 333 MHz) |
Model Identifier | 510 |
Model Number | M4405 |
Order Number | M6431LL/A M6142LL/A M6459LL/A M6572LL/A M6494LL/A M7247LL/A M7107LL/A |
Original Price | $2,399 $2,999 $3,399 $4,199 $4,599 |
Colors | Platinum |
Weight | 33.1 Ibs. 15 KG |
Dimensions | 15.2” H x 9.6” W x 17.8” D 38.6 cm H x 24.38 cm W x 45.21 cm D |
Power Mac G3 Tech Specs
Processor
Processor | PowerPC 750 G3 |
Processor Speed | 233 MHz 266 MHz 300 MHz 333 MHz |
Architecture | 32-bit |
Number of Cores | 1 |
System Bus | 66 MHz |
Cache | 64 KB L1 512 KB or 1 MB backside L2 |
Coprocessor | Built-in FPU |
Storage & Media
Storage | 4 GB 6 GB 8 GB 9 GB |
Media | 1 – 1.44 MB Floppy 1 – 12x CD-ROM 1 – DVD-ROM 1 – Zip (Optional) |
Memory
Built-in Memory | 32 MB 64 GB 128 MB |
Maximum Memory | 384 MB (Apple) 768 MB (Actual) |
Memory Slots | 3 – PC66 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
ROM | 4 MB |
Interleaving Support | No |
Display
Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
Graphics Card | ATI 3D Rage II+ ATI 3D Rage Pro |
Graphics Memory | 2 MB 6 MB |
Display Connection | 1 – DB-15 |
Display Modes | Single display only |
Expansion
Expansion Slots | 3 – PCI 1 – PERCH |
Bays | 1 – 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch SCSI / ATI devices |
Hard Drive Interface | ATA-2 and SCSI |
Connections
Ethernet | 10BASE-T (RJ-45) |
Modem | 56k (Optional) |
Wi-Fi | None |
Bluetooth | None |
ADB | 1 |
Serial | 2 |
SCSI | 1 – DB-25 |
Floppy Port | None |
Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack 1 – RCA input (Optional) |
Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – RCA output (Optional) 1 – Built-in speaker |
Display | 1 – DB-15 |
Software
Original OS | Mac OS 8 |
Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.2.8 |
Firmware | Macintosh ROM |
Keyboard and Mouse
Peripherals | AppleDesign Keyboard ADB Mouse II |
Power
Backup Battery | 3.6-3.9 V Lithium (922-4542) |
Maximum Continuous Power | 240 W |
Line Voltage | 100-240 V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Macintosh G3 – Wikipedia
- Power Macintosh G3 minitower – Ancientelectronics
- Power Macintosh G3 266 MiniTower – Vectronic’s Collections
- Power Mac G3 Motherboard! – MacGurus
- Power Macintosh/Server G3 Minitower Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
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: December 17, 2023