Power Mac G3 Minitower Power Mac G3 Minitower

Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower Explained

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 Macintosh G3 Mini Tower
Source: christianfletcherstuff.wordpress.com – Power Macintosh G3 Mini Tower

Power Mac G3 Mini Tower Details

IntroducedNovember 10, 1997 (233 MHz & 266 MHz)
March 17, 1998 (300 MHz)
August 12, 1998 (333 MHz)
DiscontinuedJuly 7, 1998 (233 MHz)
August 12, 1998 (266 MHz)
December 14, 1998 (300 MHz & 333 MHz)
Model Identifier510
Model NumberM4405
Order NumberM6431LL/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
ColorsPlatinum
Weight33.1 Ibs.
15 KG
Dimensions15.2” 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

ProcessorPowerPC 750 G3
Processor Speed233 MHz
266 MHz
300 MHz
333 MHz
Architecture32-bit
Number of Cores1
System Bus66 MHz
Cache64 KB L1
512 KB or 1 MB backside L2
CoprocessorBuilt-in FPU

Storage & Media

Storage4 GB
6 GB
8 GB
9 GB
Media1 – 1.44 MB Floppy
1 – 12x CD-ROM
1 – DVD-ROM
1 – Zip (Optional)

Memory

Built-in Memory32 MB
64 GB
128 MB
Maximum Memory384 MB (Apple)
768 MB (Actual)
Memory Slots3 – PC66 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM
Minimum Speed10 ns
ROM4 MB
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardATI 3D Rage II+
ATI 3D Rage Pro
Graphics Memory2 MB
6 MB
Display Connection1 – DB-15
Display ModesSingle display only

Expansion

Expansion Slots3 – PCI
1 – PERCH
Bays1 – 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch SCSI / ATI devices
Hard Drive InterfaceATA-2 and SCSI

Connections

Ethernet10BASE-T (RJ-45)
Modem56k (Optional)
Wi-FiNone
BluetoothNone
ADB1
Serial2
SCSI1 – DB-25
Floppy PortNone
Audio In1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack
1 – RCA input (Optional)
Audio Out1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack
1 – RCA output (Optional)
1 – Built-in speaker
Display1 – DB-15

Software

Original OSMac OS 8
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.2.8
FirmwareMacintosh ROM

Keyboard and Mouse

PeripheralsAppleDesign Keyboard
ADB Mouse II

Power

Backup Battery3.6-3.9 V Lithium (922-4542)
Maximum Continuous Power240 W
Line Voltage100-240 V AC

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: December 17, 2023