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Power Macintosh 6100

M3591 · 1994–1996 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: PowerPC 601, 60 or 66 MHz
Gpu: Built in video, 1 MB VRAM (upgradable to 2 MB); NuBus slot for third party graphics cards
Ram: max: 72 MB (2 72 pin SIMM slots plus onboard 8 MB, 60 ns or faster) · base: 8 MB
Ports: SCSI (external) · ADB (keyboard/mouse) · 2x Serial (GeoPort, printer/modem) · Stereo audio in/out · 1 NuBus expansion slot (via the DOS Compatible model's PDS or standard NuBus riser depending on revision) · Video (built in HDI-45)
Display: No built in display; NuBus/onboard video supported external monitors up to 16 inch at 640x480 or 832x624
Storage: base: 160, 250, or 350 MB SCSI HDD depending on configuration · options: 500 MB SCSI HDD · 700 MB SCSI HDD
Os Support: latest: Mac OS 8.1 · shipped: System 7.1.2 (with the PowerPC enabling System Update)
Release Price: $1,700 to $2,300 depending on configuration

Variants

Models

6100/60Launch configuration, PowerPC 601 at 60 MHz.

6100/66Faster 66 MHz 601, sold alongside the 60 MHz model.

6100/66 DOS CompatibleIncluded an embedded 486 DX2/66 card for running DOS/Windows software alongside Mac OS.

Upgrade paths

CPU

PowerPC G3 upgrade cards (Sonnet, Newer Technology) via the processor direct slot, up to roughly 250 MHz class · The 6100's compact case and shared PDS/NuBus riser made third party CPU upgrades common but fiddly; not every card fit the tight enclosure.

~$200-$400 at the time

MODERATE

RAM

72 MB total via 2 SIMM slots · Modest ceiling by later Power Mac standards; 72 pin SIMMs are scarce and pricier today than period correct.

~$40 per 32 MB SIMM at the time

EASY

storage

Internal SCSI HDD swap; SCSI2SD or similar flash adapters used today · Single internal drive bay; external SCSI chain extends storage.

MODERATE

GPU

Single NuBus slot graphics card · Only one expansion slot, shared with other cards, so adding graphics meant giving up other expansion options.

HARD