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Power Macintosh 8100

M1688 · 1994–1996 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: PowerPC 601, 80, 100, or 110 MHz
Gpu: Built in video; 1 PowerPC 601 PDS slot and 3 NuBus slots, plus a 5.25 inch drive bay
Ram: max: 264 MB (eight 72 pin SIMM slots, installed in matching pairs) · base: 8 MB or 16 MB
Ports: SCSI (DB-25) · ADB · Ethernet (AAUI-15) · 2x GeoPort serial (printer/modem) · Microphone in, 16 bit stereo sound out · Security lock · Video (HDI-45 and DB-15)
Display: No built in display; supports external monitors via HDI-45 or DB-15 video ports
Storage: base: 250 MB, 500 MB, or 1 GB SCSI HDD · options: 700 MB SCSI HDD · 2 GB SCSI HDD · 2X CD-ROM (optional)
Os Support: latest: Mac OS 9.1 · shipped: System 7.1.2
Release Price: $4,250 to $5,250 depending on configuration

Variants

Revisions

8100/80launch config, 80MHz PowerPC 601, 1994

8100/110top launch config, 110MHz PowerPC 601, November 1994

8100/100100MHz config, replaced the 80 in January 1995

8100/80 AV, 8100/100 AV, 8100/110 AVadds AV card with S-video and RCA video in/out

Upgrade paths

CPU

PowerPC G3 upgrade cards (Sonnet, Newer Technology) via the processor direct slot, up to roughly 250 MHz class · Apple's flagship tower of 1994, widely upgraded by studios and video editors who wanted to keep the AV card.

~$200-$400 at the time

MODERATE

RAM

264 MB total via 8 SIMM slots · Highest RAM ceiling of the original Power Macintosh trio thanks to 8 SIMM slots.

EASY

GPU

3 NuBus slots for graphics or capture cards · Full size tower case made it a favorite for third party NuBus video and SCSI cards.

MODERATE