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Power Macintosh 8500

M3409 · 1995–1997 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: PowerPC 604, 120 or 150 MHz, later PowerPC 604e at 180 MHz, on a replaceable CPU daughtercard
Gpu: Built in video with near broadcast quality (640x480) AV input/output, first personal computer to do so; 3 PCI slots, 1 CPU daughtercard slot
Ram: max: 512 MB officially (eight 168 pin DIMM slots; third party testing showed 1 GB was achievable) · base: 16 MB
Ports: SCSI (DB-25) · ADB · Ethernet (AAUI-15 and 10Base-T) · 2x GeoPort serial (printer/modem) · S-video and RCA video/audio input and output · Microphone in, stereo sound out · Security lock · Video (DB-15)
Display: No built in display; single DB-15 monitor port
Storage: base: 1 GB or 2 GB SCSI HDD · options: 4X CD-ROM
Os Support: latest: Mac OS 9.1 · shipped: System 7.5.2
Release Price: $4,000 to $4,500 depending on configuration

Variants

Revisions

8500/120launch config, 120MHz PowerPC 604, August 1995

8500/150150MHz PowerPC 604 config

8500/180180MHz PowerPC 604e config, final revision

Upgrade paths

CPU

Replaceable CPU daughtercard, upgraded by third parties (Sonnet, Newer Technology) to G3/G4 class chips well past 400 MHz · Same daughtercard design as the 7500, favored by video professionals who wanted to keep the built in AV I/O while upgrading CPU speed.

~$150-$300 at the time

EASY

RAM

512 MB officially via 8 DIMM slots, up to 1 GB per third party testing · Apple's 1995 flagship tower, priced and upgraded accordingly.

EASY

GPU

3 PCI slots for graphics or capture cards · AV module handled broadcast quality video without an add in card, freeing PCI slots for other expansion.

EASY