apple-history.com / Macintosh IIvx

apple-history / Macintosh IIvx

# Macintosh IIvx

Essentials

Family: Macintosh II

Codename: Brazil

Gestalt ID: 48

Minimum OS: 7.1

Maximum OS: 7.6.1

Introduced: October 1992

Terminated: October 1993

Processor

CPU: Motorola MC68030

CPU Speed: 32 MHz

FPU: 68882

Bus Speed: 16 MHz

Register Width: 32-bit

Data Bus Width: 32-bit

Address Bus Width: 32-bit

Level 1 Cache: 256 bytes data, 256 bytes instruction

Level 2 Cache: 32 kB

ROM: 1 MB

RAM Type: 30 pin SIMM

Minimum RAM Speed: 80 ns

Onboard RAM: 4 MB

RAM slots: 4

Maximum RAM: 68 MB

Expansion Slots: 3 NuBus, 1 PDS

Video

VRAM: 512 kB - 1 MB (two sockets)

Max Resolution: 8 bit 640x480

Video Out: DB-15

Storage

Hard Drive: 40-400 MB

Floppy Drive: 1.4 MB SuperDrive

Optical Drive: optional 2x CD-ROM

Input/Output

ADB: 2

Serial: 2 Mini DIN-8

SCSI: DB-25

Audio Out: mono 8 bit mini

Audio In: mono 8 bit mini

Speaker: mono

Miscellaneous

Power: 230 Watts

Dimensions: 6" H x 13" W x 16.5" D

Weight: 35 lbs.

The IIvx was aimed directly at the mid-range market. It introduced a new case design (the first case built with an internal CD-ROM in mind), and ran on a 32 MHz 68030 processor with a 68882 FPU. However, the 16 MHz bus made it roughly equivalent to a 25 MHz IIci. The IIvx cost $2,950.

Picture Credits:
AppleDesign

Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2001 20:10:56 -0700
From: Brian Kendig
Subject: Re: Great site!
The Mac IIvx began its life in development as a proof-of-concept to
see how an internal CD-ROM drive could be added to a Mac -- but
after John Sculley's speech at MacWorld Tokyo promised a Mac with a
CD-ROM drive (and surprised the development team), the IIvx was
rushed into production, with a lot of shortcuts taken in its
design. Its 32 MHz processor was crippled by its 16 MHz bus (making
it slightly slower than the IIci), and its serial port was limited
to 57.6 kbps (which could cause problems with serial connections and
MIDI hardware). The final nail was driven into its coffin when the
much-more-powerful Centris 610 was released four months later for
the same price. Since then, people who buy an expensive Mac which
quickly becomes obsolete are said to be "IIvx'ed". Interestingly,
the IIvx was also the first Mac to have a metal case.