Initially introduced as the Centris 660av (the two models are identical except for the nameplate), the Quadra 660av shares the same case design as the Centris 610.
In addition to a faster 25 MHz 68040 CPU, the 660av includes a 55 MHz AT&T digital signal processor, introduces the GeoPort high speed serial port, has a new audio-video connector on rear, and can digitize video using built-in ports. (For even more AV horsepower, look into the 40 MHz Quadra 840av.)
One popular use for the AV Quadras was adding text and graphics to videos.
A dead or low-voltage PRAM battery can temporarily kill off built-in video – see Macintosh Computers: Low Battery Can Cause No Video for more information.
Tidbit: Hold down Cmd-Opt-T-V during startup to force this Mac to use a TV as a monitor.
- Got a 68040-based Mac? Join our Vintage Macs Group.
Details
- Centris 610 introduced 1993.07.29 at $2,300; renamed Quadra 660av 1993.10.01; discontinued 1994.09.12
- requires System 7.1 or later; highest version supported is Mac OS 8.1.
- CPU: 25 MHz 68040 CPU
- DSP: 55 MHz 3210
- Performance: 12.4, relative to SE; 0.89, Speedometer 4
see Benchmarks: 660av for more details - ROM: 2 MB
- RAM: 8 MB, expandable to 68 MB using 70ns 72-pin SIMMs; motherboard has 2 SIMM slots which can be filled independently. Cannot use 64 MB SIMMs
- VRAM: 1 MB
- L2 cache: optional
- ADB: 2 ports for keyboard and mouse
- serial: 2 DIN-8 RS-422 ports on back of computer
- SCSI: DB-25 connector on back of computer
- Hard drive: 230 or 500 MB
- one PDS slot (NuBus adapter available)
- size (HxWxD): 3.4″ x 16.3″ x 15.6″
- Weight: 14 lb.
- PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
- Gestalt ID: 53
- addressing: 24-bit or 32-bit
- upgrade path: Power Mac 6100
Accelerators & Upgrades
- Output Enablers 32-34 MHz clock accelerator
- MicroMac slot-free 128KB L2 cache
- MicroMac Speedy variable speed oscillator (to 29 MHz)
- Sonnet QuadDoubler (50 MHz 68040)
- Power Macintosh 6100
Online Resources
Cautions
- The Startup Disk control panel in System 7.5-7.5.3 is incompatible with Quadra AVs. System 7.5.5 fixes this.
- Quadra AVs do not support 24-bit addressing.
- You must have a “fat” system installed to use a PowerPC upgrade.
- Note that the 660av and 840av don’t do video mirroring, so if you’re doing output to TV or VCR, your computer monitor will be blank.
- The fan filter for the 660 and other models that use the same case is inside the power supply. Sometimes a “bad” power supply can be repaired by clearing the dust out of the mesh screen near the fan.
Keywords: #centris660av #quadra660av
Short link: http://goo.gl/nni1ez
searchwords: centris660av, quadra660av
