The Power series was Power Computing’s first generation Mac compatible. As faster PowerPC 601 CPUs became available, Power bumped this model from 80 MHz to 100 MHz, and then to 120 MHz.

The Power 80, 100, and 120 were among the few authorized Mac clones with NuBus slots.

• Got a Power Computing machine? Join LEM’s Powerlist Group.
• Have a NuBus Power Computing machine or Power Mac? Join the 1st Power Macs email list.

Variants

• Power 80. 80 MHz 601 processor
• Power 100. 100 MHz 601 processor
• Power 120. 120 MHz 601 processor

Details

• introduced: 1995.04.17; Power 100 sold for $1,699 with 8 MB RAM and a 365 GB hard drive; discontinued 1996.01.01
• Gestalt ID:

Mac OS

• requires System 7.5, 7.5.3 through 9.1 (System 7.5.1 not supported for Power 120; Mac OS 8.0 not compatible with Power 120 without maintenance release, Mac OS 8.1 recommended instead)

Core System

• CPU: 80/100/120 MHz PPC 601
• L2 cache: 256 KB, upgradable to 512 KB
• bus: 33-40 MHz
• RAM: 16 MB, expandable to 200 MB using 80ns or faster 72-pin SIMMs in 8 slots

Video

• Graphics: RAM-based built-in video, uses up to 2 MB of system memory, supports 512 x 384 to 832 x 624

Drives

• hard drive: 540 MB or larger SCSI
• CD-ROM: 4x SCSI drive

Expansion

• ADB: 1 port for keyboard and mouse
• two miniDIN-8 GeoPorts on back of computer
• DB-25 SCSI-1 connector on back of computer
• internal Fast SCSI bus
• ethernet: AAUI connector on back of computer, requires AAUI adapter
• NuBus slots: 3
• PDS: 1

Physical

• power: 200W
• size (HxWxD), desktop: 6.0″x16.0″x16.0″
• size (HxWxD), tower: 15.0″x7.0″x16.0″
• weight: 22.0 lb
• PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA

Online Resources

• Low End Mac’s Compleat Guide to Mac OS 9, 2008 edition, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.05.12. Mac OS 9 remains fast and stable, but Classic software hasn’t kept up with the changing internet. Which Macs support OS 9, where to buy it, and how to update to 9.2.2.
• Hacking Mac OS 7.6.1 so many Mac OS 8 apps will run, Max Wallgren, Mac Daniel, 2007.10.30. With a little ResEdit work and a second copy of your System Folder, you can run a lot of OS 8 apps with Mac OS 7.6.1.
• Mac System 7.5.5 can do anything Mac OS 7.6.1 can, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 2007.06.04. Yes, it is possible to run Internet Explorer 5.1.7 and SoundJam with System 7.5.5. You just need to have all the updates – and make one modification for SoundJam.
• Format any drive for older Macs with patched Apple tools, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 2007.04.25. Apple HD SC Setup and Drive Setup only work with Apple branded hard drives – until you apply the patches linked to this article.
• Power Computing: Fighting back for the Mac or stealing Apple’s customers?, Tom Hormby, Orchard, 2007.02.20. Power Computing, the first company to sell licensed Macintosh clones, seemed more interested in stealing Apple’s high-end customers than expanding Mac the market.
• System 7 Today, advocates of Apple’s ‘orphan’ Mac OS 7.6.1, Tommy Thomas, Welcome to Macintosh, 2006.10.26. Why Mac OS 7.6.1 is far better for 68040 and PowerPC Macs than System 7.5.x.
• Mac OS 8 and 8.1: Maximum size, maximum convenience, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 2006.09.11. Mac OS 8 and 8.1 add some useful new features and tools, and it can even be practical on 68030-based Macs.
• Setting up a NuBus Power Mac as a digital recording studio, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 2006.05.08. Take a Power Mac 7100 or 8100, add a Digidesign AudioMedia II card and a fast hard drive, and you’ve got the core of a powerful, low-cost digital recording studio.
• System 7.6.1 is perfect for many older Macs, John Martorana, That Old Mac Magic, 2006.03.24. Want the best speed from your old Mac? System 7.6.1 can give you that with a fairly small memory footprint – also helpful on older Macs.
• Web browser tips for the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2006.01.03. Tips on getting the most out of WaMCom, Mozilla, Internet Explorer, iCab, Opera, and WannaBe using the classic Mac OS.
• The best browsers for PowerPC Macs and the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 2005.12.16. Two browsers stand out from the pack: iCab 3 is modern and remains under development, and WaMCom brings Mozilla to older Macs.
• PowerWatch Power 80/100/120 page

Troubleshooting

• You cannot upgrade from Mac OS 9.0 to 9.1 using updaters on NuBus models. You must use a full installation CD for OS 9.1.

Keywords: #powercomputing #power80 #power100 #power120 #macclone

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