personal computer by Apple

Building on the success of the Mac IIx , the 1989 IIcx offered the same horsepower in a smaller case. This was made possible by eliminating 3 NuBus slots and using a smaller (90W) power supply.

Although advertised as a 32-bit computer, the Mac IIx ROMs were “dirty,” containing some 24-bit code. Running in 32-bit mode requires Mode32 (search the page for “mode32”).

“The Mac IIcx has more potential to be a breakout machine for Apple than even the original Mac II. The latter showed that Apple could slug it out, head-to-head, with the muscle machines of the DOS world. The IIcx shows that Apple has learned to fit that raw power into the world of the office.” – Jim Seymour, MacUser, August 1989.

Specs (via Low End Mac)

• Cpu: 16 MHz 68030
• Fpu: 16 MHz 68882
• Ram: 1 MB, expandable to 128 MB using both 4-SIMM banks of 120ns 30-pin memory; uses only 256 KB, 1 MB, 4 MB, and 16 MB SIMMs (requires MODE 32 to go past 8 MB)
• Rom: 256 KB
• Hard Drive: 40 or 80 MB
• Floppy Drive: 1.4 MB double-sided
• Video: requires video card – see our Guide to NuBus Video Cards for more information.
• Addressing: 24-bit, 32-bit requires Mode32
• Gestalt Id: 8
• Code Names: Aurora, Cobra, Atlantic
• Upgrade Path: IIci , Quadra 700 (case must be modified to make room for video port)
• Adb Ports: 2
• Pram Battery: 3.6V half-AA
• Weight: 13.6 lbs.
• Serial Ports: 2 DIN-8 RS-422 ports on back of computer
• Scsi Ports: DB-25 connector on back of computer
• Sound: 8-bit stereo
• Nubus Slots: 3
• Power Supply: 159W
• See: Online resources and links for the Mac IIcx
• Low End Mac Best Buy: Buy a used Mac IIci (starting at less than $20 depending on configuration). For a little more than buying just the motherboard, you’ll usually get 8 MB RAM and an 80 MB hard drive. If you have more RAM in your IIcx – and it’s fast enough for the IIci – you can transfer it to the new computer. And you’ll still have your IIcx as a spare computer.