personal computer by Apple

Building on the success of the Mac II , the 1988 Mac IIx housed a 68030 CPU and 68882 FPU (floating point unit) in the same case. Breakthrough features included the DOS-compatible 1.4 MB SuperDrive (a.k.a. FDHD for floppy disk, high density) and virtual memory. 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 IIx requires special PAL SIMMs when using 4 MB or larger SIMMs. With these it can support 128 MB.

There is a ROM SIMM slot on the Mac IIx which must be filled with a IIx ROM. Without this ROM, the computer will not function.

Specs (via Low End Mac)

• Cpu: 40 MHz 68030
• Fpu: 16 MHz 68882
• Ram: 1 MB, expandable to 128 MB using both 4-SIMM banks of 120ns 30-pin memory; supports 256 KB, 1 MB, 4 MB, and 16 MB SIMMs; 4 MB and 16 MB must be PAL SIMMs
• Rom: 256 KB
• Hard Drive: 40 or 80 MB 5.25″
• 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: 7
• Code Names: Spock, Strato
• Upgrade Path: IIfx
• Adb Ports: 2
• Pram Battery: 3.6V half-AA
• Weight: 24 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: 6
• Power Supply: 230W
• See: Online resources and links for the Mac IIx
• Low End Mac Best Buy: Buy a used Mac IIfx (starting at less than $50 depending on configuration). This provides almost 3x the speed and usually 8-16 MB RAM and an 80-160 MB hard drive. Since you only have 2-8 MB in your IIx, the fact that the IIfx uses 64-bit SIMMs isn’t a big factor. You may well get an accelerated video card in the bargain.