The Performa 600 was an okay computer, but a big “Huh?” for Mac IIci users. Where the LC and LC II had been compromised by using a 32-bit processor on a 16-bit data bus, the Performa 600 ran a 32 MHz CPU on a 16 MHz bus. This gave it slower performance than the 25 MHz IIci, which was still available. In fact, the old 16 MHz Mac IIx outperformed the Performa 600 on some benchmarks!

Worse yet, the Performa 600, doesn’t support a level 2 cache in the Processor Direct Slot, although it will accept accelerators.

The Performa 600 was the first Mac available with a built-in CD-ROM drive and also the first Mac to use a metal case.

Specs (via Low End Mac)

• Cpu: 32 MHz 68030
• Fpu: 32 MHz 68882 (optional)
• Ram: 4 MB on motherboard, expandable to 68 MB using lone 4-SIMM bank of 80ns 30-pin memory; can use 256 KB, 1 MB, 2 MB, 4 MB, and 16 MB SIMMs
• Rom: 1 MB
• L2 Cache: not supported
• Hard Drive: 80 MB SCSI
• Floppy Drive: 1.4 MB double-sided
• Addressing: 24-bit or 32-bit
• Gestalt Id: 45
• Code Names: Brazil, Lego
• Upgrade Path: Quadra 700 , Quadra 650 , Power Mac 7100 motherboard
• Adb Ports: 2
• Pram Battery: 3.6V half-AA
• Weight: 25 lbs.
• Video Port: DA-15
• Serial Ports: 2 DIN-8 RS-422 ports on back of computer
• Scsi Ports: DB-25 connector on back of computer
• Nubus Slots: 3
• Power Supply: 230W
• See: Online resources and links for the Performa 600