personal computer by Apple

What was the smallest desktop Mac prior to the Mac mini ? Apple’s LC series, which measured just under 3″ tall, although it had as big a footprint as four Minis. And the Quadra 605 (also known as the LC 475 and Performa 475 or 476) was the most powerful model in this diminutive line.

Apple completed the LC line with what could have been called the LC IV. As with its ancestors, the Quadra 605 was designed to be inexpensive. It shares many components with previous LC models, although it uses a new (equally compact) case that’s flat rather than angled upward in the front. To reduce cost and power use, Apple used the 68LC040 CPU, helping to make this the first Quadra to sell for under US$1,000. For compatibility, it retains the LC expansion slot.

The Performa 475 and 476 differed in the size of the hard drive that shipped with them; the 475 had a 160 MB drive, while the 476 had 230 MB. The Quadra 605 has a different Gestalt ID than the LC and Performa versions.

Specs (via Low End Mac)

• Cpu: 25 MHz 68LC040 (one reader reported the Canadian Quadra 605 runs at 33 MHz)
• Fpu: none, 68LC040 can be replaced with 68040 CPU
• Rom: 1 MB
• L2 Cache: optional, PDS
• Hard Drive: 80, 160, or 250 MB
• Video: 512 KB VRAM, expandable to 1 MB (remove both 256K VRAM SIMMs, plug in 512K replacements; supports 512 x 384, 640 x 480, 640 x 870, 832 x 624, 1024 x 768, and 1152 x 870 resolutions. We have a field report of an 800 x 600 option as well.
• Addressing: 24-bit or 32-bit
• Gestalt Id: 89 for LC 475 and Performa, 94 for Quadra 605
• Upgrade Path: Power Mac card
• Adb: 2 ports for keyboard and mouse
• Scsi: DB-25 connector on back of computer
• Serial: 2 DIN-8 RS-422 ports on back of computer
• Pram Battery: 3.6V half-AA
• Weight: 8.8 lbs.
• Cpu Performance: 10.3 (relative to SE); 0.88, Speedometer 4.06; 7.08, MacBench 2.0 CPU; 22 MIPS (see benchmark page for more details); 4074 (68040 upgrade) Whetstones
• See: Online resources and links for the Quadra 605 / LC 475 / Performa 475, 476