Photo: Chi Ho Chan from Hong Kong / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
Macintosh 512K
The "Fat Mac" quadrupled memory to make the Mac usable.
Overview
Apple quickly learned that 128 KB was not enough, so the second Macintosh kept the same beige case and 68000 processor but carried 512 KB of memory. Enthusiasts nicknamed it the Fat Mac.
The extra RAM made larger documents and more capable programs practical, and it allowed the machine to work with the new Hard Disk 20, which plugged into the floppy port. It also became the oldest Mac able to take part in AppleShare file sharing.
There were still no expansion slots and the memory was not meant to be user-upgradeable, so upgrades needed third-party boards. Apple later offered an upgrade path to the 512Ke and the Plus.
Why it mattered
It fixed the original Mac's biggest weakness, memory, and kept the platform alive through its slow first year.
At a glance
- Announced
- September 10, 1984
- Released
- September 10, 1984
- Discontinued
- April 14, 1986
- Launch price
- $3,195
- Chip / processor
- Motorola 68000, 8 MHz
- Display
- 9"
- Storage
- 400 KB floppy
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- Four times the memory of the original Mac
- Same compact all-in-one case
- Could drive the Hard Disk 20
- Nicknamed the "Fat Mac"
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Display
- Size
- 9-inch
- Type
- Monochrome CRT
- Resolution
- 512 x 342
Chip
- Chip
- Motorola 68000, 8 MHz
Memory
- RAM
- 512 KB
- Storage options
- One 400 KB 3.5-inch floppy drive
- ROM
- 64 KB
Ports
- Ports
- 2 serial (RS-422), external floppy drive port, mouse, headphone jack
Software
- Launch OS
- System 1.1
Expansion
- Slots
- None
Availability
- Announced
- September 10, 1984
- Released
- September 10, 1984
- Discontinued
- April 14, 1986
- Launch price
- $3,195
Colors
- Finishes
- Platinum Beige
How it compares
More in the Macintosh family
Macintosh 128K
The beige box that put a mouse and icons on millions of desks.
Macintosh Plus
SCSI, SIMM sockets and an 800 KB drive in the long-lived compact Mac.
Macintosh 512Ke
The budget Mac that borrowed the Plus floppy drive and ROMs.
Macintosh SE
A compact Mac with an internal drive bay and its first expansion slot.
Macintosh SE/30
The fast, hackable compact Mac that collectors still adore.
Macintosh Classic
The first Mac under a thousand dollars.
Macintosh Classic II
A 68030 Classic: faster, but still a black-and-white compact.
Macintosh Color Classic
The last compact Mac, now with a color Trinitron screen.