Photo: Unknown author / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons · source
Macintosh IIx
A 68030 upgrade to the Mac II with the SuperDrive as standard.
Overview
The Macintosh IIx was an evolution rather than a redesign. The Motorola 68030 processor at 16 MHz brought built-in memory management and instruction and data caches, and the paired 68882 coprocessor sped up floating point work.
It was the first Macintosh with the SuperDrive, which could read and write 1.4 MB high-density floppies, including MS-DOS disks through software. Memory could grow to 128 MB with SIMMs, and the six NuBus slots remained.
At launch prices above seven thousand dollars it was aimed at scientific and graphics professionals. A kit later upgraded older Mac II machines to the IIx specification.
Why it mattered
It introduced the 68030 and the SuperDrive to the Mac line and set the template for the faster Macs that followed.
At a glance
- Announced
- September 19, 1988
- Released
- September 19, 1988
- Discontinued
- October 15, 1990
- Launch price
- $7,769
- Chip / processor
- Motorola 68030, 16 MHz
- Storage
- 1.4 MB SuperDrive, optional 80 MB hard disk
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- 68030 processor and 68882 math coprocessor
- First Mac with a built-in SuperDrive
- Memory expandable to 128 MB
- Six NuBus slots
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- Motorola 68030, 16 MHz
- Coprocessor
- Motorola 68882 FPU
Memory
- RAM
- 1 or 4 MB, expandable to 128 MB
- Storage options
- 1.4 MB SuperDrive; optional internal 80 MB hard disk
Expansion
- Slots
- Six NuBus slots
Design
- Dimensions
- 14 x 47 x 37 cm (5.5 x 18.7 x 14.4 in)
- Weight
- 11 kg (24 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- System 6.0.1
- Latest supported OS
- System 7.5.5
Availability
- Announced
- September 19, 1988
- Released
- September 19, 1988
- Discontinued
- October 15, 1990
- Launch price
- $7,769
Colors
- Finishes
- Platinum
How it compares
More in the Macintosh II family
Macintosh II
The first modular, color-capable Mac with six NuBus slots.
Macintosh IIcx
A compact, quiet Mac II you could stand on its side.
Macintosh IIci
The workhorse Mac II with built-in video and 25 MHz speed.
Macintosh IIsi
A lower-cost Mac II with sound input and built-in video.