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Macintosh IIcx
A compact, quiet Mac II you could stand on its side.
Overview
The Macintosh IIcx shrank the modular Mac down to a more practical size. The 16 MHz 68030 matched the IIx, but the narrower case held three NuBus slots instead of six and ran more quietly.
Apple designed the case to be used flat under a monitor or standing vertically beside a desk, an idea attributed to the CEO of the time. Memory modules, expansion cards and the power supply clipped into place without screws, and the launch demonstration involved assembling one on stage.
The IIcx became a favorite in offices and studios, and its case was reused for the faster IIci and the Quadra 700.
Why it mattered
Its screwless, compact case became the basis for several later Macs, including the IIci and the Quadra 700.
At a glance
- Announced
- March 7, 1989
- Released
- March 7, 1989
- Discontinued
- March 11, 1991
- Launch price
- $5,369
- Chip / processor
- Motorola 68030, 16 MHz
- Storage
- 1.4 MB SuperDrive, optional hard disk
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- Compact case with three NuBus slots
- Can lie flat or stand on its side
- Tool-free interior
- 16 MHz 68030 processor
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- Motorola 68030, 16 MHz
Memory
- RAM
- 1 or 2 MB, expandable to 128 MB
- Memory type
- 120 ns 30-pin SIMMs
Expansion
- Slots
- Three NuBus slots
Design
- Dimensions
- 14 x 30 x 37 cm (5.5 x 11.9 x 14.4 in)
- Weight
- 6.2 kg (13.6 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- System 6.0.3
- Latest supported OS
- System 7.5.5
Availability
- Announced
- March 7, 1989
- Released
- March 7, 1989
- Discontinued
- March 11, 1991
- Launch price
- $5,369
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 IIx
A 68030 upgrade to the Mac II with the SuperDrive as standard.
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.