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Macintosh Quadra 700
The 68040 mini-tower that started the Quadra era.
Overview
The Quadra 700 arrived on the same day as the Quadra 900 and introduced the 68040, a processor with an integrated math unit and larger caches. At 25 MHz it was several times faster than the 68030 machines it succeeded.
The IIci-sized case was turned upright to create the first Apple mini-tower. Built-in Ethernet and onboard video made it a practical workgroup machine without extra cards, while one Processor Direct Slot allowed expansion.
It shipped with 4 MB of RAM, expandable to 68 MB, and 80 or 160 MB hard disks. The machine appeared as a film prop, and early releases of the game Myst were assembled on one.
Why it mattered
It launched the Quadra line and the 68040 era, and showed that Apple could build a tower-style Mac.
At a glance
- Announced
- October 21, 1991
- Released
- October 21, 1991
- Discontinued
- March 15, 1993
- Launch price
- $5,700
- Chip / processor
- Motorola 68040, 25 MHz
- Storage
- 80 MB or 160 MB hard disk
- Status
- Vintage
Highlights
- 25 MHz Motorola 68040 with integrated FPU
- Built-in Ethernet
- First Apple mini-tower
- Built-in video output
Tech specs
Specifications as published at launch. Some values (like battery life) are manufacturer estimates.
Chip
- Chip
- Motorola 68040, 25 MHz
Memory
- RAM
- 4 MB, expandable to 68 MB
- Storage options
- 80 or 160 MB SCSI hard disk (230 MB later)
Ports
- Ports
- 2 serial, 2 ADB, AAUI Ethernet, SCSI, audio in, stereo audio out
Expansion
- Slots
- One Processor Direct Slot
Design
- Dimensions
- 35 x 14 x 37 cm (13.9 x 5.5 x 14.4 in, upright orientation)
- Weight
- 6.2 kg (13.6 lb)
Software
- Launch OS
- System 7.0.1
- Latest supported OS
- Mac OS 8.1
Availability
- Announced
- October 21, 1991
- Released
- October 21, 1991
- Discontinued
- March 15, 1993
- Launch price
- $5,700
Colors
- Finishes
- Platinum
