Apple Macintosh IIfx vs Apple Macintosh IIvi

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Macintosh IIfx compared with Macintosh IIvi
AppleMacintosh IIfxAppleMacintosh IIvi
Overview
Released1990–
Performance
Processor68030 40 MHz (Macintosh IIfx)68030 16 MHz (Macintosh Color Classic)
CPU cores11
Memory4 MB4 MB or 5 MB (better)
Storage80 MB to 160 MB40 MB to 160 MB
CPU40 MHz Motorola 68030 with integrated memory-management unit and 68882 floating-point coprocessor; 0.5 KB L1 and 32 KB L2 cacheNominal 16 MHz Motorola MC68030 with integrated paged memory management; Apple developer note gives the actual 15.6672 MHz clock. Optional MC68882 floating-point coprocessor socket; no onboard external RAM cache. The 32 MHz IIvx and Performa 600 are distinct models
GPUNo built-in video; a compatible NuBus video card is required for a display512 KB dedicated VRAM standard, expandable to 1 MB with 100 ns VRAM SIMMs. 512 KB supports 16-bit colour at 512 × 384 or 8-bit at 640 × 480; 1 MB supports 16-bit at 640 × 480. The 5/80CD configuration includes 1 MB VRAM
Memory typeEight 64-pin SIMM slots in banks of four, using 80 ns or faster memory; Apple lists 4–128 MB and a 512 KB ROM. The 64-pin modules are specific to the IIfx.4 MB soldered DRAM plus four 30-pin SIMM slots, filled in groups of four; supports up to 68 MB. 1 MB ROM; minimum SIMM speed 80 ns
Storage typeOne or two internal 1.44 MB floppy drives, with optional 40–160 MB SCSI hard drives; 4 MB floppy-only, 80 MB and 160 MB configurations are represented here1.44 MB SuperDrive and internal SCSI hard disk. Exact UK brochure offers 4/40, 4/80 and 5/80CD; Apple Europe/Pacific launch table also lists 4/160. The 5/80CD has AppleCD 300i double-speed CD-ROM and 1 MB VRAM. Other configurations have an empty 5.25-inch half-height drive bay
Expansion slotsSix NuBus slots and one processor-direct slotThree internal NuBus slots and a separate accelerator slot. Room for three internal storage devices, including the optional internal CD-ROM; Ethernet requires a card
Display
ScreenNone built inNone built in
Connections
PortsHeadphone jackHeadphone jack
Back portsTwo Apple Desktop Bus ports, DB-25 SCSI, printer and modem serial ports and sound output; no built-in video or EthernetTwo ADB, DB-15 video, DB-25 SCSI, two RS-232/RS-422 mini-DIN-8 serial ports, sound input and sound output. No built-in Ethernet, USB or external floppy connector
External displaysA NuBus video card is required; resolution and colour depth depend on the fitted cardBuilt-in video supports Macintosh 12-inch monochrome/RGB, AppleColor High-Resolution RGB and Macintosh Color displays. Larger or higher-colour displays need an appropriate NuBus video card; monitor and keyboard sold separately
SpeakersInternal speaker and sound outputMono Macintosh sound input/output and an internal speaker, with stereo compact-disc playback through the sound-output jack. Supplied electret omnidirectional microphone
Keyboard and mouse–Apple Desktop Bus mouse and microphone; separate monitor and keyboard
Design and power
TypeCompactCompact
Weight10.9 kg (better)11.3 kg
Width × depth × height475 × 366 × 140 mm330 × 419 × 152 mm
Operating systemmacOSmacOS
Size and weight detailApple's 5.5 × 18.7 × 14.4 inch and 24 lb reference dimensions; metric fields are rounded conversionsPublished UK brochure metric measurements retained: 15.2 cm high, 33.0 cm wide and 41.9 cm deep; 11.3 kg varies with installed internal devices
Power supplyMaximum 230 W; 100–240 V AC, 48–62 Hz; 3.6 V lithium clock battery and keyboard soft powerUK Apple brochure gives 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz single phase and 112 W maximum excluding monitor. Archived Apple support lists 230 W maximum; shared service manual lists 200 W AC and 112 W DC. Preserve these different ratings rather than treating them as measured consumption. 3.6 V lithium clock backup battery
In the boxOriginal System Software 6.0.5. Apple lists 19 March 1990 as introduction; a separate maker first-sale date was not established.System 7.1 and System Enabler 001, documentation, mouse and microphone; keyboard and monitor sold separately. Apple announced the IIvi on 19 October 1992 for selected countries outside the US. UK ordering brochure is printed September 1992; neither its print date nor introduction establishes first actual retail sale, so released is omitted

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