Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible

Released March 1994

A low-profile Macintosh with separate 25 MHz Motorola and Intel processors for running Macintosh and DOS applications.

Type: Compact
Processor: Motorola 68LC040 25 MHz (Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible)
Memory: 8 MB
Storage: 160 MB
Screen: –
Weight: –

Compact

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Specifications

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Performance

Processor: Motorola 68LC040 25 MHz (Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible)
CPU cores: 1
Memory: 8 MB
Storage: 160 MB
CPU: Original Apple TIL 14670, 13884 and shared Service Source identify a 25 MHz Motorola 68LC040 for Macintosh applications and a separate 25 MHz Intel 486SX on the DOS card, both with 32-bit data paths. The 68LC040 has a built-in memory management unit and no FPU; neither processor is the full-FPU 68040 or 486DX. Current support uses generic 68040/optional-FPU wording; this factory configuration follows the exact original documentation. Main processor comparisons describe the Macintosh CPU, not two identical processors.
GPU: Macintosh video has 512 KB VRAM expandable to 1 MB; the DOS card has separate 512 KB video memory. At Macintosh 640 × 480, base VRAM gives 8-bit colour and expanded VRAM 16-bit; at 1152 × 870 these are 4-bit and 8-bit respectively. PC video supports compatible VGA/SVGA and Apple displays with its cable.
Memory type: Factory 8 MB Macintosh RAM, with 4 MB on the logic board and two 72-pin SIMM sockets; maximum supported Macintosh RAM 68 MB. DOS card can use shared Macintosh memory up to 64 MB or one 80 ns 72-pin SIMM up to 32 MB of PC-local memory. Current support and corrected TIL 14670 agree on 32 MB local maximum; the shared service manual says 64 MB and earlier descriptive TIL 13884 says 100 MB total, so those conflicting claims are not used as headline Macintosh capacity.
Storage type: The May 1994 Apple Directions factory offering is 8 MB RAM and 160 MB internal hard disk; the generic current support range 160–230 MB does not establish another exact factory memory/storage pair. Built-in 1.44 MB Apple SuperDrive floppy and optional double-speed internal CD-ROM support Macintosh and DOS discs. The optional CD is shown in the shared-family maker photograph.
Expansion slots: Processor-direct slot occupied by DOS Compatibility Card, leaving no free PDS or NuBus position while retaining it. The card is also sold as an internal upgrade for existing Macintosh Quadra 610 and Centris 610 computers; it is distinct from the faster Power Macintosh 6100 DOS card.

Display

Screen: None built in

Connections

Ports: Ethernet, headphone jack
External displays: Up to 2
Back ports: Two ADB ports, DB-15 Macintosh video, DB-25 external SCSI supporting up to six peripherals, two RS-232/RS-422 serial mini-DIN-8 connections, AAUI Ethernet, monaural microphone input and stereo-capable sound output. PC game port also available through DOS hardware.
External displays: One shared display switched between environments, or separate Macintosh and PC displays showing both simultaneously. The second display serves the PC environment; do not imply a two-screen Macintosh desktop. Compatible Apple 13-, 14- and 16-inch monitors and VGA/SVGA displays in DOS; Macintosh supports its own wider display list. Adapters may be required.
Speakers: Built-in speaker with Macintosh stereo eight-bit output through the sound jack and eight-bit monophonic input at 11 or 22 kHz. The later Power Macintosh DOS card's Sound Blaster playback is not transferred to this earlier hardware.
Keyboard and mouse: Apple Directions states MS-DOS 6.2 and Apple PC Exchange are supplied. Separate monitor, keyboard and mouse in the shared-family catalogue photograph are labelled as illustrated accessories rather than a universal bundle. Original Windows software capability does not establish a bundled Windows licence.

Design and power

Type: Compact
Width × depth × height: 414 × 396 × 86 mm
Operating system: macOS
Size and weight detail: Exact original DOS-compatible TIL gives 86 × 414 × 396 mm (height × width × depth), used here, and 7.4 kg varying with installed devices. Current support gives 14 lb, and shared Service Source 6.4 kg; weight is omitted because this conflict is unresolved. Shared service depth 107 mm is inconsistent with the exact original 396 mm and current 15.6-inch depth.
Power supply: Exact DOS specification gives automatically configured 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz and 210 W maximum excluding display power. Current support allows 47–63 Hz; shared-family Service Source gives 112 W excluding monitor. Conditions and maker disagreement remain qualified; neither is a measured normal consumption claim. 3.6 V lithium clock battery.
In the box: System 7.1 with System Enabler 040 v1.1 and preinstalled MS-DOS 6.2. Current support records introduction on 28 February 1994; May 1994 Apple Directions explicitly says the computer shipped in March in the United States and selected international markets, supporting March 1994 release rather than substituting the introduction date. Apple later explicitly calls this the predecessor to Power Macintosh 6100 DOS Compatible.

Configurations

Processor	Memory	Storage	Storage type
Motorola 68LC040 25 MHz (Macintosh Quadra 610 DOS Compatible)	8 MB	160 MB	Hard drive

Pros and cons

Pros

Independent Macintosh and DOS processors
Shared storage and peripherals
Two simultaneous displays for separate environments

Cons

Neither processor includes a floating-point unit
DOS card occupies the sole expansion position
PC memory reduces Macintosh memory when shared

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Processor	Memory	Storage	Screen	Weight	Released
AppleMacintosh LC 630	Compact	Motorola 68LC040 33 MHz (Macintosh LC 575)	4 MB – 8 MB	250 MB	–	7.7 kg	1994
AppleMacintosh LC 630 DOS Compatible	Compact	Motorola 68LC040 33 MHz (Macintosh LC 630 DOS Compatible)	8 MB	500 MB	–	8.6 kg	–
AppleMacintosh Quadra 630	Compact	68040 33 MHz (Macintosh Quadra 650)	4 MB – 8 MB	250 MB	–	7.7 kg	1994

Newer model: Power Macintosh 6100/66 DOS Compatible.

Sources

Photo: Apple (shared Quadra 610 housing; optional CD-ROM)

Shared Quadra 610 front housing with separately purchased Macintosh Color Display, Extended Keyboard II and mouse; DOS card is not visible: Apple (shared Quadra 610 housing and separate peripherals)

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