Herb's Guide to Mac II and LC Series Systems

Herb's Retro Technology provides a detailed inventory and technical breakdown of Apple's Mac II and LC series systems, highlighting specifications and parts availability for these vintage computers. The Mac LC family, introduced in 1990, was designed as a lower-cost alternative to the Mac II, offering roughly three-quarters of the performance for half the price [2]. These systems range from compact "pizza box" designs to larger NuBus-based towers, serving various consumer and educational needs throughout the early 1990s [1, 2].

Key takeaways

• The Macintosh LC family was launched in 1990 to provide a lower-priced option for schools, offering about 75% of the Mac II's performance [2].
• Mac II-series systems generally feature 68030 processors and large footprints with support for multiple NuBus expansion cards [1].
• Several Performa models are identical to LC systems, such as the Performa 400 series being the same as the LC II [1].
• The Mac IIfx was a high-end 68030 system requiring special 64-pin memory SIMMs and a specific internal SCSI terminator [1].

Technical distinctions between the LC and II lines

The Mac LC systems are characterized by their compact "pizza box" design with a 12-by-14-inch footprint, utilizing the LC Processor Direct Slot (PDS) for network or modem cards [1]. While the original LC used a 68020 processor, later iterations like the LC II and III moved to the 68030, with specific Performa models such as the 400 and 450 series being hardware-identical to these LC counterparts [1]. Apple developed this family to compete in the education market, aiming to match the pricing of the Apple IIGS while providing color capabilities [2].

In contrast, the Mac II-series systems are larger units that typically support NuBus cards and multiple floppy drives [1]. The Mac IIfx stood out as the top-line 68030 system for several years, featuring 40MHz processors and requiring unique 64-pin memory SIMMs [1]. This model also necessitates a specific internal SCSI terminator, part number 590-4515, if it lacks an internal hard drive [1]. Other models like the IIvx, also known as the Performa 600, offered a sleeker case with a 32MHz processor and space for a CD-ROM drive, while the IIvi was primarily sold in Europe with a slower 16MHz speed [1].

Specific models and unique hardware requirements

Inventory notes indicate that while the Mac II, IIx, and IIfx share identical large cases with six slots, the IIvx represents a design shift with a slimmer profile supporting three NuBus slots [1]. The IIsi and IIci models maintain the smaller footprint of the LC line but utilize 68030 processors and 30-pin SIMM memory, differing primarily in their internal video capabilities and expansion slots [1]. Herb's inventory suggests that parts for these systems, including motherboards and power supplies, remain available, though cosmetic condition varies significantly [1].