Power Macintosh 8500
![](./images/models/8500.gif)
Essentials
Family: PowerMac
Codename: Nitro
Gestalt ID: 69
Minimum OS: 7.5.2
Maximum OS: 9.1
Introduced: May 1995
Terminated: Early 1997
Processor
CPU: PowerPC 604
CPU Speed: 120/132/150/180 MHz
FPU: integrated
Bus Speed: 40/45/50/45 MHz
Register Width: 32-bit
Data Bus Width: 64-bit
Address Bus Width: 43-bit
Level 1 Cache: 16 kB data, 16 kB instruction
Level 2 Cache: 256 kB DIMM
ROM: 4 MB
RAM Type: 168 pin DIMM
Minimum RAM Speed: 70 ns
Onboard RAM: 0 MB
RAM slots: 8
Maximum RAM: 1024 MB
Expansion Slots: 3 PCI
Video
VRAM: 2 MB (4 MB via 2 DIMM sockets)
Max Resolution: all resolutions supported
Video Out: DB-15, S-video
Video In: S-video
Storage
Hard Drive: 1.0-2.0 GB
Floppy Drive: 1.4 MB SuperDrive
Optical Drive: 4x CD-ROM
Input/Output
ADB: 1
Serial: 2 Mini DIN-8
SCSI: DB-25
Audio Out: stereo 16 bit mini, RCA
Audio In: stereo 16 bit mini, RCA
Speaker: mono
Networking
Ethernet: AAUI-15, 10Base-T
Miscellaneous
Power: 225 Watts
Dimensions: 14.9" H x 7.7" W x 15.75" D
Weight: 25 lbs.
Notes
The Minimum System Software for the 132, 150 and 180 MHz models was 7.5.3. The 180 MHz model had an 8x CD-ROM, and used a PowerPC 604e processor, which had 32 kB data and instruction caches.
Introduced in August 1995, The 8500 brought 604 power and the PCI architecture to the mid-range, also boasting impressive AV features. The 8500 included a 120 MHz 604 processor and 24-bit composite and S-video input and output. The processor of the 8500 shipped on a removable daughtercard. The 8500 came in a mini-tower case, sold for $4000, and was "speed bumped" to 132 and 150 MHz in April 1996. It was speed bumped again to a 180 MHz 604e processor in August, and was replaced in early 1997 by the 8600.
Picture Credits:
John Greenleigh/Flipside Studios