The Hardware Research 750/300 is a powerful rack-mounted PowerPC G3 Mac clone, released in mid-1998. Built on the Tsunami architecture, it features a robust 300 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor card, 80 MB of RAM, and a 6.0 GB SCSI hard drive. Designed for enterprise and lab environments, this machine emphasized upgradeability and modular hardware.
Despite its industrial rackmount appearance, the system supported classic Mac OS and could be configured for high-end tasks, including graphic output via the 8 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D video card. With six PCI slots, it allowed further expandability for storage, networking, or additional video needs.
Hardware Research 750/300 – Technical Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Hardware Research 750/300 |
| Architecture | Tsunami |
| Form Factor | 19″ Rackmount |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 750 (G3) |
| Processor Speed | 300 MHz |
| System Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| Backside Bus Speed | 300 MHz |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 1 MB (backside) |
| FPU | Integrated (PowerPC 750) |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 80 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (no onboard RAM) |
| Hard Drive | 6.0 GB SCSI |
| CD-ROM | 12X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB (manual eject) |
| Video Card | ATI XCLAIM 3D with 8 MB VRAM |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays | 1 × 5.25″ external |
| Ethernet | AAUI, 10Base-T |
| Modem | Not included |
| Battery | 3.6V Lithium |
| Built-in Display | None |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 10 x 17.25 x 17.75 inches |
| Average Weight | 52 lbs |
| Original Price | $6,300 USD |
| Mac OS Compatibility | 7.5.5 to 9.0 (Apple officially supported up to 8.1) |
Rackmount Power for the Mac Enthusiast
While Apple’s official hardware in 1998 leaned toward consumer and education markets, Hardware Research produced serious tools for power users. The 750/300 served professionals who demanded G3 speed in a scalable rackmount form. Its design made it ideal for digital media labs, server rooms, and developers needing Classic Mac OS compatibility with flexible PCI support.
