The Hardware Research 750/275 was among the most powerful Mac clones ever released, combining 275 MHz PowerPC G3 performance with a rackmountable design aimed at professional studios, network environments, and scientific applications. Introduced in 1998, it represented the high end of what was possible during Apple’s Mac clone licensing window.
Equipped with a 1 MB backside cache, this machine was engineered for speed. It featured 128 or 144 MB of RAM, a 6.0 GB SCSI drive, and a dedicated 8 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D video card. With its Tsunami architecture, the same board foundation as Apple’s Power Macintosh 9500, the Hardware Research 750/275 supported dual-processor upgrades, making it an ideal solution for multithreaded workflows and graphics-heavy tasks.
Although the Mac clone program ended the same year this model was released, the 750/275 lives on as a benchmark of rackmount G3 computing. Its price point of $6,850 USD reflected its premium feature set, professional build quality, and future-ready architecture.
Hardware Research 750/275 – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | December 31, 1998 |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 750 (G3) |
| Processor Speed | 275 MHz |
| FPU (Integrated) | PowerPC 750 (G3) |
| System Bus Speed | 45.83 MHz |
| Backside Bus Speed | 275 MHz |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 1 MB (backside) |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 128 MB or 144 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaved supported for improved performance) |
| Standard VRAM | 8 MB (ATI XCLAIM 3D) |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| VRAM Type | Dedicated video card |
| Hard Drive | 6.0 GB SCSI |
| Standard CD-ROM | 12X or 24X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB (manual eject) |
| Modem | Not included |
| Ethernet | AAUI, 10Base-T |
| Case Type | Rack-Mountable |
| Form Factor | 19″ Rackmount |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays (Free) | 1 external 5.25″ bay |
| Battery Type | 3.6V Lithium |
| Built-in Display | None |
| Supported Mac OS | System 7.5.5 to 9.0 (officially supported to 8.1) |
| Dimensions | 10 x 17.25 x 17.75 inches (H x W x D) |
| Average Weight | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Original Price | $6,850 USD |
| Estimated Current Value | N/A – Collector-grade item |
| Architecture | Tsunami (used in Power Macintosh 9500) |
Why the Hardware Research 750/275 Stands Out
The Hardware Research 750/275 was a performance monster for its time. With a full 1 MB of backside cache, rackmount housing, and dual CPU expansion capability, it provided unmatched power and configurability in the Mac clone market.
As one of the last officially licensed G3 clones, it encapsulates what third-party Mac hardware could be: faster, more customizable, and more versatile than many Apple counterparts. Its rarity today makes it a must-know machine for Mac historians and collectors.
