The Hardware Research 604e/250 DP was a powerhouse rackmount Mac clone built for professional users needing serious computational muscle. Released in early 1998, this high-end system ran on dual 250 MHz PowerPC 604e processors, offering true multiprocessing capability for graphics, science, and server tasks.
Designed on Apple’s Tsunami architecture, the same logic board platform found in the Power Macintosh 9500, this model came equipped with either 64 MB or 80 MB of RAM, a 4.0 GB SCSI hard drive, and a 4 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D video card. It was housed in a robust 19-inch rackmount chassis ideal for studio racks, technical labs, and media centers.
Priced at $5,700 USD, the 604e/250 DP supported Mac OS versions 7.5.5 through 9.0, with official Apple support ending at 8.1. With its 6 PCI slots and upgrade-ready configuration, this machine remains a rare example of true workstation-level Mac OS hardware from a third-party vendor.
Hardware Research 604e/250 DP – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | December 31, 1998 |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 604e (Dual) |
| Processor Speed | 250 MHz (each) |
| FPU (Integrated) | PowerPC 604e |
| System Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| Lookaside Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 64 MB or 80 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaving supported for improved performance) |
| Standard VRAM | 4 MB (ATI XCLAIM 3D) |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| VRAM Type | Video card |
| Hard Drive | 4.0 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 up 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 | $5,700 USD |
| Estimated Current Value | N/A – Rare collector’s hardware |
| Architecture | Tsunami (same as Apple Power Macintosh 9500) |
Why the Hardware Research 604e/250 DP Was a Professional’s Dream
The Hardware Research 604e/250 DP delivered serious performance for its time. With dual processors, a wide RAM ceiling, and full PCI expandability, it was ready to handle memory-heavy, compute-intensive, or multitasking workloads in professional settings. And with its rackmount design, it fit perfectly into AV suites, broadcast equipment stacks, and enterprise-level Mac OS environments.
Even decades later, it stands out as a pinnacle of the Mac clone era—when hardware flexibility and performance were truly in the hands of the user.
