The Hardware Research 604e/250 was a powerful yet streamlined rackmount Mac clone released in early 1998. It featured a single 250 MHz PowerPC 604e processor, with support for upgradeability to dual-CPU configurations. Aimed at creative and scientific professionals, this system balanced performance, expandability, and value inside a compact 19-inch rackmount chassis.
Bundled with 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, a 3.1 GB SCSI hard drive, and a 4 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D video card, the 604e/250 was engineered for demanding multimedia and compute tasks. Though it was discontinued within six months, it left a strong impression among users needing Mac OS 8–9 compatibility and solid PCI expansion options.
Hardware Research 604e/250 – Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Hardware Research 604e/250 |
| Architecture | Tsunami |
| Form Factor | 19″ Rackmount |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 604e |
| Processor Speed | 250 MHz |
| System Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| Lookaside Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| FPU | Integrated (PowerPC 604e) |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 64 MB or 128 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaving supported) |
| Hard Drive | 3.1 GB SCSI |
| CD-ROM | 24X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB (manual eject) |
| Video Card | ATI XCLAIM 3D with 4 MB VRAM |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays | 1 free external 5.25″ bay |
| 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 | $4,550 or $5,000 USD |
| Mac OS Compatibility | 7.5.5, 7.6.1, 8.0 to 9.0 (officially up to 8.1) |
Upgrade and Performance Overview
This rackmount Mac clone delivered a smooth experience for graphics, media editing, and lab-based applications. While shipped with a single CPU, the Hardware Research 604e/250 could be upgraded to a dual-processor board using a daughtercard. Eight DIMM slots and six PCI slots made it highly customizable.
Thanks to its Tsunami logic board, it retained compatibility with several Mac OS versions and industry-standard SCSI and PCI hardware. Memory interleaving further boosted system responsiveness, and the robust case design ensured longevity in studio or server environments.
