Storage · The Beige Era · 1986
Apple Hard Disk 20SC
The 20SC moved Mac external storage onto SCSI, the fast and fussy bus that would define Mac peripherals for years.
First SCSI hard disk for the Macintosh Plus generation.
AppleCD SC (1988)
Apple Hard Disk 20SC: key facts
When was the Apple Hard Disk 20SC released?
The Apple Hard Disk 20SC arrived in 1986. Apple discontinued it in 1989.
How much did the Apple Hard Disk 20SC cost?
The Apple Hard Disk 20SC launched at $1,299 in 1986, about $3,793 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: 20 MB storage, SCSI.
Why does the Apple Hard Disk 20SC matter?
First SCSI hard disk for the Macintosh Plus generation.
Full specifications
| CPU | — |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | 20 MB |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | SCSI |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | External SCSI hard disk |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | 1986 |
| Discontinued | 1989 |
| Launch price | $1,299 |
How the Apple Hard Disk 20SC compares to today
All of this storage holds about 5 modern phone photos.
Launched at $1,299 in 1986, about $3,793 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Related Storage models
Open the Apple Hard Disk 20SC in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11