LC / Performa · The Beige Era · 1995
Macintosh Performa 5200
The Performa 5200 was exactly the kind of confusing, compromised consumer Mac that made Apple’s mid-1990s lineup feel lost: all-in-one convenience, PowerPC branding, and plenty of bottlenecks.
One of the most infamous mid-1990s Performas, mixing PowerPC marketing with compromised architecture.
Macintosh Performa 5200: key facts
When was the Macintosh Performa 5200 released?
The Macintosh Performa 5200 arrived in April 1995. Apple discontinued it in 1996.
How much did the Macintosh Performa 5200 cost?
The Macintosh Performa 5200 launched at $1,900 in 1995 — about $3,958 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC 603 at 75 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 800 MB storage, 15" built-in CRT, 640×480 display.
Why does the Macintosh Performa 5200 matter?
One of the most infamous mid-1990s Performas, mixing PowerPC marketing with compromised architecture.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC 603 · 75 MHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 1 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 MB (up to 64 MB) |
| Storage | 800 MB |
| Display | 15" built-in CRT, 640×480 |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | SCSI, ADB, serial |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | All-in-one desktop |
| Operating system | System 7.5.1 |
| Released | April 1995 |
| Discontinued | 1996 |
| Launch price | $1,900 |
How the Macintosh Performa 5200 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 2,050× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 75 MHz, the clock is roughly 43× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro — and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
All of this storage holds about 200 modern phone photos.
Launched at $1,900 in 1995 — about $3,958 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Did you know?
It is a natural Sour Apple candidate because its reputation is almost as famous as its spec sheet.
Related LC / Performa models
Open the Macintosh Performa 5200 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-06-29