Last updated on December 6, 2024
Over the years I have been lucky enough to pick up some 68k systems that that had accelerators installed: two MacPlus machines with 68030 accelerators (unlabeled), a SE FDHD with a Mobius 030 SE accelerator, and a collection of NewLife Accelerators. As I dug around the internet looking for information I have found a lot of of advertisements, reviews, and some manuals and drivers for various accelerators, I also found some contact names that I used to track down old employees through LinkedIn (with some success), so I decided to create this post to track what companies I’ve found information about.
The first mention I found of an accelerator was an advertisement in MacWorld January 1986 for the Human Touch Computer Products Corp’s Three to One Touch Board that adds a new 68000 CPU running at 12MHz and up to 3.5MB of RAM., the next was an advertisement in MacWorld March 1986 for General Computer Company’s (GCC) HyperDrive 2000, that adds 1.5MB of RAM, a 20MB hard drive, a new 68000 CPU running at 12MHz, and a 68881 FPU, after that additional accelerators for 68k systems appeared in MacWorld August 1986 with reviews of products by Novy, Quesse and LevCO, if you are aware of any earlier products please let me know.
I created the following lists to summarize and link to the information I’ve found about different accelerators. I am in the process of adding images (when I can find them) to help myself, and others, identify unbranded accelerators (like the 2 I have for my MacPlus). I decided to group the information by the CPU on the accelerator, with subgroups for the supported systems. You may notice several accelerators with different names that look identical, this is often because the design layout was either determined by how the accelerator could “fit” in the system (the NewLife accelerator for the Classic is a good example), or the accelerator was sold under different names as a result of licensing agreements (e.g. from Novy and Quesse to Total System Integrations) or due to the sale of one company to another (e.g. MicroMac’s purchase of the rights to several DiiMO, Dove, Harris, and Mobius accelerators in the 90s).
68000 / 68HC000 Accelerators
These were early accelerators that used 68HC000 CPUs that required less power and could run at higher clock speeds than the original 68000 CPUs. For the 128k, 512k, 512ke and Plus they either clipped on top of (e.g. a Killy Clip) or replaced the existing 68000 CPU.
Aox DoubleTime-16 (SE, 16MHz, 4k cache)
by Aox Inc / Aox Software (www.aox.com from 2000.10, about us, products pages)
The Doubletime-16 contains a Motorola 68000 clocked at 16 MHz, double that of the Macintosh SE’s native 68000, paired with a 68881 FPU. Doubletime-16’s processor can be switched on and off in software. (need a copy of the software)
Reviews: IW 1988.01 pg 27, MW 1988.09, BYTE 1988.12, MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1990.02, WK 1988.11 (photo)
Brainstorm Mac Accelerator (Plus, SE, 16MHz)
by Brainstorm Products, Mountain View, CA (MU 1993.04 page 130)
Description: Two chips: 16MHz 68000 and a ASIC chip to replace the Apple timing chip.
Driver, Reviews: MU 1993.04, Low End Mac, Byte 1993-02, MW 1995.03,
Books: MacWeek upgrade/repair your Mac p.211, Upgrade/Fix MACs for dummies p.72,
News: 1991 Press Release (from usenet), Photos: Chips, Manuals
GCC Hyperdrive 2000 (128k, 512k, 512KE, Plus)
By General Computer Company, (gcctech.com)
No MMU, Optional 68881 FPU, adds internal 20MB hard drive
Manual for the Hyperdrive hard drive
News: MW 1986.03, MW 1986.09, Reviews: MW 1986.08, BYTE 1986.11
Ads: MW 1986.08, MW 1987.04
Harris Performer (Classic, 16MHz, FPU, 64k cache)
by Harris Laboratories (later Harris International), Inc Burnsville, MN (Byte 1992.02)
News: CW 1991.10.14
Review: MW 1992.09, Build your own Macintosh and save a bundle (photo)
Ad: MW 1991-11 (photo), MU 1992.01 (photo, photo), MU 1992.07 (photo),
Harris Performer 2 (SE, 16MHz, FPU)
by Harris Laboratories (later Harris International), Inc Burnsville, MN (Byte 1992.02)
PDS slot, Extended Video
Review: Byte 1993-02
Ad: MW 1993.10 (photo)
HTCP Corp. Three to One Touch Board (128k, 512k, 12.5 MHz, 1.5MB)
by Human Touch Computer Products Corp, Cherry Hill, N.J.
An additional 384K of ROM space?
Review: The Macintosh Buyers Guide (Spring 1986) p131
Ad: MW 1986.01, MU 1986.08, MW 1986.09, The Macintosh Buyers Guide (Spring 1986) p20,
Irwin Excelerator XL (SE, 16MHz, 32k cache)
by Irwin Products Group, Ann Arbor MI (acquired by Cipher Data Products in 1989, Cipher was acquired by Archive Corporation in 1990)
Review: MW 1990.02
Levco MonsterMac (128K, 512K, 10MHz)
by Levco, San Diego CA
Includes Fan, 256K PROM, SCSI, requires modification to case/board.
Review: MW 1985.09, MW 1986.02, Ad: 1986.07 (photo)
News: MW 1987.11
MacMemory TurboMax (128K, 512K, 10MHz, 4MB)
by MacMemory, San Jose CA
No MMU, SCSI port. Includes fan and power supply.
Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines
Difficult installation, requires remounting internal disk drive as well as soldering wires
Review: Byte 1987.12 (photo), MW 1987.02, CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MU 1988.03 (photo)
Ad: MU 1987.08
MacMemory Turbo SE (SE, 16MHz, 4MB, FPU)
by MacMemory, San Jose CA
No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines
Reviews: CW 1987.12, MU 1988.03
Ad: MU 1987.11 (photo)
NewLife 1 / UltraMax (128K, 512K, 512ke, 68HC, 4MB)
by NewLife Computer Corporation, Ottawa ON
68HC000 CPU, Clip on, SCSI Port
Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews
NewLife 2 (128K, 512K, 512ke, 68HC, 4MB)
by NewLife Computer Corporation, Ottawa, ON
68HC000 CPU, Clip on, SCSI Port, and Video
Name | Systems | Mhrz | FPU | Mem | Comments (CW = ComputerWorld, IW = InfoWorld, MW = MacWorld, MU = MacUser) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mobius SpeedScreen | SE | ||||
Ryad Mac Engine GT | 128K, 512K, 512KE, Plus | 16 | No | 4MB | No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, and SCSI port Reviews: MW 1987.01, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
Siclone Intensifier ci | ci | 50 | Opt | Company purchased by Applied Engineering in 1991 (MW 1991.08) brochure | |
Siclone Turbo SE | SE | 16 | Reviews: MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.03 Ads: MW 1988.10, | ||
Siclone MacAdapt | 512KE, Plus | 16 | Adapter for the TurboSE Ads: MU 1988.09, MW 1988.10 | ||
SuperMac Technology SpeedCard | SE | 15.67 | Opt | 1MB | Review: MW 1988.09, MU 1989.02 (photo), video. News: IW 1988.02, MU 1988.08, MU 1988.12, MU 1989.02, |
68020 Accelerators
Name | Supports | MHz | FPU | Memory | Comments (CW = ComputerWorld, IW = InfoWorld, MW = MacWorld, MU = MacUser) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Systems Associates (CSA) FasTrack | Plus, SE | 8 | Review: MW 1990.02 | ||
DayStar Digital Max20MX | 512e, Plus, SE | 16, 25 | Licensed from Novy, see: Novy Max20MX Review: MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989-03 (photo) Ad: MU 1988-10, 12 | ||
Dove FastNet LAN 020 | SE | 16 | MW 1990.02 | ||
Dove Mac Snap 020 | Plus, 512E | 16 | Opt | Review: CW 1987.12 List: MW 1987.11 | |
Dove Mac Snap 020 SE | SE | 16 | Opt | Review: CW 1987.12 List: MW 1987.11 | |
Dove Mach II/SE | SE | Ad: MW 1988.10 (photo) | |||
Dove Marathon 020 | SE | 16 | Review: BYTE 1988.12, MU 1989.02, MW 1989-03 | ||
General Computer Company (GCC) HyperCharger 020 | SE | 12, 16 | Opt | 4MB | Driver No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines Review: MW 1987.09, CW 1987.12, MU 1988.03, MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.03 Ad: MU 1987.08, MU 1987.11 (photo) |
Irwin Magnetics Excelerator XL20/XL25 | SE | 20, 25 | Inc | Review: MW 1989-03 Ad: MU 1989.02 (photo) | |
Levco Prodigy 4 | 128k, 512k, 512KE, Plus | 16 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Optional 68881 FPU, SCSI port can be used internally to attach to Levco’s OverDriver internal hard disk or to an external SCSI hard disk through a 25-pin connector that mounts in the Mac’s battery compartment, connector for MegaScreen Plus from Micrographics Images, RAM disk. Includes fan and power supply. Review: MW 1986.08, MW 1986.09, MW 1987.11, CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08, MU 1989.02 Ad: MW 1986.08 (photo), 1987.10 MU (photo) News: MW 1987.11 |
Levco Prodigy Prime | Plus | 16 | 68881 | 1MB to 32MB | 68851 MMU, Clip-on Review: MU 1987.09, Ad: MU 1987.10, Lists: MW 1987.11, CW 1987.12. |
Levco Prodigy SE | SE | 16 | Opt | 4MB, 32MB | Optional MMU, Connector for MegaScreen II from Micrographics Images According to the review the accelerator may support up to 32MB if the 68851 Paged Memory Management Unit (PMMU) is installed. Review: MW 1987.09, MU 1987.09, MU 1987.11 (photo), MU 1988-03 (photo), MU 1989-02 (photo), 1989-03 benchmark Ad: MU 1987.10, MU 1987.11 (photo) List: MW 1987.11, CW 1987-12, |
MacPeak Systems Orion 25 | SE | 25 | Opt | 8MB | Optional MMU, Galaxy Adapter option, Reviews: CW 1987.12, MW 1989.03 benchmark |
MacPeak Systems Orion SE | SE | 16 | Opt | 8MB, 32MB | Optional MMU, Galaxy Adapter option According to the review the accelerator may support up to 32MB if the 68851 Paged Memory Management Unit (PMMU) is installed. Manual Reviews: MU 1987.08 (photo), MW 1987.09, MW 1987.11, CW 1987.12, : MU 1988.03 (photo), MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989-03 benchmark Ad: MW 1988.10 (photo) |
MacProducts USA Magic 020 | Plus | 12.5 | Inc | none | No MMU, Cpu can be upgraded to a 68030 Reviews: MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
Network Specialties Jump 020 | 512KE, Plus | 12 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, StretchScreen and StretchProjector, Can also run at 16 and 24 MHz Review: CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 Ad: MW 1987.10 (photo) |
NewBridge UltraMax NM MX-25 | 512KE, Plus, SE | 25 | Rebranded to Newlife 25 and Newlife 25SE Ad: MW 1990.02 | ||
NewBridge UltraMax NM MXC-33 | 512KE, Plus, SE | 33 | Rebranded to Newlife 33SE Ad: MW 1990.02 | ||
Novy Systems Mac20 | 8 | Reviews: MW 1987.01, MU 1988.03 (photo), MW 1990.02 Ad: MU 1987.08 | |||
Novy Systems Mac20Mx | 512KE, Plus, SE | 12, 16, 20, 24 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, SCSI port is optional Review: MW 1988.02, MU 1988.03 (photo), BYTE 1988.12 Ads: MU 1987.08, MW 1990.02 |
Radius Accelerator | 512KE, Plus, SE | 16 | Opt | 32K cache | Radius.com: Q&A and drivers No MMU, Full Page Display (SE only) Reviews: MW 1987.09, Byte 1987.12 (photo), CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MU 1988.03 (photo), MW 1988.08, BYTE 1988.12, MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.03 (benchmark, photo), MW 1990.02, MW 1990.08 Other: Drivers |
Radius Accelerator 25 | SE | 25 | Radius.com: Q&A and drivers, brochure Review: MW 1988.10, BYTE 1988.12 | ||
Ryad MacEngine Turbo | 128K, 512K, 512KE, Plus | 16 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, and SCSI port Reviews: MW 1987.01, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
Spectra Micro Development MacAccelerator | 512KE, Plus, SE | 12 | Inc | None | No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines Reviews: MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
Spectra Micro Development ProBoard | 16 | Review: MW 1990.02 | |||
SuperMac Technology Prodigy SE | SE | 16 | Inc | 8MB | No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines, uses ZIPs for memory |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) 020 | 512KE, Plus, SE | 12, 16, 20, 24 | Opt | 4MB | Drivers See also: Novy Max20MX No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, and SCSI port Ad: MU 1987.12 Reviews: IW 1987.09, CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 (photo), Byte 1987.12 (photo), MW 1990.02, MW 1990.08 News: MW 1987.12 |
68030 Accelerators
Name | Supports | MHz | FPU | Memory | Comments (CW = ComputerWorld, IW = InfoWorld, MW = MacWorld, MU = MacUser) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple Classic II Upgrade | Classic | 16 | No | New logic board and case | |
Apple LC II Upgrade | LC | 16 | no | New logic board | |
Apple IIci Upgrade | IIcx | 25 | Inc | – | New logic board |
Apple IIfx Upgrade | II | 40 | Inc | – | New logic board |
Applied Engineering TransWarp | SE | 25, 40 | Opt | 16MB | Driver Clip on, Optional Extended Video Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), MW 1991.12 (photo) Photos: Revision I, Revision II |
Applied Engineering TransWarp Cache-In 50 | IIci | 50 | Inc | 64K cache | Review: Byte 1993.02 Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo),(advertisement) |
Applied Engineering TransWarp LC | LC, LC II | 50 | Opt | – | PDS slot |
Computer Systems Associates (CSA) Over 030 | II | 25 | Review: MW 1989-03, MW 1990.02 | ||
DayStar Digital Universal PowerCache | SE/30, LC, LC II, II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci | 33, 40, 50 | Opt | 32K | Daystar.com, Driver, manual PDS slot Adapter required for SE/30, II, IIx, IIcx*, IIsi, Performa 400, 405, 410, 430, 450, LC, LC II, LC III, LC 520 and Color Classic None needed for IIci, IIvx, IIvi and Performa 600 Review: Byte 1993.02 Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo) |
DayStar Digital PowerCard | 25, 33, 40, 50 | News Release, Daystartechnology.com | |||
DayStar Digital Accelerator II | II | 33 | Review: MW 1989.03 Ad: MU 1989.02, | ||
DiiMO Technologies | 50 | Driver, was Teknovation Inc, took over Logica Reasearch Inc | |||
Dove Marathon Racer 030 Plus | Plus, SE, Classic | 16 | Opt | – | Driver Clip on, Optional Extended Video Reviews: MW 1990.08, MW 1991.07, Byte 1993-02, MU 1993.04 |
Dove Marathon 030 Enhancement | II | 32 | No | – | Rebranded the MicroMac Marathon when Dove stopped making accelerators. CPU Socket Review MW 1989-03 (photo) Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo) |
Extreme Systems Vandal | SE | 33, 50 | Yes | Driver, manual Clip on, Extended Video Review: Byte 1993.02 | |
Extreme Systems Impact | LC, LC II | 33 | Opt | Driver PDS slot Review: Byte 1993-02, Ad: MU 1993.04, MW 1992.11 | |
Formac Pro33 LC | LC, LC II | 33 | Opt | Website, drivers (photos) Review: Icônes 1993.12 (french, photo), MacWelt 1993.10 (german) Ad: Icônes 1993.12, MacWelt 1993.10 (photo) Discussion: 68kmla (photo) | |
Formac Pro50 LCIII | LC III | 50 | Inc | 32K cache | Website, drivers Review: Icônes 1993.12 (french) Ad: Icônes 1993.12, MacWelt 1993.10 (photo) |
Harris Performer3 | |||||
Harris PerformerPro | SE, Classic | 25 | Opt | News: MW 1993.11 | |
Harris PerformerPro LC | LC, LC II | 32 | Opt | News: MW 1994.02 | |
Logica LogiCache | IIsi, IIci | 50 | Opt | Ad: MW 1991-11 (photo) Cache-card slot (April 1993) | |
MacPeak The Orion II | II | 25 | Opt | Ad: MW 1988.10 (photo) | |
MacProducts USA Railgun 030 Plus/SE | 128k, 512K/KE, Plus, SE | 16, 25, 33 | Opt | Licensed from Novy, see: Novy Systems Quik30 Clip on, Reviews: MW 1990.02 (16,25), Byte 1993.02 MW 1990.08 (16, 25, 33), MW 1991.07, MW 1992.06, MU 1993.04 | |
MacProducts USA Railgun Pro 030 | Plus, SE, Classic | 15, 25, 33 | Opt | 16MB | Review: Byte 1993.02 |
MacProducts USA Railgun Pro II | SE 30, LC LC II, Color Classic, SI, SI | 50 | Inc | 64MB | Licenced from Novy, see: Novy Systems ImagePro II / Image Pro LC Ads: MW 1993.12, MU 1994.01, MW 1994.12 (picture). |
MicroMac DiiMO 030 | II, IIci, IIvx, IIvi, IIsi, IIcx, IIx, LCIII, Performa 600, SE/30 | 50 | Opt | 64kb | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac Marathon | II | 32 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers, manual v1.0 | |
MicroMac MultiSpeed | Plus, SE | 25 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers Clip on, Optional Extended Video Reviews: MU 1993.04 | |
MicroMac Performer | Plus, SE, Classic | 16 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers | |
MicroMac PerformerPro | Plus, SE, Classic | 32 | Opt | 64kb | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac Power WorkStation | LC, LCII | 32 | Opt | 32kb | micromac.com, drivers, adds ThurderCache and Network card. |
MicroMac Thunder | LC, LCII | 32 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers | |
MicroMac ThunderCache | LC, LCII | 32 | Opt | 32kb | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac ThunderCachePro | LC, LCII or Color Classic | 32, 50 | Opt | 26MB | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac ThunderPro | LC, LCII or Color Classic | 32 | Opt | 26MB | micromac.com, drivers |
Mobius 030 | SE, Classic | 25 | Opt | 16MB | Driver Clip on, Extended Video Reviews: MW 1991.07, Byte 1993.02, MW 1993.06 News: CW 1991.04, CW 1991.08 Ads: MW 1991.11 (photo), MU 1992.05 (photo), MU 1992.10 (photo), MU 1993.06 (photo) MW 1993.07 (photo) |
NewLife 16 | 128k, 512K, 512Ke, Plus | 16 | Opt | 16MB | Clip on, optional SCSI and Video, seems to be a cost reduced version of the NewLife 25 Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 16SE | SE | 16 | Opt | 16MB | PDS, optional Video, seems to be a cost reduced version of the NewLife 25SE Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 25 | 128k, 512K, 512Ke, Plus | 25 | Opt | 4MB | Clip on, Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLive 25CL | Classic | 16, 20, 25 | Opt | 16MB | Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 25SE | SE | 25 | Opt | 4MB, 16MB | PDS Slot, Optional Extended Video Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 33SE | SE | 33 | Opt | 16MB | Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
Novy Systems ImagePro | Plus, SE | 16, 25, 33, 40, 50 | Yes | 16MB | Clip on, Extended Video The same as the Quick30 with the addition of support for an external video display. Reviews: MU 1993.04, MW 1993.12 Book: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992, |
Novy Systems ImagePro II / Image Pro LC | SE 30, LC LC II, Color Classic, SI, SI | 50 | Inc | 64MB | PDS slot. I have a prototype of this board for the LC, LC II, CC, that I bought from a Novy Technology Inc employee in 2022. This board may have been sold by MacProducts after Novy Systems went bankrupt. Ads as Image Pro II: MW 1993.12, MU 1994.01, MW 1994.12, (picture), as Image Pro LC: Macwelt 1993 |
Novy Systems Quik 30 | Plus, SE | 16, 25, 33 | 4MB, 16MB (SE only) | Driver, may also be able to use NewLife drivers Clip on (Plus), PDS slot (SE) Reviews: MW 1990.08, MW 1991.07, MW 1992.06, MW 1993.06, MW 1993.12, MW 1995.02 Books: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992 (photo), Build your own Macintosh and save a bundle 1992 (photo) Ad: MU 1990.05, | |
Radius Stage II Rocket | Radius.com: photos, Q&A, SCSI2Booster, | ||||
Siclone si30 | II, IIx | 33, 40, 50 | Inc | Company purchased by Applied Engineering in 1991 (MW 1991.08) brochure, MW 1988-01, IW 1988-11, MW 1988-01, | |
Siclone Intensifier ci | ci | 50 | Opt | Company purchased by Applied Engineering in 1991 (MW 1991.08) brochure | |
Sonnet Alegro II | II, IIx | 33 | Sonnettech.com, drivers MacAddict 006 | ||
Sonnet Alegro LC | LC, LC II, Color Classic | 33 | Inc | 16k cache | Sonnettech.com, drivers |
Sonnet Alegro SE | SE | 33 | Inc | 16MB | Sonnettech.com, drivers |
Sonnet Alegro SE/30 | SE/30 | 33 | Sonnettech.com, drivers | ||
Sonnet Speedster | driver v1.5 | ||||
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Enterprise 030 | LC, LC II | 16 | Inc | – | PDS slot Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini 030 | Plus | 16, 20, 25 | Drivers, may also be able to use NewLife drivers, or Novy Drivers Reviews: MW 1990.02, MW 1990.08 brochure | ||
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini II | Plus | Reviews MW 1991.07 Drivers brochure | |||
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini Classic | Classic | 20,25,33, 40 | Opt | 16MB | Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), Drivers brochure |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini | 50 | Drivers | |||
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini Ultra | 128k, 512K, Plus, SE | 20,25,33, 40 | Opt | 16MB | Reviews: MW 1992.06, Byte 1993-02 Books: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992 p.131, Build your own Macintosh and save a bundle 1992 p.98. Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), Drivers |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini Ultra Classic | Classic | 20, 33, 50 | Opt | Drivers Clip-on, optional extended graphics | |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Mercury 030 | SE | 16 | Opt | PDS slot, Optional Extended Video brochure Reviews: MW 1990.08, MW 1992.06 Books: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992 p.131 Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), | |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Voyager | II | 50 | Opt | – | CPU socket brochure Review: Byte 1993.02 |
68040 Accelerators
The last of the 68k accelerators for Macintosh systems, due to architecture differences with 68k chips there are no accelerators for the Macintosh that use the 68060 CPU (there is no 68050 CPU).
Name | Supports | CPU | MHz | FPU | Memory | Comments (CW = ComputerWorld, IW = InfoWorld, MW = MacWorld, MU = MacUser) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple Quadra 700 | IIcx, IIci | 68040 | 25 | No | – | New logic board/ports |
Applied Engineering TransWarp 030 | II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci, IIfx | 68040 | 33 | Inc | – | Driver NuBus slot |
Applied Engineering TransWarp 040 | II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci, IIfx | 68040 | 25, 33 | Inc | – | NuBus slot Ad: MW 1992-06 (photo) |
DayStar Digital Turbo 40 | II, IIx, IIcx*, IIsi, IIci, IIvi, IIvx, SE/30, Performa 600 | 68040 | 33,40 | Daystar.com, manual | ||
Formac ProQuadra (PL145-41) | Centris 610, 660av, 650, Quadra 800, 900, 950 | 68040 | 40/50 | Inc | 8K cache | Website, drivers Ad: Icônes 1993.12, MacWelt 1993.10 (photo) Discussion: 68kmla (photos) |
Formac 475 (PL150-21) | LC 475 | 68040 | Discussion: 68kmla (photos), tinkerdifferent (photos), google groups (german) | |||
Fusion Data TokaMac SX | 68040 | 25 | Yes | PDS slot | ||
Fusion Data TokaMac LC | LC | 68040 | 25 | Yes | PDS slot Review: Byte 1993.02 | |
Impulse Technology, Inc Performance/040 | II, IIx, IIcx, IIci, IIfx, IIsi | 68040 | 25, 33 | 128MB | Review: Byte 1993-02 | |
MicroMac Carrera 040 | IIci, IIsi, IIcx or IIx | 68040 | 33, 40,45 | 128kb | micromac.com: 33,40, and 45, manual v1.1 | |
MicroMac DiiMO 030 | II, IIci, IIvx, IIvi, IIsi, IIcx, IIx, LCIII, Performa 600, SE/30 | 68030 | 50 | Opt | 64kb | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac Speedster | LC, LCII | 68040 | 25 | Inc | micromac.com, drivers | |
MicroMac SpeedDoubler | Quadra 700, 900 | 68040 | 50 | Inc | 128K | micromac.com, drivers |
Mobius 040 Speedster | IIx, IIci, IIsi, IIcx, LC | 68040 | 25, 33, 40 | 128kb | Driver Reviews: MW 1995.02 Ads: MU 1994.01 (photo), MW 1995.01 (photo), MW 1995.03 (photo) | |
Radius Rocket | II, IIcx, IIci | 68040 | 25 | Yes | – | Radius.com: photos, Q&A, manual, SCSI2Booster, brochure NuBus slot |
Radius Rocket | II, IIcx, IIci | 68040 | 33 | Yes | Radius.com: photos, Q&A, manual, SCSI2Booster, brochure NuBus slot | |
Sonnet Presto 040 | IIvi, IIcx, IIsi | 68040 | 80/40 | Inc | 128k cache | Sonnettech.com, software v3.1 Adapter required for Mac IIcx and IIsi. |
TechWorks LC | LC | 68040 | 25 | Inc | – | PDS slot |
TechWorks NuBus 040 | II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci | 68040 | 33 | Yes | – | NuBus slot |
Memory upgrades
Mainly for the 128k, 512k, 512ke and early Plus systems
Name | Supports | CPU | MHz | FPU | Memory | Comments (CW = ComputerWorld, IW = InfoWorld, MW = MacWorld, MU = MacUser) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple Classic II Upgrade | Classic | 68030 | 16 | No | New logic board and case | |
Apple LC II Upgrade | LC | 68030 | 16 | no | New logic board | |
Apple IIci Upgrade | IIcx | 68030 | 25 | Inc | – | New logic board |
Apple IIfx Upgrade | II | 68030 | 40 | Inc | – | New logic board |
Apple Quadra 700 | IIcx, IIci | 68040 | 25 | No | – | New logic board/ports |
Applied Engineering TransWarp | SE | 68030 | 25, 40 | Opt | 16MB | Driver Clip on, Optional Extended Video Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), MW 1991.12 (photo) Photos: Revision I, Revision II |
Applied Engineering TransWarp | Classic | |||||
Applied Engineering TransWarp Cache-In | IIci | N/A | N/A | N/A | 64K cache | Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), |
Applied Engineering TransWarp Cache-In 50 | IIci | 68030 | 50 | Inc | 64K cache | Review: Byte 1993.02 Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo),(advertisement) |
Applied Engineering TransWarp LC | LC, LC II | 68030 | 50 | Opt | – | PDS slot |
Applied Engineering TransWarp 030 | II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci, IIfx | 68040 | 33 | Inc | – | Driver NuBus slot |
Applied Engineering TransWarp 040 | II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci, IIfx | 68040 | 25, 33 | Inc | – | NuBus slot Ad: MW 1992-06 (photo) |
Applied Engineering QuickSilver | IIsi | N/A | N/A | Opt | cache | IIsi slot extender allows you to use cards created for the SE/30 in your IIsi Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), |
Aox DoubleTime-16 | SE | 68000 | 16 | 4k cache | Review: MW 1988.09, BYTE 1988.12, MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1990.02 | |
Beck-Tech MacMegabytes | 512k | 1MB | Hyperdrive Compatible, requires modification to case/board Review: MW 1986.02 Ad: MW 1985.10 (photo), MW 1986.02 (photo) List: MW 1987.11 | |||
Centa Systems, Inc | 128K, 512K | 2MB | Ad: MW 1985.12 | |||
Brainstorm Accelerator Plus | Plus, SE | 68000 | 16 | – | – | Driver Two chip motherboard modification, 16MHz 68000 and a ASIC chip to replace the Apple timing chip. Review: MU 1993.04, Low End Mac, Byte 1993-02 Books: MacWeek upgrading and repairing your Mac p.211, Upgrading and Fixing MACs for dummites p.72, News: 1991 Press Release, Photos: Chips, Manuals |
Computer Care MacRescue | 128k, 512k | Manual | ||||
Computer Systems Associates (CSA) FasTrack | Plus, SE | 68020 | 8 | Review: MW 1990.02 | ||
Computer Systems Associates (CSA) FX882-25 | II, IIx | – | 25 | Review: MW 1990.02 | ||
Computer Systems Associates (CSA) FX882-33 | II, IIx | – | 33 | Review: MW 1990.02 | ||
Computer Systems Associates (CSA) Over 030 | II | 68030 | 25 | Review: MW 1989-03, MW 1990.02 | ||
Dayna MacCharlie | Plus | 8088 | 8 | Review: MW 1986.02 | ||
DayStar Digital Max20MX | 512e, Plus, SE | 68020 | 16, 25 | Licensed from Novy, see: Novy Max20MX Review: MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989-03 (photo) Ad: MU 1988-10, 12 | ||
DayStar Digital FastCache IIci | IIci | Manual Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), | ||||
DayStar Digital Turbo 40 | II, IIx, IIcx*, IIsi, IIci, IIvi, IIvx, SE/30, Performa 600 | 68040 | 33,40 | Daystar.com, manual | ||
DayStar Digital Universal PowerCache | SE/30, LC, LC II, II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci | 68030 | 33, 40, 50 | Opt | 32K | Daystar.com, Driver, manual PDS slot Adapter required for SE/30, II, IIx, IIcx*, IIsi, Performa 400, 405, 410, 430, 450, LC, LC II, LC III, LC 520 and Color Classic None needed for IIci, IIvx, IIvi and Performa 600 Review: Byte 1993.02 Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo) |
DayStar Digital PowerCard | 68030 | 25, 33, 40, 50 | News Release, Daystartechnology.com | |||
DayStar Digital Accelerator II | II | 68030 | 33 | Review: MW 1989.03 Ad: MU 1989.02, | ||
DiiMO Technologies | 68030 | 50 | Driver, was Teknovation Inc, took over Logica Reasearch Inc | |||
Dove FastNet LAN 020 | SE | 68020 | 16 | MW 1990.02 | ||
Dove Mac Snap | Plus | 4MB | Ad: MW 1986.12 (photo) | |||
Dove Mac Snap 020 | Plus, 512E | 68020 | 16 | Opt | Review: CW 1987.12 List: MW 1987.11 | |
Dove Mac Snap 020 SE | SE | 68020 | 16 | Opt | Review: CW 1987.12 List: MW 1987.11 | |
Dove Mach II/SE | SE | 68020 | Ad: MW 1988.10 (photo) | |||
Dove Marathon Racer 030 Plus | Plus, SE, Classic | 68030 | 16 | Opt | – | Driver Clip on, Optional Extended Video Reviews: MW 1990.08, MW 1991.07, Byte 1993-02, MU 1993.04 |
Dove Marathon 020 | SE | 68020 | 16 | Review: BYTE 1988.12, MU 1989.02, MW 1989-03 | ||
Dove Marathon 030 Enhancement | II | 68030 | 32 | No | – | Rebranded the MicroMac Marathon when Dove stopped making accelerators. CPU Socket Review MW 1989-03 (photo) Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo) |
Extreme Systems Extender | Driver | |||||
Extreme Systems Vandal | SE | 68030 | 33, 50 | Yes | Driver, manual Clip on, Extended Video Review: Byte 1993.02 | |
Extreme Systems Impact | LC, LC II | 68030 | 33 | Opt | Driver PDS slot Review: Byte 1993-02, Ad: MU 1993.04, MW 1992.11 | |
TokaMac Acceler 88 | II | 88100 RISC | Brochure | |||
Formac Pro33 LC | LC, LC II | 68030 | 33 | Opt | Website, drivers (photos) Review: Icônes 1993.12 (french, photo), MacWelt 1993.10 (german) Ad: Icônes 1993.12, MacWelt 1993.10 (photo) Discussion: 68kmla (photo) | |
Formac Pro50 LCIII | LC III | 68030 | 50 | Inc | 32K cache | Website, drivers Review: Icônes 1993.12 (french) Ad: Icônes 1993.12, MacWelt 1993.10 (photo) |
Formac ProQuadra (PL145-41) | Centris 610, 660av, 650, Quadra 800, 900, 950 | 68040 | 40/50 | Inc | 8K cache | Website, drivers Ad: Icônes 1993.12, MacWelt 1993.10 (photo) Discussion: 68kmla (photos) |
Formac 475 (PL150-21) | LC 475 | 68040 | Discussion: 68kmla (photos), tinkerdifferent (photos), google groups (german) | |||
Fusion Data TokaMac SX | 68040 | 25 | Yes | PDS slot | ||
Fusion Data TokaMac LC | LC | 68040 | 25 | Yes | PDS slot Review: Byte 1993.02 | |
General Computer Company (GCC) Hyperdrive 2000 | 128k, 512k, 512KE, Plus | 68000 | 12 | Opt | 1.5MB | No MMU, Optional 68881 FPU, adds internal 20MB hard drive Manual for the Hyperdrive hard drive News: MW 1986.03, MW 1986.09, Review: MW 1986.08, BYTE 1986.11 Ad: MW 1986.08, MW 1987.04 |
General Computer Company (GCC) HyperCharger 020 | SE | 68020 | 12, 16 | Opt | 4MB | Driver No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines Review: MW 1987.09, CW 1987.12, MU 1988.03, MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.03 Ad: MU 1987.08, MU 1987.11 (photo) |
Harris Performer | Classic | 68000 | 16 | Opt | 64k cache | Other: MW 1992.09 News: CW 1991.10.14 Review: Build your own Macintosh and save a bundle (photo) Ad: MW 1991-11 (photo), MU 1992.01 (photo, photo), MU 1992.07 (photo), |
Harris Performer2 | SE | 68000 | 16 | Yes | PDS slot, Extended Video Review: Byte 1993-02 Ad: MW 1993.10 (photo) | |
Harris Performer3 | ||||||
Harris PerformerPro | SE, Classic | 68030 | 25 | Opt | News: MW 1993.11 | |
Harris PerformerPro LC | LC, LC II | 68030 | 32 | Opt | News: MW 1994.02 | |
Harris Performer040 | ||||||
Human Touch Computer Products Corp. Three to One Touch Board | 128K, 512K | 68000 | 12 | 1.5MB to 3.5MB | Ad: MW 1986.01, MW 1986.09 512KB programable ROM | |
Irwin Excelerator XL | SE | 68000 | 16 | 32k | Review: MW 1990.02 | |
Irwin Magnetics Excelerator XL20/XL25 | SE | 68020 | 20, 25 | Inc | Review: MW 1989-03 Ad: MU 1989.02 (photo) | |
Impulse Technology, Inc Performance/040 | II, IIx, IIcx, IIci, IIfx, IIsi | 68040 | 25, 33 | 128MB | Review: Byte 1993-02 | |
Levco One PLUS One | Plus | 1MB | Ad: MW 1986.12 (photo) Review: MW 1988.05 | |||
Levco MonsterMac | 512k | 2MB | Includes Fan, requires modification to case/board. Review: MW 1985.09, MW 1986.02 Ad: 1986.07 (photo) News: MW 1987.11 | |||
Levco Prodigy 4 | 128k, 512k, 512KE, Plus | 68020 | 16 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Optional 68881 FPU, SCSI port can be used internally to attach to Levco’s OverDriver internal hard disk or to an external SCSI hard disk through a 25-pin connector that mounts in the Mac’s battery compartment, connector for MegaScreen Plus from Micrographics Images, RAM disk. Includes fan and power supply. Review: MW 1986.08, MW 1986.09, MW 1987.11, CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08, MU 1989.02 Ad: MW 1986.08 (photo), 1987.10 MU (photo) News: MW 1987.11 |
Levco Prodigy Prime | Plus | 68020 | 16 | 68881 | 1MB to 32MB | 68851 MMU, Clip-on Review: MU 1987.09, Ad: MU 1987.10, Lists: MW 1987.11, CW 1987.12. |
Levco Prodigy SE | SE | 68020 | 16 | Opt | 4MB, 32MB | Optional MMU, Connector for MegaScreen II from Micrographics Images According to the review the accelerator may support up to 32MB if the 68851 Paged Memory Management Unit (PMMU) is installed. Review: MW 1987.09, MU 1987.09, MU 1987.11 (photo), MU 1988-03 (photo), MU 1989-02 (photo), 1989-03 benchmark Ad: MU 1987.10, MU 1987.11 (photo) List: MW 1987.11, CW 1987-12, |
Logica LogiCache | IIsi, IIci | 68030 | 50 | Opt | Ad: MW 1991-11 (photo) Cache-card slot (April 1993) | |
Mac Advance MacGusto II | 512KE | none | Opt | 2.5MB | No MMU, Adds SCSI | |
Mac Doctor Electronics Brainstorm | 128K, 512K | 1MB to 4MB | Ad: MW 1986.02, MW 1986.04, MW 1986.07, MW 1986.12 List: MW 1987.11 | |||
MacDoctor Electronics MacDoctor 512 | 128K | 384K | Upgrades 128K to 512K Ad: MW 1986 Winter List: MW 1987.11 | |||
MacMemory, Inc. MaxPlus Mega | Plus | 2MB | List: MW 1987.11 Ad: MU 1987.12 Review: MW 1988.05 | |||
MaxMemory, Inc. MaxSAVE | Plus | Battery backed up RAM disk. Ad: MW 1986.12 (photo) Review: MW 1986.12 (photo) | ||||
MacMemory, Inc. TheMax | 128k, 512k | 1.5MB | Requires modification to case/board Review: MW 1986.02 Ad: MW 1985.10, MW 1985.11 (photo), MW 1986 Winter | |||
MacMemory, Inc. TheMax2 | 128k, 512k | 2MB | Ad: MW 1986.02 (photo), MW 1986.03, MW 1986.04, MW 1986.06 (drawing), MW 1986.08 (photo) | |||
MacMemory, Inc. TheMaxPlus | Plus, II | 2MB | Ad: MW 1986.04, MW 1986.06 (drawing), MW 1986.07 (photo), MW 1986.12 (photo), List: MW 1987.11 | |||
MacMemory TurboMax | 512KE, Plus | 68000 | 16 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines, SCSI port, RAM disk. Includes fan and power supply Review: Byte 1987.12 (photo) MW 1987.02, CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MU 1988.03 (photo) Ad: MU 1987.08 |
MacMemory Turbo SE | SE | 68000 | 16 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines Reviews: CW 1987.12, MU 1988.03 Ad: MU 1987.11 (photo) |
MACohm Projects 512K upgrade | 128K, 512K | 384K, 1.5MB | Ad: MW 1985.06, MW 1985.09, MW 1985.10, MW 1986.02 | |||
MacPeak Systems Plus-RAM | Plus | 2MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
MacPeak Systems Orion 25 | SE | 68020 | 25 | Opt | 8MB | Optional MMU, Galaxy Adapter option, Reviews: CW 1987.12, MW 1989.03 benchmark |
MacPeak Systems Orion SE | SE | 68020 | 16 | Opt | 8MB, 32MB | Optional MMU, Galaxy Adapter option According to the review the accelerator may support up to 32MB if the 68851 Paged Memory Management Unit (PMMU) is installed. Manual Reviews: MU 1987.08 (photo), MW 1987.09, MW 1987.11, CW 1987.12, : MU 1988.03 (photo), MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989-03 benchmark Ad: MW 1988.10 (photo) |
MacPeak The Orion One | Ad: MW 1988.10 (photo) | |||||
MacPeak The Orion II | Ad: MW 1988.10 (photo) | |||||
MacProducts USA 2MB | Plus | 2MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
MacProducts USA Magic | Plus, II, 512K, 128K | 1MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
MacProducts USA Railgun 020 Plus/SE | 128k, 512K/KE, Plus, SE | 68020 | 16, 25 | Licensed from Novy, see: Novy Max20MX Review: MW 1990.02 | ||
MacProducts USA Railgun 030 Plus/SE | 128k, 512K/KE, Plus, SE | 68030 | 16, 25, 33 | Opt | Licensed from Novy, see: Novy Systems Quik30 Clip on, Reviews: MW 1990.02 (16,25), Byte 1993.02 MW 1990.08 (16, 25, 33), MW 1991.07, MW 1992.06, MU 1993.04 | |
MacProducts USA Railgun Pro 030 | Plus, SE, Classic | 68030 | 15, 25, 33 | Opt | 16MB | Review: Byte 1993.02 |
MacProducts USA Railgun Pro II | SE 30, LC LC II, Color Classic, SI, SI | 68030 | 50 | Inc | 64MB | Licenced from Novy, see: Novy Systems ImagePro II / Image Pro LC Ads: MW 1993.12, MU 1994.01, MW 1994.12 (picture). |
MacProducts USA Magic 020 | Plus | 68020 | 12.5 | Inc | none | No MMU, Cpu can be upgraded to a 68030 Reviews: MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
MASS MICRO | SE, II | 2MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
MASS MICRO PLUS | Plus | 2MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
Mass Tech FastMac | 512k | 1MB, 1.5MB, 2MB | 2MB requires a separate power supply, includes fan Review: MW 1986.02 Ad: MW 1985.06, MW 1985.11, MW 1985.12 | |||
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc | Weitek XL-8032 | Review: BYTE 1988.12 | ||||
Micah Memory Card | 2MB, 4MB | Ad: MW 1986.03 | ||||
Micro Conversions, Inc. 1 Meg Upgrade | 128k, 512k | 512K to 4MB | Includes Fan, requires modification to case/board Review: MW 1986.02 Ad: MW 1985.08, MW 1985.10, MU 1985.11, MW 1986.02 (picture) | |||
MicroMac Carrera 040 | IIci, IIsi, IIcx or IIx | 68040 | 33, 40,45 | 128kb | micromac.com: 33,40, and 45, manual v1.1 | |
MicroMac DiiMO 030 | II, IIci, IIvx, IIvi, IIsi, IIcx, IIx, LCIII, Performa 600, SE/30 | 68030 | 50 | Opt | 64kb | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac Marathon | II | 68030 | 32 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers, manual v1.0 | |
MicroMac MultiSpeed | Plus, SE | 68030 | 25 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers Clip on, Optional Extended Video Reviews: MU 1993.04 | |
MicroMac Performer | Plus, SE, Classic | 68030 | 16 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers | |
MicroMac PerformerPro | Plus, SE, Classic | 68030 | 32 | Opt | 64kb | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac Power WorkStation | LC, LCII | 68030 | 32 | Opt | 32kb | micromac.com, drivers, adds ThurderCache and Network card. |
MicroMac SE | SE, SE/30 | N/A | Inc | A case (for the SE, SE/30 logic board) and external monitor adapter, converts the SE, SE/30 in to a LC type computer with an external monitor. Review: upgrade your mac (photo), MW 1991.01 Ad: MW 1991.06 (photo) | ||
MicroMac Speedster | LC, LCII | 68040 | 25 | Inc | micromac.com, drivers | |
MicroMac SpeedDoubler | Quadra 700, 900 | 68040 | 50 | Inc | 128K | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac Thunder | LC, LCII | 68030 | 32 | Opt | micromac.com, drivers | |
MicroMac ThunderCache | LC, LCII | 68030 | 32 | Opt | 32kb | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac ThunderCachePro | LC, LCII or Color Classic | 68030 | 32, 50 | Opt | 26MB | micromac.com, drivers |
MicroMac ThunderPro | LC, LCII or Color Classic | 68030 | 32 | Opt | 26MB | micromac.com, drivers |
Mobius 030 | SE, Classic | 68030 | 25 | Opt | 16MB | Driver Clip on, Extended Video Reviews: MW 1991.07, Byte 1993.02, MW 1993.06 News: CW 1991.04, CW 1991.08 Ads: MW 1991.11 (photo), MU 1992.05 (photo), MU 1992.10 (photo), MU 1993.06 (photo) MW 1993.07 (photo) |
Mobius SpeedScreen | SE | 68000 | ||||
Mobius 040 Speedster | IIx, IIci, IIsi, IIcx, LC | 68040 | 25, 33, 40 | 128kb | Driver Reviews: MW 1995.02 Ads: MU 1994.01 (photo), MW 1995.01 (photo), MW 1995.03 (photo) | |
National Semiconductor Corp. NS8/16-48 | II | 4MB, 8MB, 16MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
Network Specialties Jump 020 | 512KE, Plus | 68020 | 12 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, StretchScreen and StretchProjector, Can also run at 16 and 24 MHz Review: CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 Ad: MW 1987.10 (photo) |
NewBridge UltraMax NM MX-25 | 512KE, Plus, SE | 68020 | 25 | Rebranded to Newlife 25 and Newlife 25SE Ad: MW 1990.02 | ||
NewBridge UltraMax NM MXC-33 | 512KE, Plus, SE | 68020 | 33 | Rebranded to Newlife 33SE Ad: MW 1990.02 | ||
NewLife 1 | 128k, 512K, 512Ke | 68HC000 | 4MB | Clip on, SCSI Port Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews | ||
NewLife 2 | 128k, 512K, 512Ke | 68HC000 | 4MB | Clip on, SCSI Port, Video Port Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews | ||
NewLife 16 | 128k, 512K, 512Ke, Plus | 68030 | 16 | Opt | 16MB | Clip on, optional SCSI and Video, seems to be a cost reduced version of the NewLife 25 Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 16SE | SE | 68030 | 16 | Opt | 16MB | PDS, optional Video, seems to be a cost reduced version of the NewLife 25SE Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 25 | 128k, 512K, 512Ke, Plus | 68030 | 25 | Opt | 4MB | Clip on, Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLive 25CL | Classic | 68030 | 16, 20, 25 | Opt | 16MB | Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 25SE | SE | 68030 | 25 | Opt | 4MB, 16MB | PDS Slot, Optional Extended Video Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
NewLife 33SE | SE | 68030 | 33 | Opt | 16MB | Manual(s), drivers, advertisements and reviews |
Novy Floating Point Accelerator | 128k, 512k, 512KE, Plus | N/A | Yes | Clip on, requires special software. Review: MW 1986.08, MW 1986.09 | ||
Novy Systems ImagePro | Plus, SE | 68030 | 16, 25, 33, 40, 50 | Yes | 16MB | Clip on, Extended Video The same as the Quick30 with the addition of support for an external video display. Reviews: MU 1993.04, MW 1993.12 Book: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992, |
Novy Systems ImagePro II / Image Pro LC | SE 30, LC LC II, Color Classic, SI, SI | 68030 | 50 | Inc | 64MB | PDS slot. I have a prototype of this board for the LC, LC II, CC, that I bought from a Novy Technology Inc employee in 2022. This board may have been sold by MacProducts after Novy Systems went bankrupt. Ads as Image Pro II: MW 1993.12, MU 1994.01, MW 1994.12, (picture), as Image Pro LC: Macwelt 1993 |
Novy Systems Mac20 | 68020 | 8 | Reviews: MW 1987.01, MU 1988.03 (photo), MW 1990.02 Ad: MU 1987.08 | |||
Novy Systems Mac20Mx | 512KE, Plus, SE | 68020 | 12, 16, 20, 24 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, SCSI port is optional Review: MW 1988.02, MU 1988.03 (photo), BYTE 1988.12 Ads: MU 1987.08, MW 1990.02 |
Novy Systems Quik 30 | Plus, SE | 68030 | 16, 25, 33 | 4MB, 16MB (SE only) | Driver, may also be able to use NewLife drivers Clip on (Plus), PDS slot (SE) Reviews: MW 1990.08, MW 1991.07, MW 1992.06, MW 1993.06, MW 1993.12, MW 1995.02 Books: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992 (photo), Build your own Macintosh and save a bundle 1992 (photo) Ad: MU 1990.05, | |
OpenMac Enterprises Ram Series | Plus, SE, II | 2MB, 4MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
OpenMac Enterprises RamPlus | Plus | 2MB, 4MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
Quesse Maccelerator | 128k, 512k, 512KE, Plus | Yes | Clips on, includes QuickSANE that redirects SANE requests to the FPU. MW 1986.08, MW 1986.09 | |||
Radius Accelerator | 512KE, Plus, SE | 68020 | 16 | Opt | 32K cache | Radius.com: Q&A and drivers No MMU, Full Page Display (SE only) Reviews: MW 1987.09, Byte 1987.12 (photo), CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MU 1988.03 (photo), MW 1988.08, BYTE 1988.12, MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.03 (benchmark, photo), MW 1990.02, MW 1990.08 Other: Drivers |
Radius Accelerator 25 | SE | 68020 | 25 | Radius.com: Q&A and drivers, brochure Review: MW 1988.10, BYTE 1988.12 | ||
Radius Rocket | II, IIcx, IIci | 68040 | 25 | Yes | – | Radius.com: photos, Q&A, manual, SCSI2Booster, brochure NuBus slot |
Radius Rocket | II, IIcx, IIci | 68040 | 33 | Yes | Radius.com: photos, Q&A, manual, SCSI2Booster, brochure NuBus slot | |
Radius Stage II Rocket | Radius.com: photos, Q&A, SCSI2Booster, | |||||
Ryad Mac Engine GT | 128K, 512K, 512KE, Plus | 68000 | 16 | No | 4MB | No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, and SCSI port Reviews: MW 1987.01, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
Ryad MacEngine Turbo | 128K, 512K, 512KE, Plus | 68020 | 16 | Opt | 4MB | No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, and SCSI port Reviews: MW 1987.01, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
Siclone si30 | II, IIx | 68030 | 33, 40, 50 | Inc | Company purchased by Applied Engineering in 1991 (MW 1991.08) brochure, MW 1988-01, IW 1988-11, MW 1988-01, | |
Siclone Intensifier ci | ci | 68030 | 50 | Opt | Company purchased by Applied Engineering in 1991 (MW 1991.08) brochure | |
Siclone Turbo SE | SE | 68000 | 16 | Reviews: MU 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.02 (photo), MW 1989.03 Ads: MW 1988.10, | ||
Siclone MacAdapt | 512KE, Plus | 68000 | 16 | Adapter for the TurboSE Ads: MU 1988.09, MW 1988.10 | ||
Spectra Micro Development MacAccelerator | 512KE, Plus, SE | 68020 | 12 | Inc | None | No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines Reviews: MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 |
Spectra Micro Development ProBoard | 68020 | 16 | Review: MW 1990.02 | |||
Sonnet Alegro II | II, IIx | 68030 | 33 | Sonnettech.com, drivers MacAddict 006 | ||
Sonnet Alegro LC | LC, LC II, Color Classic | 68030 | 33 | Inc | 16k cache | Sonnettech.com, drivers |
Sonnet Alegro SE | SE | 68030 | 33 | Inc | 16MB | Sonnettech.com, drivers |
Sonnet Alegro SE/30 | SE/30 | 68030 | 33 | Sonnettech.com, drivers | ||
Sonnet Presto 040 | IIvi, IIcx, IIsi | 68040 | 80/40 | Inc | 128k cache | Sonnettech.com, software v3.1 Adapter required for Mac IIcx and IIsi. |
Sonnet Presto Plus | Mac LC, LC II, LC III, LC III+, LC 520, LC 550; Performa 250, 275, 400, 405, 410, 430, 450, 460, 466, 467, 520, 550, 560; and Color Classic, Color Classic II. | 68040 | 66/33 | Opt | 32MB | Sonnettech.com, software v3.1 Includes built-in 10-base-T internet Supports up to System 8.1 for some systems (LC up to 7.6.1, IIc up to 7.5.5) |
Sonnet Speedster | driver v1.5 | |||||
Sonnet Quad Doubler | Centris 610, 650, 660AV; Quadra 610, 660AV, 700, 900; WS 60/20 & 60/25 | 68040 | 100/50, 80/40 | Inc | 0MB | Sonnettech.com |
SuperMac Technology Ehance | 512E, 512KE | 2MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
SuperMac Technology SuperRam 2 | Plus | 4MB | List: MW 1987.11 | |||
SuperMac Technology SpeedCard | SE | 68000 | 15.67 | Opt | 1MB | Review: MU 1989.02 (photo), video. News: IW 1988.02, MU 1988.08, MU 1988.12, MU 1989.02, |
SuperMac Technology Prodigy SE | SE | 68020 | 16 | Inc | 8MB | No MMU, Connector for the Big Picture monitor from E-machines, uses ZIPs for memory |
TechWorks LC | LC | 68040 | 25 | Inc | – | PDS slot |
TechWorks NuBus 040 | II, IIcx, IIsi, IIci | 68040 | 33 | Yes | – | NuBus slot |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Enterprise 030 | LC, LC II | 68030 | 16 | Inc | – | PDS slot Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) 020 | 512KE, Plus, SE | 68020 | 12, 16, 20, 24 | Opt | 4MB | Drivers See also: Novy Max20MX No MMU, Includes fan and power supply, and SCSI port Ad: MU 1987.12 Reviews: IW 1987.09, CW 1987.12, MW 1988.02, MW 1988.08 (photo), Byte 1987.12 (photo), MW 1990.02, MW 1990.08 News: MW 1987.12 |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini 030 | Plus | 68030 | 16, 20, 25 | Drivers, may also be able to use NewLife drivers, or Novy Drivers Reviews: MW 1990.02, MW 1990.08 brochure | ||
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini II | Plus | Reviews MW 1991.07 Drivers brochure | ||||
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini Classic | Classic | 20,25,33, 40 | Opt | 16MB | Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), Drivers brochure | |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini | 50 | Drivers | ||||
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini Ultra | 128k, 512K, Plus, SE | 68030 | 20,25,33, 40 | Opt | 16MB | Reviews: MW 1992.06, Byte 1993-02 Books: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992 p.131, Build your own Macintosh and save a bundle 1992 p.98. Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), Drivers |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Gemini Ultra Classic | Classic | 68030 | 20, 33, 50 | Opt | Drivers Clip-on, optional extended graphics | |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Magellan | SE/30, IIsi, IIci, IIFX | 68040 | 25 | Yes | – | PDS slot Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), brochure |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Mercury 030 | SE | 68030 | 16 | Opt | PDS slot, Optional Extended Video brochure Reviews: MW 1990.08, MW 1992.06 Books: Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book 1992 p.131 Ad: MW 1991.11 (photo), | |
Total Systems Integration (TSI) Voyager | II | 68030 | 50 | Opt | – | CPU socket brochure Review: Byte 1993.02 |
VOAD Systems The MacBoard | 128K | 384K | Ad: MW 1985.08, MW 1986.02 | |||
Warp Nine Engineering, Inc DataRam | Plus | 2MB | Ad: MW 1986.12 List: MW 1987.11 | |||
Warp Nine Engineering, Inc MonsterRam | Plus | 2.5MB | Ad: MW 1986.12 List: MW 1987.11 For use with an internal hard disk | |||
Warp Nine Engineering, Inc WarpRam | 512K, 512KE | 1MB | List: MW 1987.11 |
Memory Upgrades
The first mention I found for memory upgrades were in June 1985 (for the 128K and 512K), and the first mention I found of an accelerator was an advertisement in MacWorld January 1986 for the Human Touch Computer Products Corp’s Three to
Manufacturers
Some additional details I found about the following manufactures: Apple, Aox, Beck-Tech, Brainstorm, Computer Sales Associates (CSA), DayStar, Dove Computer Corporation, Extreme Systems, Fusion Data, General Computer Company (GCC), Harris Laboratories, Irwin, Levco, Mac Advance, MacMemory, MacPeak, MacProducts, MassTech, MicroConversion, MicroMac, Mobius, Network Spacialties, NewLife/New Bridge, Novy Systems, Radius, Ryad, Siclone Sales and Engineering Corp., Spectra, Sonnet, SuperMac, Techworks, Total Systems Integration (TSI), Quesse, Warp Nine.
Aox, Inc. (1978 to 2004)
- address: 486 Totten Pond Rd. Waltham. MA 02154 (source Byte 1992.02);4 Preston Court, Bedford, MA 01730 (source www.aox.com, cached on 1999.01.25)
- contacts: vice president of administration: Mr. Michael T. Kane (source MIT Information Technology Directory 1990.07), vice president for marketing: Chris Adams (source IW 1991.09.08)
They did have a website, but the first cached copy is from 1999.01.25 and there is no information about their earlier products or mention of them on their company history page.
Apple
30636 Mariani Ave. Cupertino, CA 95014 (source Byte 1992.02)
Apple mainly offered upgrades in the form of new logic boards for their systems, e.g. when the 512 was released you could swap out the 128’s logic board with the 512’s, etc. For now I’ve limited the list to an upgrade in the CPU.
Applied Engineering
P.O. Box 5100 Carrolton, TX 75011 (source Byte 1992.02), Founder Dan Pote, fan site
Applied Engineering initially made a name for itself building Apple II accelerators, but also created several Macintosh accelerators with the same TransWarp branding before they went out of business in 1994. Additional information is available on wikipedia.
In fall of 1991 Siclone Sales and Engineering went bankrupt and Applied Engineering took over their product line (MacWorld 1991.08).
Beck-Tech
PO. Box 5027, Berkeley, CA 94705-0027
Brainstorm
1145 Terra Bella Ave. Mountain View, CA 94043, 415-964-2131 (from MU 1993.04 page 130)
Computer Systems Associates (CSA)
Computer System Associates (CSA), 7562 Trade Street, San Diego, CA
DayStar Digital
55560 Atlanta Hwy. Flowery Branch, GA 30542 (source Byte 1992.02)
DayStar Digital appears to have had a licensing agreement with Novy Systems Inc with their Max20MX being identical to the Novy Max20Mx accelerator.
Daystar is one of the few companies making accelerators for 68k Macintosh systems that was still around when the internet archive started backing up websites, so I was able to find the actual product page for the Daystar PowerCache from November 2nd 1996, and learn that it was last manufactured in Fall 1996, with support ending September 1, 1997:
We’re sorry, but DayStar discontinued manufacturing 030/040/601 upgrades effective Fall of 1996. Effective September 1, 1997 DayStar is no longer able to offer any warranty or tech support for the 030/040/601 upgrades due to limited availability of parts and qualified 030/040/601 support staff.
DayStar 030/040/601 upgrades are only certified through System 7.5.1. While you may have limited success running with later System Software, we cannot support your upgrade. The later Systems have introduced problems which disable upgrade compatibility in many cases. Apple has also changed its policy of 100% downgradable compatibility. This decision and the resulting incompatibilities are the primary reasons DayStar discontinued the 030/040/601 upgrade product lines.
From the DayStar Website, January 1998, Internet Archive
Daystar Technologies appears to have closed down sometime around January 2002, with the Daystar.com domain being taken over by the DayStar television network by March 2002
Dove Computer Corporation
1200 North 23rd St. Wilmington, NC 28405 (source Byte 1992.02)
When Dove ceased production of accelerators it’s Dove Marathon 030 CPU upgrade design was purchased by MicroMac and rebranded as the MicroMac Marathon.
Extreme Systems
Fusion Data Systems
8920 Business Park Dr. Suite 35D (source Byte 1992.02)
General Computer Company (GCC) / General Computer Corp.
- Address: 215 First St. Cambridge, MA 02142 (source The Amiga 1985.08), 580 Winter Str. Waltham, MA 02154 (source MW 1990.02)
- Website: gcctech.com first catch is 1998.01, no information on the accelerators.
GCC was founded in 1981 during the onset of the video game craze. C.E.O. Kevin Curran and MIT classmates Doug Macrae and John Tylko began by developing an enhancement for Atari’s “Missile Command” and went on to create “Ms. Pac Man”, still one of the top-selling coin-operated video games in history. Between 1982 and 1984, GCC developed a total of 58 consumer electronics products that generated over $800 million in revenue for Atari and Bally Manufacturing. In 1984, anticipating dramatic changes in the electronics market, GCC began designing products for the newly-introduced Apple Macintosh computer. GCC’s most critical success was the HyperDrive, the first internal hard disk drive for the Macintosh. (source GCC website)
Appears as General Computer Corp. under some advertisements and reviews. Later became GCC printers
Harris Laboratories, Inc (1988 to 1993) / Harris International (1993 to …)
Harris Laboratories, Inc (Inactive) Business Corporation (domestic), Business Corporation (domestic), 1143 Riverwood Dr, Burnsville, MN 55337
- 7379 Washington Ave S, Edina, MN 55439 (source Byte 1992.02)
- Date Established: Nov 16, 1988
- Chief Executive Officer: Michael D Harris
- Sold to an investment bank in 1992 and re-branded as Harris International in 1993 (source Michael Harris)
Created memory expansion cards for the GS before creating accelerators for Macintosh Systems.
Irwin Products Group
- Address: 2010 Commonwealth Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (source MW 1990.02)
Levco
6160 Lusk Blvd. Suite C-203 San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 457-2011 (from MW 1986.07)
Bought by SuperMac’s parent SMS in 87, Levco and supermac merge october 87
Mac Advance
P.G Box 186 Chanhassen, MN 55317 (815) 229-5023 (MU 1987.06)
MacMemory
MacPeak
MacProducts USA, Inc
608 West 22nd St. Austin, TX 78705 (source Byte 1992.02), 8303 MoPac Expwy., #218, Austin, TX (source MW 1990.02)
MacProducts appears to have had a licensing agreement with Novy Systems Inc with the Railgun accelerators being identical to the Novy Quik30 accelerators.
Became DGR Technologies Inc. in 1994, there are two domains cached by the internet archive, both point to the same site, or sites with similar info, one for Bottom Line Distribution called Bottom Line Online (blol.com), and one for DGR (drg.com) that links to pages on blol.com.
Microtech International Inc. / MassTech International, Inc.
158 Commerce St, East Haven, CT 06512 (source MW 1990.02, Byte 1992.02)
MicroConversion
MicroMac
In the mid-late 90s as other accelertor vendors closed down, MicroMac bought some of their boards and designs, rebranding and selling boards by DiiMO, Dove, Harris, and Mobius (source MacUser 1997.07)
Mobius
Network Spacialties
NewLife / Newbridge Microsystems
603 March Rd. Kanata, Ontario, Canada, K2K 2M5 (source MW 1990.02, Byte 1992.02)
I was able to meet with Lincoln Henthorn the general manager and later the company president, and he provided me with boxes of advertisements, manuals, and diskettes to use as source material that I have added to my site.
Novy Systems
1862 Fern Palm Dr. Edgewater, FL 32141 (source MW 1990.02)
Radius, Inc
1710 Fortune Dr. San Jose, CA 95131 (source MW 1990.02)
Ryad
Siclone Sales and Engineering Corp. (1988 to 1991)
Located at 1169 Borregas Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (source MW 1989.03).
In fall of 1991 Siclone Sales and Engineering went bankrupt and Applied Engineering took over their product line (MacWorld 1991.08)
Spectra Micro Development
Address: P.O. Box 41795, Tucson, AZ (source MW 1990.02)
Sonnet
SuperMac Technology
Address: 485 Potrero Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (source MW 1990.02)
Bought by SuperMac’s parent SMS in 87, Levco and supermac merge october 87
Technology Works / TechWorks
4030 Braker Lane W, Suite 350, Austin, TX 78759 (source Byte 1992.02)
Total Systems Integration (TSI) (… to 1993)
- 99W. Tenth Ave, Eugene, Or 97401 (source MW 1990.02)
- 1720 Willow Creek Cir. Eugene, OR 97402. (source Byte 1992.02)
Total Systems Integration appears to have had a licensing agreement with Novy Systems Inc for the TSI-020, and possibly for their Gemini 020 and Gemini 030 cards.
MacWeek June 28th 1993, page 64. Announcement Total Systems Integration (TSI) has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.
Quesse
References and Timeline
- MacWorld April 1984, A new world, reviews the 128k Macintosh, and Polishing the Mac, and interview with Bill Gates.
- MacWorld May/June 1984, Fat Mac, the wait for 256k chips to upgrade 128k macs to 512k macs
- MacWorld July/August 1984, The Mac Lines Up with Mainframes, and the Mac Connects, Macintosh terminal server
- MacWorld November 1984, The Macintosh Deluxe, reviews the 512k Macintosh and
- MacWorld December 1984, Shifting in to Overdrive, reviews the very first hard drives for the Macintosh. Non-SCSI, they connect to the printer or modem port instead.
- Book 1985 by Arthur Naiman: MacBook : the indispensable guide to Macintosh hardware and software
- MacWorld August 1985, In search of a better mouse
- MacUser October 1985, File Servers: The Macintosh office’s missing link
- MacUser November 1985, Between a Rock and a Hard Disk. and Delivering a Fat Mac (how to modify a 128k mac into a 512k mac)
- Book 1986 by Gene William: Chilton’s guide to Macintosh repair and maintenance
- MacWorld February 1986, Megabytes and Beyond, reviews the Beck-Teck MacMegabytes, Levco MonsterMac, MacMemory TheMax, MassTech FastMac, MicroCoversion 1 Meg Upgrade
- MacWorld August 1986, New Ways to a Faster Mac, reviews the General Computer Company Hyperdrive 2000, Levco Prodigy 4, Novy Floating Point Accelerator, Quesse Maccelerator
- MacWorld September 1986, Enter the SCSI drives, reviews of some of the very first SCSI drives for the Mac
- Book 1987 by Arthur Naiman: The Macintosh Bible
- BYTE August 1987, The Macintosh SE, mentions the accelerators and questions why the SE doesn’t have 68020 CPU
- MacWorld September 1987, Beefing up the SE, reviews the General Computer Company HyperCharger 020, Leveco Prodigy SE, MacPeak Systems Orion, Radius Accelerator
- ComputerWorld December 1987, list of IBM compatible and Macintosh Accelerators
- Book 1988 by Arthur Naiman: The Macintosh Bible (second edition)
- MacWorld Feb 1988, New Life for an Old Mac
- MacWorld March 1988, Pedal to the Metal, reviews the Mac Plus control, Mac SE control, Mac 20, Turbo Max, Turbo Se, Accelerator Plus, Mac II control, Hypercharger 020, Orion SE, Accelerator SE, Mac20MX Prodigy SE
- MacWorld August 1988: Staying Alive, an optical mouse for the Plus?
- BYTE December 1988, Mac Expansion, reviews of Aox inc DoubleTime, Dove’s MaraThon 020, E-Machines DoubleColor, Mecury Computer System’s MC3200NU, Network Specialties Inc Jump 020, Novy Systems MAC20MX, Radius Inc Accelerator 16 for the Mac Plus, and for the SE, and the Accelerator 25.
- MacWorld September 1988, Short Takes, review of the TSI-020MX (licensed from Novy Systems) and Radius Accelerator 25
- Book 1989 Sharon Zardetto Aker: The Macintosh Bible (second edition, first update)
- MacUser February 1989, Maximum G-Force, review of numerous accelerators for the SE and Plus
- BYTE November 1989, Upward Mobility
- Book 1989 Bob Vitus’s: Doctor Macintosh (and 1992), and other reference books for system software and applications.
- MacWorld February 1990, Is your mac obsolete?
- Book 1990 by Larry Pina: Macintosh Repair and Upgrade Secrets
- MacWorld August 1990, Full Speed Ahead
- MacUser August 1990, Chasing the IIfx Accelerators
- Book 1991 by Arthur Naiman and Sharon Zardetto Aker: The Macintosh Bible (third edition)
- Book 1991 by Larry Pina: Macintosh II Repair and Secrets
- Book 1991 by Bob Brant: Upgrade Your Macintosh and Save a Bundle
- MacUser June 1991, IIci Cache Cards
- MacWorld July 1991, the Accelerated Course, accelerator cards
- MacWorld November 1991, new life for old roms, info about the creation of Mode32 for system 7.
- Book 1991, MacWorld’s Complete Mac Handbook, list of accelerator manufacturers and their products
- Book 1992 by Arthur Naiman: The Macintosh Bible (forth edition)
- Book 1992 by Larry Pina: Dead Mac Scrolls
- BYTE February 1992, Accelerator, Coprocessor and Multiprocessor Boards
- MacWorld June 1992, The need for speed
- MacUser June 1992, Blasting Off: CPU Accelerators
- MacUser August 1992, MiniFinders, mentions limited SCSI throughput for Novy Accelerators.
- MacUser September 1992, New Life for Old Macs
- MacUser October 1992, Repairs and Upgrades for the Mac IIfx
- MacUser November 1992, Fast 68040 Accelerators, Upgrading the Mac SE
- MacUser December 1992, Upgrading the Mac IIci
- Book 1992 by Garry Howard: the Macintosh Do It Yourself Upgrade Book basic information on several accelerators, memory and other upgrades
- Book 1992 by Bob Brant: Build your own Macintosh and Save a Bundle, basic information on several accelerators, memory and other upgrades
- Book 1992 by John Dvorak: Dovorak’s inside track to the Macintosh
- Book 1993 by Larry Pina: Mac classic & SE : repair and upgrade secrets
- MacUser January 1993, Maximum RAM, Upgrading the Mac SE/30 (253)
- MacUser March 1993, Upgrading the Mac LC
- MacUser April 1993, 100 Accelerated Systems
- MacWorld June 1993, Upgrading Your Mac, and Buyers Guide
- Book 1995 by Todd Stauffer: Using your Mac
- MacWorld February 1995, Making the move to PowerMac, includes a comment that the 68k accelerator market has “dried up”
- MacWorld UK February 1995, Movin’ on up
- Book 1996 by Clifford Colby and Sharon Zardetto Aker: The Macintosh Bible (sixth edition, I intentionally skipped the fifth edition since it doesn’t seem to have info on accelerators)
- MacAddict 006 February 1997, This Old Mac: Mac Plus, Tates Dove, Mobius, NewLife, and Novy Systems are out of business, and provides the urls for MicroMac, Mobius (no mention of their accelerators), and Sonnet Technologies.
- MacAddict 007 March 1997, This Old Mac: SE/30
- MacAddict 008 April 1997, This Old Mac: Mac II
- MacAddict 009 May 1997, This Old Mac: Mac IIci, IIcx, and IIsi
- MacAddict 011 July 1997, This Old Mac: Mac LC, LC II, and LC III
- MacUser July 1997, Never Say Die
- MacAddict 012 August 1997, This Old Mac: LC 475, 500 Series, and 630
- MacAddict 014 October 1997, This Old Mac: Centris and Quadra 610 and 650
- Book 1998 Sharon Zardetto Aker: The Macintosh Bible (seventh edition), other than a mention of compatibility issues, no info on specific cards, this fits with the .
- MacAddict 019 March 1998, Nitro Burning Funny Macs, and This Old Mac: Power Mac 6100
- Book 1998 by Todd Stauffer: Mac Upgrade and Repair Bible
- MacAddict 021 May 1998, This Old Mac: Pumping Up a Powerbook 100
- MacAddict 024 August 1998, Pumping Up a PowerBook 520/540
- MacAddict 027 November 1998, This Old Mac: The All in Ones
- MacAddict 029 January 1999, Anti-Aging Upgrades,
- MacAddict May 1999, This Old Mac online articles (last entry for the page in the wayback machine)
Please add the Levco SuperMac SpeedCard to your list.
Year: 1988
Supports: SE
CPU: 16MHz 68000
FPU: Opt
Memory: —
Comments: PDS Slot
Source #1: https://bit.ly/3ShYPeu
Source #2: https://youtu.be/jxFu6Ye8_To?t=3043
Added, I put it under SuperMac. SuperMac bought Levco in 1987, and all the reviews I`ve found refer to it as the SuperMac SpeedCard. I’m still adding to this list as I have time. There seems to be a lot of instances where one company bought another, or licensed from another. E.g. a lot of companies seem to have licensed tech from Novy, or simply re-branded a Novy accelerator as their own. E.g. Daystar selling the Novy Mac20Mx.
Share driver for the Mobius 30?
I’m using the 4.99 Mobius driver, and Compact Virtual 3.02. I plan to post an entry on my site soon for how I have this all setup on my SE sometime this winter (way to many outdoor chores at the moment). Note: You can only use up to System 7.1.3 with Compact Virtual 3.02. System 7.5.x is NOT supported. Lack of support for System 7.5.x was an issue for pretty much all of these old accelerators. That said, you can use the Mobius accelerator on the SE under 7.5.5, you will get the CPU bump (or at least I did), but will not have access to the extra memory. I need to do some more tests to see what memory is being used, the 4MB on the MB, or the first 4MB on the accelerator.
It is Harris Performer2, Peformer2. Do you have more information on this piece of hardware, I can’t find anything on the internet ? Your description says “extended video” but was it in color? accelerated? did it used vram? Also, you mention it has a fpu, was it the 68881 ot 68882? was it memory mapped? Even an scanned review would be nice.
Thanks in advance
Hi Rick, I was able to find a review and an advertisement. The advertisement mentions the video out port. I have also sent a message to Michael Harris (the company founder) through linkedin to see if he has any documentation or disks from those days. Will post more as I find it.
It would be nice if documentation or drivers could be preserved for posterity. Thanks again.
Hi!
I still have a MacPlus with a Brainstorm I installed back in the day!
It boots, but needs a new analog card as the screen shimmies.
Hi, I’m trying to identify this LCII (and possibly other models) accelerator I have:
https://imgur.com/a/YvWANva
The only possible identifying mark I can find on it is the white sticker on the front that I think reads “STI50112”. When installed in an LCII, it appears that the CPU, FPU, and onboard RAM is recognized without needing to install any driver or extension. I don’t know if there is a driver or anything for it because I don’t know what it is. If I install 16MB of RAM on the accelerator, it’s all recognized and any RAM on the LCII’s logic board is ignored. Tattletech can’t read the CPU frequency (shows a really large number). Anyways, I’d really like to identify this accelerator!
Try posting on https://68kmla.org/, one thing I plan to do is redo this page with more photo to help people identify cards with no branding.