The Hardware Research 604e/233 was a professional-grade Mac clone launched in early 1998, designed for use in creative studios, labs, and rack-integrated environments. It featured a single 233 MHz PowerPC 604e processor and was built on Apple’s Tsunami architecture, making it compatible with key Macintosh OS and SCSI-based peripherals. The unit could also be upgraded to dual processors via daughtercard.
With 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, a 3.1 GB SCSI hard drive, and a 4 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D graphics card, the 604e/233 offered balanced performance for its class. Six PCI slots provided robust expansion, while the 19″ rackmount case ensured it could slot seamlessly into server environments or professional A/V racks.
Hardware Research 604e/233 – Full Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Hardware Research 604e/233 |
| Architecture | Tsunami |
| Form Factor | 19″ Rackmount |
| Processor | PowerPC 604e |
| Processor Speed | 233 MHz |
| FPU | Integrated (PowerPC 604e) |
| System Bus | 46.6 MHz |
| Lookaside Bus | 46.6 MHz |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 64 MB or 128 MB |
| Max RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaving supported) |
| VRAM Type | Via ATI XCLAIM 3D card |
| Standard VRAM | 4 MB |
| Max VRAM | 8 MB |
| Hard Drive | 3.1 GB SCSI |
| CD-ROM | 24X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB manual eject |
| 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 |
| Weight | 52 lbs |
| Original Price | $4,400 – $4,550 USD |
| Mac OS Support | 7.5.5, 7.6.1, 8.0 to 9.0 (officially up to 8.1 only) |
Upgrade Notes & Legacy
The Hardware Research 604e/233 was part of a brief but meaningful era of Apple-sanctioned Macintosh clones. This unit’s upgradability, including optional dual CPU support and memory interleaving, made it ideal for high-throughput workflows. Its compact rack design made it particularly attractive for studios needing vertical scalability without desktop clutter.
Despite being discontinued within six months, it remains notable for its balance of power, expansion, and Mac compatibility in a rackmount form.
