The Hardware Research 604e/250 DP was one of the most powerful Mac OS-compatible rackmount systems ever produced under Apple’s official clone licensing program. Released in early 1998, this workstation featured dual 250 MHz PowerPC 604e processors, making it ideal for intensive computing environments such as A/V studios, network operations centers, and scientific labs.
Based on the durable Tsunami architecture—shared with Apple’s Power Macintosh 9500 series—the Hardware Research 604e/250 DP shipped with either 64 MB or 80 MB of RAM, a 4.0 GB SCSI drive, and a 4 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D video card. It supported Mac OS 7.5.5 through 9.0, with official support ending at version 8.1.
This model delivered full 64-bit data paths, 512 KB of Level 2 cache, and interleaved RAM support for faster memory throughput. Priced at $5,700 USD, it was engineered for high-performance and modular expansion, featuring six PCI slots and a rugged 19″ rackmount chassis.
Hardware Research 604e/250 DP – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | December 31, 1998 |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 604e (Dual) |
| Processor Speed | 250 MHz (each) |
| Processor Upgrade | Daughtercard |
| FPU (Integrated) | PowerPC 604e |
| System Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| Lookaside Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 64 MB or 80 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaving supported) |
| Standard VRAM | 4 MB (ATI XCLAIM 3D) |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| VRAM Type | Video card |
| Hard Drive | 4.0 GB SCSI |
| Standard CD-ROM | 12X or 24X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB (manual eject) |
| Modem | Not included |
| Ethernet | AAUI, 10Base-T |
| Case Type | Rack-Mountable |
| Form Factor | 19″ Rackmount |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays (Free) | 1 external 5.25″ bay |
| Battery Type | 3.6V Lithium |
| Built-in Display | None |
| Supported Mac OS | 7.5.5 to 9.0 (officially supported up to 8.1) |
| Dimensions | 10 x 17.25 x 17.75 inches (H x W x D) |
| Average Weight | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Original Price | $5,700 USD |
| Estimated Current Value | N/A – Collector-grade item |
| Architecture | Tsunami (Power Macintosh 9500-based) |
Why the Hardware Research 604e/250 DP Was a Standout Mac Clone
The Hardware Research 604e/250 DP excelled at high-load multitasking thanks to its dual 604e processors, large memory capacity, and robust SCSI subsystem. Designed for professional use, its 19″ rackmount form made it deployable in controlled environments where space, airflow, and reliability mattered.
It exemplified what the Mac clone initiative could achieve when third-party manufacturers pushed Apple-compatible hardware beyond the consumer desktop—before the program was abruptly halted in 1998.
