The VisionPower PowerMax Pro G3/250 is a high-performance Macintosh clone built on the Tsunami architecture, featuring a 250 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, 48 MB of RAM, and a 4.0 GB SCSI hard drive. Designed for professionals, this model includes a Zip drive and an 8 MB IMS Twin Turbo video card, all housed in a robust tower-style case. Closely resembling the SuperMac S900Base, the PowerMax Pro G3/250 supports dual-processor upgrades via the ASPD architecture.
Sold primarily across Asia, this clone provided full compatibility with classic Mac OS, making it a compelling alternative for creative and technical users needing Apple software compatibility with greater hardware flexibility.
VisionPower PowerMax Pro G3/250 – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | VisionPower PowerMax Pro G3/250 |
| Processor | PowerPC 750 (G3), 250 MHz |
| System Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| Backside Bus Speed | 125 MHz |
| Processor Upgrade | Daughtercard (ASPD-based, supports dual CPUs) |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB (backside) |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 48 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| Motherboard RAM | 16 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 |
| Standard VRAM | 8 MB |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| VRAM Type | IMS Twin Turbo Video Card |
| Hard Drive | 4.0 GB (SCSI-II) |
| Zip Drive | Internal |
| CD-ROM | 12X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB (manual eject) |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays | 1 (5.25″), 3 (3.5″) – 2 external |
| Modem | 33.6k (external) |
| Ethernet | 10Base-T (Optional 10/100 with E100 card) |
| Ports | AAUI, Serial, ADB, SCSI, Geo Port |
| Case Type | Tower |
| Form Factor | PC (Tower LX) |
| Battery Type | 3.6V Lithium |
| Supported Mac OS | 7.5.3–7.6.1, 8.0–9.0 (no official support beyond 8.1) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 15.2 x 7.2 x 15.0 inches |
| Weight | 24 lbs |
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | August 1, 1998 |
| Original Price | $4300 SGD |
| Estimated Current Price | N/A |
Expandable Macintosh Cloning at Its Best
The PowerMax Pro G3/250 embodied a rare combination of affordability and raw power. Its ASPD daughtercard enabled CPU swaps and dual-processor upgrades, pushing performance boundaries. With 6 PCI slots, 8 RAM slots, and up to 1 GB of RAM, the system was easily expandable for video editing, publishing, and software development.
Despite limited official support beyond Mac OS 8.1, it could run Mac OS 9 and third-party upgrade kits. Its professional feature set and flexibility made it one of the most versatile G3 clones available in the Asian market.
