In the final phase of Apple’s short-lived Mac clone licensing era, Hardware Research delivered one of the most distinctive Mac-compatible machines ever built: the HR 604e/233. Unlike most clones that came in desktop or tower formats, this model featured a 19″ rackmount form factor—targeting professionals working in studios, data centers, and technical environments.
Built on the reliable Tsunami architecture, shared with Apple’s high-end Power Macintosh 9500 series, the Hardware Research 604e/233 featured a 233 MHz PowerPC 604e processor and supported dual-processor upgrades. It shipped with either 64 MB or 128 MB of RAM, a 3.1 GB SCSI drive, and a 4 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D video card—an advanced GPU for its time.
Its rugged build and modular expandability made it ideal for custom installations and high-performance environments. It supported Mac OS 7.5.5 through 9.0, with official support ending at Mac OS 8.1, as was common with most clones.
While it was on the market for only six months in 1998, its high price point—starting at $4400 USD—reflected its enterprise-grade ambitions. Today, the 604e/233 is a rare and respected artifact in the Mac collector community.
Below are the full Mac Clone Specs for the HR 604e/233.
Hardware Research 604e/233 Full Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | June 1, 1998 |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 604e |
| Processor Speed | 233 MHz |
| FPU (Integrated) | PowerPC 604e |
| System Bus Speed | 46.6 MHz |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| L1 Cache | 64 KB |
| L2 Cache | 512 KB |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 64 MB or 128 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (supports interleaving for faster performance) |
| Standard VRAM | 4 MB (ATI XCLAIM 3D) |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| VRAM Type | Dedicated video card |
| Hard Drive | 3.1 GB SCSI |
| Standard CD-ROM | 24X |
| Floppy Disk Drive | 1.44 MB (manual eject) |
| Modem | N/A |
| Ethernet | AAUI, 10Base-T |
| Case Type | Rack-Mountable |
| Form Factor | 19″ Rackmount |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays (Free) | 1 (5.25″) external |
| Battery Type | 3.6V Lithium |
| Built-in Display | None |
| Supported Mac OS | System 7.5.5, 7.6.1, 8.0–9.0 (officially up to 8.1) |
| Dimensions | 10 x 17.25 x 17.75 inches (H x W x D) |
| Weight | Approx. 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Original Price | $4400 or $4550 USD depending on configuration |
| Current Est. Price | N/A – Rare collector’s item |
| Country of Sale | Presumed U.S. and select international markets |
| Architecture | Tsunami (Power Macintosh 9500-based) |
Final Thoughts
The Hardware Research 604e/233 remains a unique and powerful representation of Apple’s mid-1990s openness to third-party hardware. Designed for environments that required stability, customization, and rack integration, it was ahead of its time in combining Mac OS compatibility with modular architecture.
Though the Mac clone program ended in 1998, the 604e/233 is still remembered for offering the kind of flexibility and professional-grade options that modern Mac users often miss. Its rarity today only enhances its legacy among vintage computing enthusiasts and Apple historians.
