The Hardware Research 750/250 was a powerful, rackmount Mac clone launched in 1998—during the final phase of Apple’s Mac clone program. Powered by a 250 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) upgrade card, this workstation-class system was designed for media labs, data centers, and professional workflows needing Mac OS performance in a 19″ rack form factor.
Built on Apple’s Tsunami architecture, the Hardware Research 750/250 offered either 80 MB or 144 MB of RAM, a choice of 4.0 GB or 6.0 GB SCSI drives, and a robust 8 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D video card. It featured a 1 MB backside L2 cache, contributing to its high-speed processing performance, and support for dual-processor upgrades.
At a launch price of $6,250 USD, this machine catered to high-end users requiring advanced graphics and internal expandability. It supported Mac OS 7.5.5 to 9.0, with official support ending at 8.1.
Hardware Research 750/250 – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | December 31, 1998 |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 750 (G3) |
| Processor Speed | 250 MHz |
| FPU (Integrated) | PowerPC 750 (G3) |
| System Bus Speed | 50 MHz |
| Backside Bus Speed | 125 MHz (up to 250 MHz on high-end model) |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 1 MB (backside) |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 80 MB or 144 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (supports interleaving) |
| Standard VRAM | 8 MB (ATI XCLAIM 3D) |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| Hard Drive | 4.0 GB or 6.0 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 | System 7.5.5 to 9.0 (officially 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 | $6,250 USD |
| Estimated Current Value | N/A – Rare collector’s unit |
| Architecture | Tsunami (same as Power Macintosh 9500) |
Why the Hardware Research 750/250 Mattered
With its high-speed PowerPC G3 processor, large 1 MB backside cache, and dual processor upgrade capability, the Hardware Research 750/250 pushed the limits of what a licensed Mac clone could offer. Designed for demanding tasks in environments where rackmount form factors were essential, it remains one of the most performance-driven Mac clones ever produced.
This model represented the last breath of innovation from third-party Mac hardware developers before Steve Jobs ended Apple’s licensing program. Today, it’s an important collector’s item for those who appreciate the lost diversity of Apple-compatible computing.
