The Hardware Research 750/275 was a top-tier rackmount Mac clone introduced in 1998, during the final days of Apple’s Mac cloning program. Built for professionals needing maximum performance, it featured a 275 MHz PowerPC 750 (G3) processor, a large 1 MB backside cache, and dual processor upgrade support—all in a compact 19″ rackmount chassis.
Based on the proven Tsunami architecture, this model delivered robust speed and expansion. It came pre-configured with 128 MB or 144 MB of RAM, a large 6.0 GB Ultra SCSI hard drive, and an 8 MB ATI XCLAIM 3D graphics card. These specs positioned it for video editing, broadcasting, scientific computing, and industrial installations requiring Mac OS compatibility.
At a premium launch price of $6,850 USD, the Hardware Research 750/275 offered one of the fastest and most fully featured G3 configurations available in 1998’s clone market.
Hardware Research 750/275 – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued Date | December 31, 1998 |
| Processor Type | PowerPC 750 (G3) |
| Processor Speed | 275 MHz |
| FPU (Integrated) | PowerPC 750 (G3) |
| System Bus Speed | 45.83 MHz |
| Backside Bus Speed | 275 MHz |
| 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 | 128 MB or 144 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaving supported) |
| Standard VRAM | 8 MB (ATI XCLAIM 3D) |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| Hard Drive | 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 (official Apple support to 8.1) |
| Dimensions | 10 x 17.25 x 17.75 inches (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) |
| Original Price | $6,850 USD |
| Estimated Current Value | Not available – rare collector’s item |
| Architecture | Tsunami (Power Macintosh 9500 logic board) |
Why the Hardware Research 750/275 Stood Out
The Hardware Research 750/275 was among the most advanced G3-based Mac clones ever produced. With its high clock speed, large backside cache, and advanced VRAM, it was built for professionals working on graphics, real-time video, or intensive data workflows. Unlike most consumer Macs, it featured a rackmount design and six PCI slots for maximum internal expansion.
This model marked the peak of Mac cloning before Apple shut the program down. Today, it represents a bold and rare chapter in Apple-compatible hardware innovation.
