The VisionPower PowerExtreme 200 represents a unique branch in the evolution of Macintosh clones, built on the Tanzania motherboard architecture co-developed by Apple and Motorola. This model features a 200 MHz PowerPC 604e, 48 MB of RAM, and a 4.3 GB hard drive inside a standard PC-style desktop case.
Unlike typical Macs of the era, the PowerExtreme 200 includes PS/2 keyboard support, an SVGA video output, and uses IDE-ATA for its internal drives—traits made possible by the Tanzania logic board. This hybrid of Mac and PC conventions made it an affordable yet flexible alternative to official Macs, especially in Asian markets.
Due to the lack of an official VisionPower website, these specifications are derived from observed units and may vary.
VisionPower PowerExtreme 200 – Full Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | VisionPower PowerExtreme 200 |
| Processor | PowerPC 604e, 200 MHz |
| Lookaside Bus | 40 MHz |
| System Bus Speed | 40 MHz |
| Processor Upgrade | Third-party |
| Architecture | Tanzania |
| Level 1 Cache | 32 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| RAM Type | 60 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 48 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 160 MB (32 MB + 2x 64 MB) |
| Motherboard RAM | None |
| RAM Slots | 3 (1 single + 1 pair) |
| Graphics | 2 MB VRAM DIMM (expandable to 4 MB) |
| Video Out | SVGA (instead of Mac monitor port) |
| Hard Drive | 4.3 GB IDE |
| CD-ROM | 8X IDE-ATAPI |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB soft-eject |
| Expansion Slots | 3 PCI |
| Expansion Bays | 1 external 5.25″, 1 external + 1 internal 3.5″ |
| Modem | N/A |
| Ethernet | 10Base-T |
| Keyboard Ports | ADB and PS/2 hybrid support |
| Battery | 4.5V Alkaline |
| Case Type | Desktop |
| Form Factor | PC (Baby AT) |
| Supported Mac OS | 7.5.3, 7.6.1, 8.0–9.0 (officially supported to 8.1) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4.2 x 16.3 x 16.4 inches |
| Weight | 20 lbs |
| Intro Date | January 1, 1998 |
| Discontinued | August 1, 1998 |
| Original Price | $3300 SGD (included 15″ monitor + speakers) |
| Current Value | Not applicable (rare regional variant) |
Tanzania Architecture: The Heart of a Hybrid
The Tanzania logic board used in the PowerExtreme 200 made this clone special. It provided wider hardware compatibility, allowed standard PC peripherals, and reduced build costs by utilizing IDE drives and SVGA video output. These changes allowed the VisionPower brand to target non-U.S. markets, especially in Singapore and East Asia.
Although official specs are unverified, most known models offered reliable PowerPC performance in an affordable shell—making it popular among tech-savvy buyers familiar with both Mac and PC worlds.
