The VisionPower PowerMax Pro 225 is a rare Macintosh clone modeled on the SuperMac S900/225, featuring a 225 MHz PowerPC 604e processor, 48 MB of RAM, and a 4.0 GB SCSI hard drive. This machine was primarily sold in Asian markets and came housed in a standard PC-style tower with an integrated Zip drive—a distinctive feature that made it attractive for creative professionals in the late 1990s.
Built on the Tsunami architecture, the PowerMax Pro 225 included dual-processor upgrade support, 8 MB IMS Twin Turbo graphics, and full Mac OS compatibility up to 9.0. Its robust internal expansion—up to 1040 MB RAM and 6 PCI slots—made it a powerful desktop solution for media production, graphic design, and business use.
VisionPower PowerMax Pro 225 – Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | VisionPower PowerMax Pro 225 |
| Processor | PowerPC 604e, 225 MHz |
| System Bus Speed | 45 MHz |
| Lookaside Bus Speed | 45 MHz |
| Processor Upgrade | Daughtercard (ASPD capable) |
| ROM Size | 4 MB |
| Data Path | 64-bit |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 512 KB |
| RAM Type | 70 ns 168-pin DIMM |
| Standard RAM | 48 MB |
| Maximum RAM | 1040 MB |
| Motherboard RAM | 16 MB |
| RAM Slots | 8 (interleaving supported) |
| Video Card | IMS Twin Turbo |
| Standard VRAM | 8 MB |
| Maximum VRAM | 8 MB |
| Hard Drive | 4.0 GB (SCSI-II) |
| CD-ROM | 12X |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44 MB (manual) |
| Zip Drive | Yes |
| Modem | 33.6k (external) |
| Ethernet | 10Base-T |
| Expansion Slots | 6 PCI |
| Expansion Bays | 1 (5.25″), 3 (3.5″) – 2 internal |
| Ports | Serial, SCSI, ADB, AAUI, Audio, Power, VGA |
| Battery | 3.6V Lithium |
| Case Type | Tower |
| Form Factor | PC (Tower LX) |
| Supported Mac OS | 7.5.3–7.6.1, 8.0–9.0 (no 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 | $4150 (Singapore) |
| Est. Current Price | N/A |
Zip-Enabled Power in a Classic Tower
The PowerMax Pro 225 stood out by including a built-in Zip drive, providing quick removable storage long before USB flash drives became mainstream. Its resemblance to the SuperMac S900 made it highly upgradable, offering dual-processor capabilities and a rich internal bus system ideal for power users.
Although marketed mainly in Asia, it maintains significance in Mac clone history due to its hardware versatility, adherence to Apple design conventions, and accessibility through third-party distribution networks like Swee Hong.
