This document contains the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Macintosh Performa 630 series computers.

Question: Is there an upgrade path for the Macintosh Performa 630 series to a PowerPC?

Answer : The Macintosh Performa 630 series computers can be upgraded to the PowerPC using the Macintosh Processor Upgrade (discontinued). The Processor Upgrade includes a PowerPC 601 Processor with floating-point processor and 256K level-2 cache that is expandable to 1MB. The Macintosh Processor Upgrade lets you switch back and forth between the PowerPC 601 and 68040/68LC040 processors upon restart.

The Macintosh Processor Upgrade Card, part number M3397LL/A (discontinued), must be installed by an Apple Authorized Service Provider. To locate an Apple-authorized service provider in your area, please call 1-800-538-9696.

Question: Can I add a second IDE drive or replace the original internal drive with a larger capacity IDE drive?

Answer : The Performa 630 series computer will only support only one internal IDE drive. It is possible to replace the internal IDE drive with a larger capacity hard disk, provided the drive is compatible with the computer.

To find out what features a third-party IDE hard drive must have to be compatible with a Macintosh 630-series computer, you can consult the Tech Info Library. Use the search string "ide" to locate the article "Macintosh 630: Using Third Party IDE Hard Disks." Check with the maker of the specific third-party IDE hard drive to see if that model meets the criteria outlined in the article.

Question: Can I add a DOS Compatibility card to my Performa 630 series computer?

Answer : Apple does not make a separate DOS Compatibility Card for the Macintosh Performa 630 series computer. There are Macintosh 630 series systems available with the DOS compatibility card, but they must be purchased with the card already installed because of modifications to the logic board.

Question: If I purchase a Performa 630 series computer with the Apple Video/TV System card installed, can I output the video to an NTSC device such as a television or VCR?

Answer : Video output to a TV or other NTSC device is handled by a separate component unrelated to the Apple Video/TV System. The Apple Presentation System (part number M2895LL/A) is an external portable device that connects to any Macintosh computer with a DB-15 standard video output port. Without the Apple Presentation System, you cannot display the video from the Performa 630 series computer to an NTSC device. A PAL version of the Apple Presentation System is also available.

Question: If my computer has been idle for a period of time and I move the mouse to turn off my screen saver, the computer will freeze momentarily and beep for several seconds. Then the computer returns to normal. What is causing this symptom to occur?

Answer : This is caused by the energy saver software installed on your computer. The software is designed to reduce the amount of power that your monitor is using when the computer is idle. When you move the mouse after the computer has been idle the computer will beep until the monitor has returned to full power. The energy saver control panel which is supported on the Performa 630 series computers is called Energy Saver. If you do not want to use the energy saver feature, you can de-select the appropriate option in the control panel. If you have a control panel named "Screen," remove it from your Control Panels folder since it is not supported on your computer.

Question: I have an old program which tells me to turn off 32-bit addressing. But I don't see this as an option in my Memory control panel. Why?

Answer : The Performa 630 always runs in 32-bit mode. There is no way to turn it off; therefore, there is no switch in the Memory control panel. You will probably need to upgrade your software.

Question: The sound from my 15" Multiple Scan Display is very low. Sometimes, I can hear sound only out of the left speaker. What is wrong?

Answer : Most likely, the audio patch cable is not plugged in securely on the monitor's side. Remove the cable, then plug it back in, firmly. If this does not help, completely unplug the cable from both the Macintosh side and the monitor side, then exchange the ends and plug the cable back in.

You may also wish to check your "Volumes" setting in the Sound control panel. Select "Control Panels" from the Apple menu, then open the Sound control panel. You will see a window which lets you set your alert volumes. Click on the pop-up menu at the top of the window, then select "Volumes." Make sure your speaker volume is set to a high value.

Question: I have a Macintosh Performa computer which shipped with a CD-ROM drive. I have purchased a third-party disk management utility or virus detector which states I should use a "Disk Tools" disk in order to create an emergency disk. I did not receive one with my computer. Should I have?

Answer : Apple currently ships a CD-ROM drive as part of many Performa computers. The Macintosh Performa CD you received as part of your bundle, effectively replaces the usual Disk Tools floppy disk. In addition to containing conventional disk diagnostic software, the CD-ROM disc also contains a complete back-up of your system software and application programs.

In many cases, you can still use the Performa CD as a start-up disk, then insert a diskette containing whatever disk-based software you need to run.

If the software you are using does not support the use of a Performa CD, or does not contain instructions on how to use the Performa CD with that product, you should contact the manufacturer of the software for further assistance.

Question: The microphone from my older Macintosh computer does not work on my Performa 630 series computer. What's wrong?

Answer : The microphone used with an LC II is called the Apple Omni-directional Microphone. It comes with a 1/2" plug. The microphone used with the Performa 600 series computers (as well as all Power Macintosh computers, the Performa 475/6, Performa 6100 series computers, 500 series computers, and Quadra 660AV and 840AV) is called a PlainTalk microphone. It has a 3/4" plug, the extra 1/4" of which is used to reach a power source that attenuates the microphone.

The correct microphone for use with the Macintosh Performa 630 series is the PlainTalk microphone, part number M9060Z/A. You can order this through many Apple-authorized retailers and catalog resellers. Their numbers can be obtained by contacting our 24-hour referral service at 800-538-9696.

Question: Can I install an Apple IIe card in my computer?

Answer : Unfortunately, the Macintosh Performa 630 series computers do not support the Apple IIe card. Apple IIe card software is not compatible with the 32-bit addressing mode that your Macintosh Performa computer requires.