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Xserve

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A small Xserve cluster with anXserve RAIDandAPCUPS

TheXservewas a series ofrack-mountedserversmanufactured byApple Inc.between 2002 and 2011. It was Apple's first rack-mounted server,[1]and could function as afile server,web serveror runhigh-performance computingapplications inclusters– a dedicated cluster Xserve, the Xserve Cluster Node, without a video card and optical drives was also available. The first Xserve had aPowerPC G4processor, replaced by aPowerPC G5in 2004, and by IntelXeonprocessors in 2006; each was available in single-processor and dual-processor configurations. The Xserve was discontinued in 2011, and replaced with theMac Pro Serverand theMac Mini Server.[2]

Before the Xserve, Apple's server line included theApple Workgroup Server, Macintosh Server,andApple Network Server.

Xserve G4[edit]

Xserve G4

The original Xserve G4
Second-generation Xserve G4
The second-generation Xserve G4
The Xserve G4 Cluster Node
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeRackmountedServer
Release dateMay 14, 2002
DiscontinuedJanuary 6, 2004
CPUSingle or dualPowerPC G4,
1 GHz – 1.33 GHz
PredecessorApple Workgroup Server and Macintosh Server
Apple Network Server

Apple introduced the Xserve on May 14, 2002 (released in June). Initially, two configuration options were available: a single-processor Xserve at US$2999, and a dual-processor Xserve at US$3999. Xserves sold before August 24, 2002 shipped withMac OS X v10.1"Puma" Server, while those sold after shipped withMac OS X v10.2"Jaguar" Server.

On February 10, 2003, Apple released an improved and expanded Xserve lineup. Improvements included one or two 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processors, faster memory, and higher capacity Ultra ATA/133 hard disk drives. The front plate was redesigned for a slot-loading optical drive. A new model, the Xserve Cluster node was announced at the same price as the single-processor Xserve, featuring two 1.33 GHz processors, no optical drive, a single harddrive bay,no video or Ethernet cards, and a 10-client version of "Jaguar" server.

On April 2, 2003 theXserve RAIDwas introduced, providing a much higher capacity and higher throughput disk subsystem for the Xserve.

According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.[a][3]

Component Xserve G4 Xserve G4 (Slot Load) Xserve G4 Cluster Node
Model identifier RackMac1,1 RackMac1,2
Processor 1 GHz or Dual 1 GHz 1.33 GHz or Dual 1.33 GHz Dual 1.33 GHz
CPU cache 64 KB L1, 256 KB (1:1) L2, 2 MB L3 (Per Processor)
Front side bus 133 MHz 167 MHz
Memory 256 MB of PC2100 DDR SDRAM (1 GHz)
512 MB of PC2100 DDRSDRAM(DP 1 GHz)
Expandable to 2 GB
256 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM (1.33 GHz)
512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM (DP 1.33 GHz)
Expandable to 2 GB
256 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM
Expandable to 2 GB
Graphics ATIPCIGraphics with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM
Optional ATI Radeon 8500 (AGP 4x)
ATI PCI Graphics with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM
Optional AGP 4x card with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM
None
Hard drive 60 or 120 GB 7200-rpm ATA
Up to 4x 120 GB (480 GB)
60 GB 7200-rpm ATA
Up to 4x 180 GB (720 GB)
60 GB 7200-rpm ATA
Ultra ATA/100(Optional Ultra 160 SCSI)
Four Internal Bays
Ultra ATA/133
Four Internal Bays
Ultra ATA/133
Optical drive CD-ROM
Tray-loading
CD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD-ROMCombo Drive
Slot-loading
None
Connectivity 2xGigabitEthernet(One on PCI card) 1x Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion 2x 64-bit 66 MHzPCIslots
1x 66 MHz PCI/AGP slot (used for Gigabit Ethernet card)
2x 64-bit 66 MHz PCI slots
Peripherals 2xUSB1.1
3xFireWire400
1xRS-232serial
2x USB 1.1
1x FireWire 400
2x FireWire 800
1x RS-232 serial
Video out VGA VGA or (VGA,DVIandS-Video) with AGP 4x card None
Minimum operating system Mac OS X Server 10.1.5 Puma Mac OS X Server 10.2.4 Jaguar
Latest release operating system Mac OS X Server 10.5.8 Leopard
Weight 11.8 kg (26 Pounds)

Xserve G5[edit]

Xserve G5

The Xserve G5
The Xserve G5 Cluster Node
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeRackmountedServer
Release dateJanuary 6, 2004
DiscontinuedNovember 2006
CPUSingle or dualPowerPC G5,
2 GHz – 2.3 GHz

On January 6, 2004 Apple introduced the Xserve G5, a redesigned higher-performance Xserve. The 32-bit PowerPC G4s were replaced with one or two 64-bitPowerPC 970processors running at 2 GHz. Ventilation issues restricted it to threeSATAhot-swap drive bays, with the original space for the fourth drive bay used for air vents. The front plate and slot-loading optical drive were retained from the last Xserve G4. The higher memory capacity and bandwidth as well as the stronger floating-point performance of the PowerPC 970 made it more suitable forhigh-performance computing(HPC) applications.System Xis one such cluster computer built with Xserves.

Three configuration options were available: a single-processor model at US$2,999, a dual-processor model at $3,999, and a dual-processor cluster node model (with an unchanged appearance from the G4 cluster node) at US$2,999.

On January 3, 2005, Apple updated the Xserve G5 with faster processors in the dual-processor configurations. 400 GB hard disks were made available for up to 1.2 TB of internal storage. The slot-loading optical drive was upgraded to a combination DVD-ROM/CD-RW standard, DVD-/+RW optional. Soon after, Apple updated the Xserve and Xserve RAID to allow the use of 500 GB Hard Drives.

Xserve G5 models before April 2005 shipped withMac OS X v10.3"Panther", after April 2005 shipped withMac OS X v10.4"Tiger".

According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.[a][3]

Component Xserve G5 Xserve G5 Cluster Node
Order Number(s) ML/9216A (2.0), ML/9217A (2.0 DP), M9745LL/A (2.3) ML/9215A (2.0), M9742LL/A (2.3)
Model identifier RackMac3.1
Processor 2 GHz, Dual 2 GHz, or Dual 2.3 GHz
PowerPC 970FX
Dual 2 GHz or Dual 2.3 GHz
PowerPC 970FX
CPU cache 512 KB L2
Front side bus 1 GHz (2.0 GHz SP or DP)
1.15 GHz (2.3 GHz DP)
Memory 512 MB or 1 GB of 400 MHz PC3200 ECC DDR SDRAM
Expandable to 16 GB
512 MB of 400 MHz PC3200 ECC DDR SDRAM
Expandable to 16 GB
Graphics None
Optional PCI card
Hard drive 80 GB
Up to 3x 500 GB (1.5 TB)
Serial ATA7200-rpm
Three Internal Bays
Optical drive CD-ROM, CD-RW/DVD-ROMCombo Driveor DVD-RWSuperDrive
Slot-loading
None
Connectivity 2xGigabitEthernet
Expansion 2x 64-bitPCI-Xslots
Peripherals 2xUSB2.0
2xFireWire800
1x FireWire 400
1xRS-232serial
Video out None (VGAwith optional PCI card)
Minimum operating system Mac OS X Server 10.3 Panther
Latest release operating system Mac OS X Server 10.5.8 Leopard
Weight 15.1 kg (33 Pounds)

Intel Xserve[edit]

Xserve "Xeon"
The Intel Xserve
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeRackmountedServer
Release date2007
DiscontinuedJanuary 31, 2011
CPUSingle or DualIntelXeonDual or Quad Core CPUs, 2.0 GHz – 3.33 GHz
SuccessorMac Pro Server
Mac Mini Server
Websiteapple /xserve

The Intel-based Xserves were announced at theWorldwide Developers Conferenceon August 7, 2006, and are significantly faster compared to the Xserve G5. They use Intel Xeon ('Woodcrest') processors,DDR2ECCFB-DIMMs,ATI Radeon graphics, a maximum storage capacity of 2.25 TB when used with three 750 GB drives, optional redundant power supplies and a 1U rack form factor. The Intel Xserves now had on board video, freeing up an expansion slot.

On January 8, 2008 Xserve was updated with Intel Xeon ('Harpertown') processors, faster memory, and a maximum storage capacity of 3 TB when used with three 1 TB drives. The front-mounted FireWire 400 port featured in previous models was also replaced with a USB 2.0 port. The Xserve RAID was discontinued on February 19, 2008.

On April 7, 2009 Xserve was updated to use Intel Xeon ('Gainestown') processors,DDR3memory, and NVIDIA graphics with Mini DisplayPort output. The update also saw an increase to the maximum storage capacity, bringing it to 6 TB when used with three 2 TB drives. An option to add aSSDboot-drive that does not occupy a drive bay was also implemented. The addition of the SSD boot drive allows all drives to be swapped whilst the server remains online. It is also Apple's first Xserve to use PVC-free internal cables and components and contain no brominated flame retardants.

On August 28, 2009 Xserve was updated to ship standard withMac OS X Server 10.6Unlimited Client Server. In addition to improved functionality Mac OS X 10.6 Server added support for up to 96 GB of RAM.[4][5]

On November 5, 2010, Apple announced that it would not be developing a future version of Xserve. While accepting orders for the current model until January 31, 2011, and "honoring" all Xserve warranties and extended support programs, the company suggested users switch toMac Pro ServerorMac Mini Server.[2]

After the Xserve's discontinuation, an annoyed customer emailedSteve Jobs,who responded that "hardly anyone was buying them".[6]

According to Apple, all of these models are obsolete.[a][3]

Component Xserve (Late 2006) Xserve (Early 2008) Xserve (Early 2009)[7]
Release date August 7, 2006[8] January 8, 2008[9] April 7, 2009[10]
Model identifier Xserve1,1 Xserve2,1 Xserve3,1
Processor Dual 2 GHz, Dual 2.66 GHz, or Dual 3 GHz
Dual-Core Intel Xeon 5100 ( "Woodcrest")
2.8 GHz, Dual 2.8 GHz, or Dual 3 GHz
Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5400 ( "Harpertown")
2.26 GHz, Dual 2.26 GHz, Dual 2.66 GHz, or Dual 2.93 GHz
Quad-Core Intel Xeon 5500 ( "Gainestown")
CPU cache 1 MB L2 (Per Processor) 2 MB L2 (Per Processor) 4x 256 KB L2; 8 MB L3 (Per Processor)
System bus 1333 MHzFront side bus(Per Processor) 1600 MHz Front side bus (Per Processor) QPI
Memory 1 GB of 667 MHz PC2-5300 Fully Buffered ECC DDR2 SDRAM
Expandable to 32 GB
2 GB of 800 MHz PC2-6400 Fully Buffered ECC DDR2 SDRAM
Expandable to 32 GB
3 GB of 1066 MHz PC3-8500 ECC DDR3 SDRAM
Expandable to 24 GB (Quad Core) or 48 GB (Eight Core)
Graphics ATI Radeon X1300 with 64 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
Optional ATI Radeon X1300 with 256 MB of DDR2 SDRAM
ATI Radeon X1300 with 64 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 256 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM
Hard drive 80 GB SATA
SATA: Up to 3x 750 GB (2.25 TB)
SAS: Up to 3x 300 GB (900 GB)
80 GB SATA
SATA: Up to 3x 1 TB (3 TB)
SAS: Up to 3x 450 GB (1.35 TB)
160 GB SATA
SATA: Up to 3x 2 TB (6 TB)
SAS: Up to 3x 450 GB (1.35 TB)
Serial ATA5400-rpm orSAS15000-rpm
Three Internal Bays
Serial ATA7200-rpm orSAS15000-rpm
Optional 128 GBSSDBoot Drive
Three Internal Bays
Optical drive
Slot loading
CD-RW/DVD-ROMCombo Driveor DVD-RW DLSuperDrive DVD-RW DL SuperDrive
Connectivity 2xGigabit Ethernet
Expansion 1xPCIe×8
1x configurable slot (PCIe ×8 or 133 MHzPCI-X)
1x PCIe 2.0 ×16
1x configurable slot (PCIe 2.0 ×8 or 133 MHz PCI-X)
2x PCIe 2.0 ×16 (1x 6.6 "length and 1x 9.25" length)
Peripherals 2xUSB2.0
2xFireWire800
1x FireWire 400
1xRS-232serial
3x USB 2.0
2x FireWire 800
1x RS-232 serial
Video out Mini-DVI(VGAwith adapter)
Dual-LinkDVIwith optional ATI video card
Mini DisplayPort
Minimum operating system Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Latest release operating system Mac OS X 10.7 Lion&Mac OS X Server OS X 10.11 El Capitan&macOS Server
Weight 14.4 kg (31.7 Pounds) 14 kg (30.86 Pounds)

Supported OS versions releases[edit]

Mac OS X release Xserve G4 Xserve G5 Xserve Xeon
Original Slot Load/Cluster Node All Late 2006 Early 2008 Early 2009
RackMac1,1 RackMac1,2 RackMac3,1 Xserve1,1 Xserve2,1 Xserve3,1
10.1 Puma Server 10.1.5 No No No No No
10.2 Jaguar Server Yes 10.2.4 No No No No
10.3 Panther Server Yes Yes Yes No No No
10.4 Tiger Server Yes Yes Yes 10.4.8 No No
10.5 Leopard Server Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
10.6 Snow Leopard Server No No No Yes Yes Yes
10.7 LionandMac OS X Server No No No Yes Yes Yes
10.8 Mountain LionandOS X Server No No No patch patch Yes
10.9 MavericksandOS X Server No No No patch patch Yes
10.10 YosemiteandOS X Server No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch, upgraded GPU Yes
10.11 El CapitanandOS X Server No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch, upgraded GPU Yes
10.12 SierraandmacOS Server No No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch
10.13 High SierraandmacOS Server No No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch
10.14 MojaveandmacOS Server No No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch
10.15 CatalinaandmacOS Server No No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch
11 Big SurandmacOS Server No No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch
12 MontereyandmacOS Server No No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch
13 Ventura No No No No patch, upgraded GPU patch
Timeline of Macintosh servers
Mac transition to Apple siliconCascade Lake (microprocessor)Ivy Bridge (microarchitecture)Westmere (microprocessor)Nehalem (microarchitecture)Harpertown (microprocessor)Apple Intel transitionPowerPC 970PowerPC G4PowerPC 7xxPowerPC 600Motorola 68040Mac Pro#Mac Pro ServerMac Mini#Mac Mini ServerMac Pro#Mac Pro ServerMac Mini#Mac Mini ServerApple Macintosh Server G4Apple Macintosh Server G4Apple Macintosh Server G4Apple Macintosh Server G4Apple Macintosh Server G3Apple Macintosh Server G3Apple Workgroup Server 9650Apple Workgroup Server 7350Apple Workgroup Server 8550Apple Workgroup Server 7250Apple Workgroup Server 9150Apple Workgroup Server 8150Apple Workgroup Server 6150Intel XserveXserve G5 Cluster NodeXserve G5XserveXserveXserveApple Network Server 700Apple Network Server 700Apple Network Server 500Apple Workgroup Server 60Apple Workgroup Server 95Apple Workgroup Server 80

Notes[edit]

  1. ^abcApple products that have been discontinued for 7 years and no longer receive hardware support nor spare parts

References[edit]

  1. ^"Apple serves up rack-mountable server".CNET.RetrievedOctober 17,2023.
  2. ^ab"Xserve Transition Guide"(PDF).November 5, 2010.Archived(PDF)from the original on November 5, 2010.RetrievedNovember 5,2010.
  3. ^abc"Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty".support.apple.March 20, 2023.RetrievedMarch 23,2023.
  4. ^"Xserve (2009) - Technical Specifications".support.apple.Archivedfrom the original on September 12, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 12,2022.
  5. ^"Apple Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.93" Eight Core "Specs".Archived fromthe originalon September 27, 2022.
  6. ^Furno, Nicolas (November 8, 2010)."Xserve:" Pour ainsi dire, personne ne les achetait "(Steve Jobs)".MacGeneration(in French).RetrievedOctober 17,2023.
  7. ^"Xserve (2009) - Technical Specifications".support.apple.Archivedfrom the original on April 26, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 16,2020.
  8. ^"Apple Introduces Xserve with Quad 64-bit Xeon Processors".Apple Inc.August 7, 2006.Archivedfrom the original on December 7, 2020.RetrievedJune 23,2020.
  9. ^"Apple Introduces New Xserve—Most Powerful Apple Server Ever".Apple Inc.January 8, 2008.Archivedfrom the original on April 17, 2022.RetrievedJune 23,2020.
  10. ^"Apple Updates Xserve with Twice the Performance".Apple Inc.April 7, 2009.Archivedfrom the original on May 7, 2022.RetrievedJune 23,2020.

External links[edit]