Xserve
Xserve Quad Core
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Overview
Apple finally upgraded the Xserve from a base 2.0 GHz dual-core configuration to a 2.8 GHz quad-core machine - with dual 2.8 GHz and 3.0 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs optional. It matches the power of the Mac Pro, where the previous model had lagged behind.
Xserve supports up to 2.25 TB of internal storage, RAID, hot swappable drives, and remote management while running Mac OS X Server. It supports the SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface, which gives it access to 15,000 rpm hard drives.
Xserve includes an unlimited user license for Mac OS X Server.
Details
- introduced 2008.01.08 at $2,999 with one 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon CPU; dual 2.8 GHz, $3,499; dual 3.0 GHz, $4,299; replaced 2009.04.07
- requires Mac OS X Server v10.5.1 or later
- CPU: 1 or 2 quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs, 2.8 or 3.2 GHz
- bus: 1.6 GHz
- system performance: unknown
- RAM: 2 GB standard, expandable to 32 GB using 800 MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMMs
- video: ATI Radeon X1300 with 64 MB RAM
- L2 cache: 12 MB per processor
- L3 cache: none
- hard drive: 80 GB 7200 RPM, 3 drive bays, Serial ATA
- optical drive: slot-loading Combo drive, 8x SuperDrive DL optional
- 2 8-lane PCI Express slots (1 configurable as PCI-X)
- no 400 Mbps FireWire port
- two FireWire 800 ports on back
- two USB 2.0 ports on back, one on front
- one DB-9/RS-232 port
- dual 10/100/1000Base-T ethernet
- size (HxWxD): 1.73" x 17.6" x 30" (44 x 447 x 762mm)
- weight: 31.7-38.3 lbs. (14.4-17.4 kg)
- PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
- upgrade path: none yet
- Part no.: MA882
Accelerators & Upgrades
- none yet
Online Resources
- Best online Xserve deals.
- The 64-bitness of Mac OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard', Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.19. Although Apple is promoting 'Snow Leopard' as a fully 64-bit operating system, it defaults to running in 32-bit mode.
- The road ahead: 64-bit computing, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.19. Personal computers started with 8-bit CPUs, Macs started out with a 24-bit operating system, and 32-bit computing is starting to give way to 64 bits.
- Apple trumps Microsoft in making the 64-bit transition transparent to users, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.18. To use more than 4 GB of RAM under Windows, you need a 64-bit PC and the 64-bit version of Windows. On the Mac, OS X 10.4 and later already support it.
- Xserve: Power and value in a 1U server, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.05.07. Often overlooked, Apple's Xserve is powerful, flexible, and anything but overpriced, making it perfect for the enterprise.
- Most powerful Mac Pro and Xserve ever, dishwashers great for cleaning keyboards, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.01.11. Also a look at the new video cards for the Mac Pro, running Classic on Intel Macs, AppleCare costs more in Canada, New User's Guide to the Mac, and more.
- Xserve, Apple
