The Xserve is a discontinued series of rack-mounted servers that was manufactured by Apple Inc. between 2002 and 2011. It was Apple's first rack-mounted server,[1] and could function as a file server, web server or run high-performance computing applications in clusters – a dedicated cluster Xserve, the Xserve Cluster Node, without a video card and optical drives was also available. The first Xserve had a PowerPC G4 processor, replaced by a PowerPC G5 in 2004, and by Intel Xeon processors in 2006; each was available in single-processor and dual-processor configurations. The Xserve was discontinued in 2011, and replaced with the Mac Pro Server and the Mac Mini Server.[2]

A small Xserve cluster with an Xserve RAID and APC UPS

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

Xserve G4

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Xserve G4
 
The original Xserve G4
 
The second-generation Xserve G4
 
The Xserve G4 Cluster Node
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeRackmounted Server
Release dateMay 14, 2002
DiscontinuedJanuary 6, 2004
CPUSingle or dual PowerPC 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 with Mac OS X v10.1 "Puma" Server, while those sold after shipped with Mac 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 hard drive bay, no video or Ethernet cards, and a 10-client version of "Jaguar" server.

On April 2, 2003 the Xserve RAID was 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 DDR SDRAM (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 ATI PCI Graphics 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-ROM Combo Drive
Slot-loading
None
Connectivity 2x Gigabit Ethernet (One on PCI card) 1x Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion 2x 64-bit 66 MHz PCI slots
1x 66 MHz PCI/AGP slot (used for Gigabit Ethernet card)
2x 64-bit 66 MHz PCI slots
Peripherals 2x USB 1.1
3x FireWire 400
1x RS-232 serial
2x USB 1.1
1x FireWire 400
2x FireWire 800
1x RS-232 serial
Video out VGA VGA or (VGA, DVI and S-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

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Xserve G5
 
The Xserve G5
 
The Xserve G5 Cluster Node
DeveloperApple Inc.
TypeRackmounted Server
Release dateJanuary 6, 2004
DiscontinuedNovember 2006
CPUSingle or dual PowerPC 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-bit PowerPC 970 processors running at 2 GHz. Ventilation issues restricted it to three SATA hot-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 for high-performance computing (HPC) applications. System X is 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 with Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther", after April 2005 shipped with Mac 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 ATA 7200-rpm
Three Internal Bays
Optical drive CD-ROM, CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive or DVD-RW SuperDrive
Slot-loading
None
Connectivity 2x Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion 2x 64-bit PCI-X slots
Peripherals 2x USB 2.0
2x FireWire 800
1x FireWire 400
1x RS-232 serial
Video out None (VGA with 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

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

The Intel-based Xserves were announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on August 7, 2006, and are significantly faster compared to the Xserve G5. They use Intel Xeon ('Woodcrest') processors, DDR2 ECC FB-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, DDR3 memory, 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 a SSD boot-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 with Mac OS X Server 10.6 Unlimited 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 to Mac Pro Server or Mac Mini Server.[2]

After the Xserve's discontinuation, an annoyed customer emailed Steve 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 MHz Front 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 ATA 5400-rpm or SAS 15000-rpm
Three Internal Bays
Serial ATA 7200-rpm or SAS 15000-rpm
Optional 128 GB SSD Boot Drive
Three Internal Bays
Optical drive
Slot loading
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive or DVD-RW DL SuperDrive DVD-RW DL SuperDrive
Connectivity 2x Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion 1x PCIe ×8
1x configurable slot (PCIe ×8 or 133 MHz PCI-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 2x USB 2.0
2x FireWire 800
1x FireWire 400
1x RS-232 serial
3x USB 2.0
2x FireWire 800
1x RS-232 serial
Video out Mini-DVI (VGA with adapter)
Dual-Link DVI with 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 operating systems

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macOS 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          
10.2 Jaguar Server   10.2.4        
10.3 Panther Server            
10.4 Tiger Server       10.4.8    
10.5 Leopard Server            
10.6 Snow Leopard Server            
10.7 Lion and Mac OS X Server            
10.8 Mountain Lion and OS X Server       patch patch  
10.9 Mavericks and OS X Server       patch patch  
10.10 Yosemite and OS X Server       patch, upgraded GPU patch, upgraded GPU  
10.11 El Capitan and OS X Server       patch, upgraded GPU patch, upgraded GPU  
10.12 Sierra and macOS Server         patch, upgraded GPU patch
10.13 High Sierra and macOS Server         patch, upgraded GPU patch
10.14 Mojave and macOS Server         patch, upgraded GPU patch
10.15 Catalina and macOS Server         patch, upgraded GPU patch
11 Big Sur and macOS Server         patch, upgraded GPU patch
12 Monterey and macOS Server         patch, upgraded GPU patch
13 Ventura         patch, upgraded GPU patch
14 Sonoma         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

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

References

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