Product Overview, Key Features, Xserve RAID

Xserve G5

Apple’s new Xserve packs high-density PowerPC G5 computing power and fast, affordable storage in a 1U rack-optimized enclosure. Customers can choose from two standard server configurations and one cluster node configuration, as well as from an array of build-to-order options.

Xserve RAID

Connect Xserve to Apple’s affordable Xserve RAID storage solution for enormous capacity—up to 3.5TB1—and advanced data protection in a high-availability 3U enclosure.

Technology Overview

Xserve G5

Product Overview

Key Features

Xserve G5 combines 64-bit processors, a high-bandwidth system architecture, and massive storage with Apple’s legendary ease of use. The following features make Xserve a robust, versatile server solution for businesses and institutions everywhere.

Single or dual 2GHz processors. Each 64-bit PowerPC G5 processor features an optimized Velocity Engine unit, two floating-point units, and robust branch prediction logic. To get more work done faster, its superpipelined, superscalar architecture can handle large numbers of complex operations in parallel.

Gigahertz frontside bus. The industry’s fastest frontside bus maximizes processor performance by transferring instructions and data at rates of up to 8GB/s. In dual processor systems, each PowerPC G5 has a dedicated frontside bus for a combined throughput of up to 16GB/s.

Advanced ECC memory technology. A 128-bit memory controller speeds data in and out of main memory at up to 6.4GB/s. Today’s Xserve G5 supports 8GB of fast, 400MHz RAM with Error Correction Code (ECC) protection.

High-bandwidth I/O. Two open 64-bit PCI-X slots provide throughput of up to 1GB/s for PCI devices. Dual onboard Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and FireWire 800 ports offer high- performance connectivity and deployment flexibility.

Flexible storage. Three drive bays hold up to 750GB of fast, internal Serial ATA (SATA) storage1 in hot-plug Apple Drive Modules.4 Fast PCI-X slots and optional cards allow connection to external storage devices, including Apple’s Xserve RAID storage system.

Innovative hardware monitoring. Dedicated monitoring hardware integrates with industry-leading software for remote monitoring of one or many Xserve G5 systems. The software can even send automatic notifications via email or pager.

UNIX-based operating system. An unlimited-client license for Mac OS X Server,4 complete with easy-to-use open source workgroup and Internet services, is included at no additional cost. Built on open standards, Mac OS X Server integrates seamlessly into enterprise infrastructures. What’s more, Apple has written the latest version of Mac OS X Server to maximize the computing power of the 64-bit PowerPC G5.

Server-class support products. To minimize downtime, Apple offers a suite of enterprise-class support products, including onsite hardware repairs, advanced software support, and convenient spares kits.

Xserve G5 specifications

The Apple Xserve G5 was a powerful rack-mounted server that was introduced by Apple in 2004. Built on the robust PowerPC architecture, it marked a significant entry into the enterprise server market for the company, reflecting its commitment to high-performance computing and advanced technology solutions.

One of the main features of the Xserve G5 was its dual dual-core PowerPC G5 processors, which allowed for exceptional computation performance. This configuration enabled up to 8 processing cores in a single server unit, significantly enhancing multitasking capabilities and making it suitable for high-demand applications. With support for up to 16GB of DDR SDRAM, the server ensured ample memory for intensive operations and large-scale data processing tasks.

In terms of storage, the Xserve G5 featured a versatile design that supported up to four hot-swappable Serial ATA (SATA) drive bays. This capability enabled users to easily replace or upgrade hard drives without downtime, which is crucial in enterprise environments. The server also supported RAID configurations, offering options for increased reliability and data redundancy.

Networking capabilities were another highlight of the Xserve G5. It came equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing robust network throughput and redundancy. This feature was particularly valuable for mission-critical applications where uptime and performance were essential. Additionally, the Xserve G5 was compatible with various networking protocols and featured built-in support for Active Directory, simplifying integration into existing IT infrastructures.

The operating system of choice for the Xserve G5 was Mac OS X Server, which offered a user-friendly interface along with powerful server management tools. The software provided a wide range of services, including file sharing, web hosting, and email services, tailored for small to medium enterprises and education institutions.

For those seeking expandability, the Xserve G5 boasted a PCI-X expansion slot, allowing users to add various hardware components such as additional network interfaces or specialized processing cards.

In terms of its physical design, the Xserve G5 had a sleek, 1U form factor, making it easy to integrate into existing server racks while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The efficient cooling system was designed to keep the unit running optimally, ensuring reliability during extended periods of use.

In conclusion, the Apple Xserve G5 represented a significant advance in server technology with its powerful dual G5 processors, ample memory and storage options, and robust networking capabilities. Its combination of performance and user-friendly Mac OS X Server made it a notable choice for organizations seeking reliable computing solutions in the mid-2000s.