High-Density Cluster Node Configuration

Technology Overview

Xserve G5

Most innovative HPC hardware

HPCwire, a leading journal of High Performance Computing, gave Apple its Editors Choice award for the hardware vendor delivering the most innovative overall HPC technology in 2003.

With the compute performance of two superscalar 2GHz PowerPC G5 processors, the Xserve G5 cluster node configuration is ideal for High Performance Computing (HPC) in scientific and technical environments, as well as for workgroup clusters and render farms. One dual processor node can execute over 9 billion double-precision floating- point operations per second, or 9 gigaflops per U. That means a rack filled with Xserve G5 systems can offer over 378 gigaflops of processing power. Single-precision floating- point performance is also remarkable: With a dual-pipeline Velocity Engine on each processor, the Xserve G5 cluster node can execute over 30 gigaflops. Best of all, by eliminating the cost of unneeded components, Apple has made this high-density 1U system extremely affordable.

For more information about Apple solutions for computational clusters, see www.apple.com/xserve/cluster.

Xserve G5 Cluster

An Xserve G5 cluster uses a dedicated server system as the head node, which can manage hundreds of Xserve cluster nodes. Apple’s Xserve RAID adds high-performance, high-availability storage. Each cluster node has these robust features:

•Computational power. Dual 2GHz PowerPC G5 processors provide high- performance computation and superior scalability.

•Fast PCI-X.Two PCI-X slots support cluster interconnect technologies, such as InfiniBand and Myricom’s Myrinet.

•Dual Gigabit Ethernet. Two onboard high-speed interfaces enable inde- pendent gigabit connections to the head node for network services and to the cluster interconnect for loosely coupled cluster environments.

•FireWire 800. Two FireWire 800 ports support small clusters using TCP/IP over FireWire. FireWire Target Disk Mode allows easy cloning of system configurations.

•Advanced cooling system. An array of eight fans keeps air flowing over high-performance processing components. Intelligent management of the fan array keeps noise and power consumption to a minimum.

•Indicator lights. Xserve G5 provides continuous, at-a-glance information about the health and status of all the systems in the rack.

•Built-in sensors. Hardware sensors integrate with Server Monitor to provide easy monitoring of hundreds of systems from a single, intuitive interface.

•Automatic setup. Mac OS X Server makes it easy to set up an entire rack of systems automatically from a directory on the network or a USB or FireWire disk.

•Startup options. Front Panel Mode allows the system identifier button to be used for selecting startup options, such as booting from a network server or restoring default system settings.

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.