Technology Overview

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Xserve G5

Introduction

What’s New?

•Single or dual 2GHz PowerPC G5 processors using 90-nanometer process technology

•Gigahertz frontside bus with independent data paths in and out of the processor

•Two independent frontside buses on dual processor systems

•Point-to-point system controller

•Support for up to 8GB of 400MHz ECC memory

•Fast 133MHz PCI-X bus for Fibre Channel, RAID, SCSI, or cluster interconnect cards

•Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces on the main logic board

•Up to three 80GB or 250GB Serial ATA (SATA) Apple Drive Modules1

In May 2002, Apple introduced Xserve, a high-density, 1U rackmount server that was applauded for its value and versatility. In 2003, we built on that success with performance enhancements, more storage, and flexible build-to-order options. Now in its third generation, this highly acclaimed server gets a huge burst of power from the 64-bit PowerPC G5 processor—accelerating a wide range of intensive server chores and High Performance Computing (HPC) applications.

The groundbreaking PowerPC G5 made its debut in Apple’s Power Mac G5, enabling computer users to tackle projects never before possible on a desktop system. In fact, its performance was so remarkable that Virginia Tech chose the G5 processor as the engine for its newest supercomputing facility, ranked third most powerful in the world.2 With the introduction of Xserve G5, the same processing performance is packed into a slim 1U form factor. Combine the superefficient PowerPC G5 with high- bandwidth, server-optimized system I/O and fast internal storage, and Xserve G5 outperforms today’s fastest 1U Xeon- and Opteron-based systems.3

In addition to robust hardware features, Xserve G5 comes complete with an unlimited- client license for Mac OS X Server software, a host of powerful network services, and integrated remote management and monitoring tools. Easy to set up and easy

to maintain, Xserve G5 with Mac OS X Server dramatically reduces the complexity

of system administration and minimizes maintenance costs. For added peace of mind, Apple offers enterprise-class service and support products for Xserve G5 hardware and Mac OS X Server software, with a single vendor to call.

This uniquely Apple integration results in superior performance, unparalleled manage- ability, and increased uptime—enabling organizations to lower their total cost of ownership and reduce the pressure on network administrators. Whether in small or large business, higher education or K–12 schools, creative departments, or science and technology research centers, the affordable Xserve G5 is the perfect server for today’s new breed of UNIX-based solutions.

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Apple Xserve G5 manual Introduction, What’s New?
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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.
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