In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, it’s fascinating to reminisce about groundbreaking products that paved the way for today’s advanced computing experiences. One such relic of the past is the Macintosh Server G4 with Digital Audio, introduced by Apple in January 2001.
Apple’s Macintosh Server G4, affectionately known as the “Macintosh Server G4 with Digital Audio,” emerged as a high-end server computer designed for the Power Macintosh series. Released at a price tag of $2,999, it instantly positioned itself as a formidable player in the server computing arena. The year 2001 marked the introduction of this powerhouse, boasting PowerPC G4 processors running at speeds up to 533 MHz.
At the core of the Mac Server G4 line was a new high-performance architecture featuring a 133 MHz system and memory buses. With five slots for increased expandability, users were empowered to tailor their computing experience to meet their specific needs. This innovation mirrored Apple’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology to its users.
One of the standout features of the Mac Server G4 was its integration with Apple’s new iTunes software. Steve Jobs, Apple’s visionary CEO at the time, hailed it as the first complete solution for CD and DVD authoring. The inclusion of CD-RW drives in all models allowed users to burn their audio CDs seamlessly. The revolutionary SuperDrive, capable of burning both CDs and consumer player-compatible DVDs, catapulted Apple ahead of its competitors.
Apple’s iTunes software was touted as the world’s best and easiest-to-use jukebox. Users could import songs from their favorite CDs, compress files into the popular MP3 format, and organize their music effortlessly. The Power Mac G4’s new CD-RW or the groundbreaking SuperDrive opened up possibilities for creating custom music CDs, showcasing Apple’s commitment to user-friendly innovation.
The Macintosh Server G4 with Digital Audio was equipped with a Single or Dual 533 MHz PowerPC 7410 G4 processor, 256 MB of RAM, and a range of hard drive options, including 36 GB, 60 GB, or 72 GB. With a 32x CD-ROM drive and 32 MB NVIDIA GeForce2 MX graphics, this server computer boasted a powerful combination of hardware, solidifying its status as a top-of-the-line server in the market.
While the Mac Server G4 series and the Power Mac G4 series shared many similarities, the former often shipped with larger or faster hard drives and more RAM. Crucially, all Mac Server G4 models came pre-installed with server software, either MacOS 9.1 and AppleShare IP or MacOS X Server. This differentiation underscored Apple’s acknowledgment of the unique needs of server users.
Despite its innovative features and powerful performance, the Macintosh Server G4 with Digital Audio had a relatively short lifespan. Discontinued on July 18, 2001, it made way for the Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver later in the same year. Today, 23 years after its release, the Macintosh Server G4 stands as a relic, a testament to the rapid evolution of technology and the dynamic nature of the computing industry.
As we look back at the Macintosh Server G4 with Digital Audio, it’s clear that this server computer played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of server technology. Apple’s commitment to innovation, as evidenced by the integration of iTunes and the SuperDrive, set new standards for user experience. While the Macintosh Server G4 may no longer be part of the contemporary tech landscape, its legacy lives on, reminding us of the strides made in computing and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Mac Server G4 Early 2001 Details
| Introduced | January 9, 2001 |
| Discontinued | July 18, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac3,4 |
| Model Number | M5183 |
| EMC | 1862 |
| Order Number | M8182LL/A M7694LL/A M7693LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,999 $3,999 |
| Colors | Graphite |
| Weight | 30 Ibs. 13.607 KG |
| Dimensions | 17” H x 8.9” W x 18.4” D 43.18 cm H x 22.6 cm W x 46.73 cm D |
Mac Server G4 with Digital Audio Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7410 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 533 MHz Dual 533 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB or 1 MB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 7,200 rpm (ATA) 32 GB 10,000 rpm (SCSI) 72 GB 10,000 rpm (SCSI) |
| Media | 1 – 32x CD-ROM 1 – Zip 250 drive (Optional) |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.5 GB |
| Memory Slots | 3 – PC-133 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce2 MX |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
| Display Modes | Single display only |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 4 – 33 MHz 64-bit PCI 1 – 4x AGP |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 250 bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) or Ultra160 SCSI |
| Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | 56k (Optional) |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | 1 – Ultra160 SCSI PCI Card (Optional) |
| FireWire | 2 – 400 Mbps (15W total power) |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 2.5-mm Apple Pro Speaker minijack |
| Display | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.1 with AppleShare 6.3.3 Mac OS X Server |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | None |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 338 W |
| Line Voltage | 115 V AC (90-132 V AC) or 230 V AC (180-264 V AC) |
Further Reading and References
- Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio): Setting Up (Manual PDF) – Apple Support
- Apple Delivers New Power Mac G4 with 733 MHz PowerPC G4 Processors – Apple Newsroom
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- Digital Audio Power Mac G4 – Low End Mac
- The Future of Digital Audio Power Macs in the Age of Leopard – Low End Mac
- Power Mac G4 – Relatively Ambitious
- On the Power Mac G4 – 512 Pixels
- G4 Macintosh Digital Audio & Quicksilver – Ancientelectronics
- Power Mac G4/ Macintosh Server G4 Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
Disclaimer: The data presented in this article is under continuous development and has been manually collected from various sources based on their availability. The author of this article may revise this dataset as additional research is conducted and reviewed. Please note that the information is provided “as is” and “as available” without express or implied warranties. The author cannot be held responsible for any omissions, inaccuracies, or errors in the published information. Any warranties relating to this information are hereby disclaimed.
Last updated: January 22, 2024
