In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the journey from the early days of personal computers to the cutting-edge innovations of today has been nothing short of remarkable. Among the landmarks in this journey, the Macintosh Server G4, also known as “Macintosh Server G4 with Gigabit Ethernet,” holds a special place in the history of Apple.
Apple, renowned for pushing the boundaries of technology, took a giant leap forward by unveiling the Mac Servers alongside the Power Mac G4 line. These servers, featuring dual processors, marked a significant milestone as the first mainstream personal computers to come standard with such advanced capabilities. The 450 MHz and 500 MHz Mac Servers G4, equipped with dual PowerPC G4 processors and Velocity Engine, delivered a staggering 7 billion calculations per second. To put it into perspective, the dual processor 500 MHz Macintosh Server G4 rivaled the speed of a 2GHz Pentium III, a projection for a year or more into the future.
Not content with groundbreaking processing power alone, Apple also made history by incorporating Gigabit Ethernet as a standard feature in the Macintosh Server G4, a first in the industry. All G4 models were equipped with 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet built into the motherboard, solidifying the G4’s position as the ultimate networked client for seamless file transfers across networks. This was particularly advantageous for professionals dealing with large files like image and digital video files, showcasing Apple’s commitment to providing solutions for real-world needs.
In a move that resonated with consumers, Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, emphasized the affordability of the Macintosh Server G4, proudly declaring, “Apple is the first to make dual processors a standard feature in high-performance personal computers—and we are doing it without raising prices.” This commitment to delivering top-tier performance without breaking the bank was a game-changer in the industry. The machines were not only wickedly fast but also competitively priced, leaving Pentium processors trailing in their wake.
Accompanying the Mac Servers were innovative accessories that further elevated the user experience. The optical Apple Pro Mouse, a groundbreaking inclusion, provided precise positioning without the need for a mouse pad, boasting an ergonomic full-surface button and a comfortable elliptical shape. Simultaneously, the sleek Apple Pro Keyboard offered full-size function, navigation, volume control, disc eject keys, and two USB ports. Apple’s commitment to delivering a complete, user-friendly package showcased its dedication to excellence in every aspect.
Released on July 19, 2000, the Macintosh Server G4 Mid 2000 was part of Apple’s Macintosh Server series, aiming to bring enterprise-level power to personal computers. Despite its impressive specifications and capabilities, the Macintosh Server G4 had a brief existence, being discontinued on January 9, 2001, merely six months after its release. Nevertheless, its impact on the tech world remains indelible, and for those who experienced its prowess, it stands as a nostalgic and beloved piece of technology.
Today, as the Macintosh Server G4 Mid 2000 turns 24, it serves as a testament to the relentless innovation and forward-thinking ethos of Apple. Although it may have had a short-lived presence in the market, the Macintosh Server G4 with Gigabit Ethernet remains etched in the memories of tech enthusiasts as a pioneer who dared to redefine the standards of personal computing.
Its legacy lives on, reminding us that even in the fast-paced world of technology, certain milestones deserve to be cherished and celebrated. The Macintosh Server G4 will forever be remembered as a symbol of Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of personal computing.
Mac Server G4 Mid 2000 Details
| Introduced | July 19, 2000 |
| Discontinued | January 9, 2001 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac3,3 |
| Model Number | M5183 |
| EMC | 1864 |
| Order Number | M7892LL/A (dual 450 MHz) M7893LL/A (dual 500 MHz) |
| Original Price | $3,999 $4,999 |
| 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 Gigabit Ethernet Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7400 G4 |
| Processor Speed | Dual 450 MHz Dual 500 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz (Up to 800 Mbps data throughput) |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 1 MB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB 7,200 rpm (ATA) 36 GB 10,000 rpm (SCSI) 72 GB 10,000 rpm (SCSI) |
| Media | 1 – 5x DVD-ROM or DVD-RAM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.5 GB (Mac OS 9) 2 GB (Mac OS X) |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 8 ns (125 MHz) |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | 2x ATI Rage 128 Pro |
| Graphics Memory | 16 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
| Display Modes | Single display only |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – 33 MHz 64-bit PCI 1 – 2x AGP |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 100/250 bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) |
| Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | None |
| 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 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 9.0.4 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 4.9.1 |
| Bundled Software | Mac OS 9 with AppleShare IP or Mac OS X Server |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 220 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 (Gigabit Ethernet): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Debuts New Power Mac G4s with Dual Processors – Apple Newsroom
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- The Power Mac G4 Line – MacStories
- Mystic Power Mac G4 – Low End Mac
- Power Mac G4 – Relatively Ambitious
- On the Power Mac G4 – 512 Pixels
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 21, 2024
