In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, it’s fascinating to look back at milestones that shaped the course of innovation. One such landmark moment was the introduction of the Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 by Apple on January 28, 2002. Despite its relatively short lifespan, this server computer left an indelible mark on Apple’s history, embodying cutting-edge power and performance tailored for creative professionals and server environments.
Apple’s announcement of the Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 heralded a new era of digital prowess. Paired with the Power Mac G4, this server boasted dual 1-GHz PowerPC G4 processors, delivering an astounding 15 gigaflops of computing power. Such capabilities empowered users to run professional applications like Adobe Photoshop with unprecedented speed, outpacing even the formidable competition of the time.
What set the Macintosh Server G4 apart was not just its raw processing power, but its ability to harness that power for real-world tasks. Encoding DVD Video over 300 percent faster than a 2-GHz Pentium 4-based PC showcased its efficiency in multimedia production—a realm where time is of the essence. With next-generation graphics ATI Radeon 7500 with 32 MB of DDR SDRAM, visual tasks were handled with finesse, complementing the server’s computational might.
Beyond its internal prowess, the Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 was a marvel of design and functionality. Housed in Apple’s signature award-winning enclosures, it exuded elegance and accessibility. Key features like dual monitor support, support for up to 1.5 GB of PC133 SDRAM, and expansion capabilities with five slots—including four high-performance 64-bit 33 MHz PCI slots—cemented its status as a versatile workhorse.
Apple’s commitment to empowering creativity was evident in the bundled software suite accompanying the Macintosh Server G4. From iPhoto for digital photo management to iTunes for organizing music collections, and iMovie 2 for seamless video editing, users were equipped with a comprehensive toolkit for unleashing their artistic vision. The inclusion of iDVD 2 for authoring DVDs further expanded the server’s utility, catering to a wide range of multimedia needs.
In an era where connectivity and storage were paramount, the Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 excelled. Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet facilitated high-speed networking, enabling seamless collaboration and data transfer. With two FireWire ports and four USB ports, connecting external devices such as DV camcorders, printers, and storage devices was effortless, ensuring versatility in a connected world.
Despite its groundbreaking features and capabilities, the Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 faced a brief existence. Discontinued on May 14, 2002, it made way for the Xserve, marking a transition in Apple’s server lineup. However, its impact resonates to this day, serving as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and excellence in server computing.
The Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 stands as a symbol of Apple’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement. Its blend of power, performance, and versatility made it a beloved companion for creative professionals and server environments alike. As we reflect on its legacy 22 years since its introduction, we celebrate its contributions to Apple’s storied history and the broader landscape of computing innovation. Though its time may have been brief, its impact endures as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation that defines Apple and its products.
Macintosh Server G4 QuickSilver Early 2002 Details
| Introduced | January 28, 2002 |
| Discontinued | May 14, 2002 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac3,6 |
| Model Number | M8493 |
| EMC | 1896 |
| Order Number | M8649LL/A (933 MHz) M8650LL/A (dual 1 GHz) |
| Original Price | $2,799 $3,299 |
| Colors | QuickSilver |
| 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 |
Macintosh Server G4 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7450 G4 PowerPC 7555 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 933 MHz Dual 1 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 or 2 |
| System Bus | 133 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 2 MB L3 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 36 GB 10,000 rpm (SCSI) 72 GB 10,000 rpm (SCSI) 80 GB 7,200 rpm (ATA) |
| Media | 1 – 32x CD-RW |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512 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 | ATI Radeon 7500 |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
| Display Modes | Dual display extended and video mirroring |
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 | 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 | None |
| Audio Out | 1 – 2.5-mm Apple Pro Speaker minijack 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – VGA 1 – ADC |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple Pro Keyboard Apple Pro Mouse |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X Server 10.1 (Unlimited Client) |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM 9.0.1 |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 360 W |
| Line Voltage | 115 V AC (90-132 V AC) or 230 V AC (180-264 V AC) |
Further Reading and References
- Apple Unveils Dual 1-GHz Power Mac G4 – Apple Newsroom
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- Quicksilver 2002 Power Mac G4 – Low End Mac
- On the Power Mac G4 – 512 Pixels
- Power Mac G4 Quicksilver – Old Computer Info
- Power Mac G4 (1.0 GHz, “Quicksilver,” 2002) – MattFuller
- 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: February 6, 2024
