On May 14th, 2002, Apple revolutionized the server industry by unveiling the Xserve known as “Original”, Mid 2002″ or “1st Generation”, a groundbreaking network server computer that combined powerful performance with Apple’s signature ease of use. Despite its short-lived production span from 2002 to 2003, the Xserve left an indelible mark on the technological landscape.
The Original Xserve emerged as Apple’s inaugural foray into the realm of network servers, boasting a sleek 1U rack-mount design and unparalleled ease of setup and management. Tailored to seamlessly integrate with Apple’s UNIX-based Mac OS X Server software, the Xserve quickly became a go-to choice for businesses and educational institutions seeking robust server solutions.
At the heart of the Xserve’s prowess were its dual 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processors, each equipped with 2 MB of DDR L3 cache. This formidable hardware configuration, coupled with up to 2 GB of DDR SDRAM memory and best-in-class storage options, ensured exceptional performance for a myriad of applications, from file/print services to video streaming and database management.
The 1st Gen Xserve garnered acclaim from industry stalwarts, with Clear Channel Worldwide’s CTO hailing it as the perfect fit for their creative and media production needs. Additionally, Oracle Corp recognized the Xserve as an ideal platform for deploying their Oracle9i Database, highlighting its compatibility with enterprise-class solutions and database clustering technologies.
Setting a new standard for server administration, Xserve introduced innovative tools like Server Admin and Server Monitor, empowering administrators to configure and monitor network services with unparalleled ease and efficiency. These capabilities streamlined remote management, allowing for seamless oversight of server operations.
With a myriad of features ranging from hardware RAID mirroring to high-speed networking interfaces, the Xserve offers a versatile solution tailored to diverse business needs. Optional add-ons such as AGP graphics cards and fiber Gigabit Ethernet adapters further extended its functionality, making it a versatile choice for various environments.
Apple positioned the Xserve 1st Generation competitively, with starting prices of $2,999 for the base configuration and $3,999 for the dual-processor variant. Customers had the flexibility to customize their setups according to specific requirements, ensuring that the Xserve catered to a wide range of budgets and use cases.
Despite its discontinuation in 2003, the Original Xserve’s impact endures, serving as a testament to Apple’s innovation and commitment to excellence. Its legacy lives on in subsequent iterations of Apple’s server offerings, influencing the design and functionality of modern-day server solutions.
As we commemorate 22 years since its introduction, the Xserve remains a seminal chapter in Apple’s storied history. Its blend of performance, simplicity, and versatility set a benchmark for server technology, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. While its production may have been brief, the Xserve’s impact continues to resonate, reminding us of Apple’s enduring legacy of innovation.
Original Xserve Details
| Introduced | May 14, 2002 |
| Released | July 2002 |
| Discontinued | February 10, 2003 |
| Model Identifier | RackMac1,1 |
| Model Number | N/A |
| EMC | N/A |
| Order Number | M8627LL/A (1 GHz) M8628LL/A (dual 1 GHz) |
| Original Price | $2,999 $3,999 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 26 – 31 Ibs. 11.793 – 14.061 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.73” H x 17.6” W x 28” D 4.39 cm H x 44.7 cm W x 71.12 cm D |
Rack Support
- Fits EIA-310-D-compliant, industry-standard 19-inch-wide racks, including four-post racks (24-inches, 26-inches, and from 29 to 36-inches deep) and two-post telco racks (center-mount brackets included)
Xserve 1st Gen Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7455 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1 GHz 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 | 60 GB 7,200 rpm 120 GB 7,200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-2100 DDR SDRAM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI PCI graphics ATI Radeon 8500 AGP |
| Graphics Memory | 32 MB 64 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA or DVI 1 – VGA and 1 – S-Video |
| Display Modes | N/A |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – PCI 1 – PCI/AGP Combo |
| Bays | 4 – Apple Drive Module bays |
| Hard Drive Interface | 4 – Ultra ATA/100 (ATA-6) |
| ADM Compatibility | 60 GB 120 GB 180 GB 250 GB |
Connections
| Ethernet | 2 – 10/100/1000BASE-T |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Fibre Channel | Optional |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Serial | 1 – DB9 |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 3 – 400 Mbps (15W total power) |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | None |
| Display | 1 – VGA or DVI 1 – VGA and 1 – S-Video |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X Server 10.1.5 (Unlimited Client) |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 133 – 183 W |
| Line Voltage | 90V – 264V AC |
Xserve Introduction Video
Further Reading and References
- Xserve: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces Xserve 1U Rack-Mount Server – Apple Newsroom
- Major Third Party Developers Commit Support to Apple’s New Xserve – Apple Newsroom
- Xserve – Wikipedia
- Xserve G4 (Mid 2002) – Low End Mac
- 20 Macs for 2020: #18 – Xserve – Six Colors
- Apple Xserve Server Hits The Spot – CRN
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 10, 2024
