In the dynamic landscape of technology, Apple has always been a trailblazer, consistently pushing boundaries and redefining industries. One significant chapter in Apple’s journey into the enterprise market was marked by the introduction of the Apple Xserve Cluster Node in early 2003.
In the early 2000s, Apple embarked on a strategic mission to extend its product portfolio beyond personal computing and venture into the realm of enterprise solutions. The Apple Xserve Cluster Node Early 2003, introduced in March 2003, was a pivotal component of this strategy. Crafted as a network server computer, it aimed to cater to the evolving needs of businesses seeking robust and reliable server solutions.
At its core, the Xserve Cluster Node epitomized Apple’s commitment to delivering unparalleled performance and efficiency. Equipped with dual 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processors, complemented by up to 2 GB of DDR memory, and offering a staggering 720 GB of hot-plug storage, the Xserve set a new benchmark for price performance. Its 1U rack-optimized enclosure housed a rich array of features, including dual independent Gigabit Ethernet ports, FireWire 800 interfaces, and PCI expansion slots for seamless scalability.
The market resonance of the Xserve Cluster Node was palpable, with accolades pouring in from various quarters. Industry experts lauded its blend of Mac’s user-friendly interface with the robustness of UNIX, making it a compelling choice for businesses across sectors. The endorsement from renowned institutions such as IDC underscored its growing footprint in the enterprise landscape, further solidifying Apple’s position as a formidable player in server solutions.
Beyond its hardware prowess, the Xserve G4 Cluster Node Early 2003 catalyzed a wave of innovation and collaboration within the developer community. Third-party solutions tailored for Apple’s Mac OS X Server ecosystem proliferated, ranging from J2EE application servers to clustered failover solutions. This vibrant ecosystem not only enriched the server’s capabilities but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and refinement.
Despite its meteoric rise, the journey of the Xserve Cluster Node was not without its twists. Just over a year after its debut, Apple announced its discontinuation in January 2004, paving the way for subsequent iterations. However, its legacy endured, leaving an indelible mark on Apple’s trajectory in the enterprise domain.
Today, 21 years after its inception, the Xserve G4 Cluster Node remains a revered artifact for technology enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its timeless design and groundbreaking features serve as a poignant reminder of Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation, even in the nascent stages of its enterprise endeavors.
The story of the Apple Xserve Cluster Node Early 2004 transcends mere technological innovation; it embodies the spirit of exploration, innovation, and resilience that defines Apple’s ethos. As we reflect on its journey, we are reminded that true progress knows no bounds, and with each stride forward, Apple continues to redefine the contours of possibility in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
Xserve Cluster Node Early 2003 Details
| Introduced | March 6, 2003 |
| Discontinued | January 6, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | RackMac1,2 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | M9090LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,799 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 26 Ibs. 11.793 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 G4 Cluster Node Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7455 G4 |
| Processor Speed | Dual 1.33 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 2 MB L3 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 7,200 rpm |
| Media | None |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-2700 DDR SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | N/A |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA or DVI 1 – VGA and 1 – S-Video |
| Display Modes | N/A |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – PCI |
| Bays | 1 – Apple Drive Module bays |
| Hard Drive Interface | 1 – Ultra ATA/133 (ATA-7) |
| ADM Compatibility | 60 GB 120 GB 180 GB 250 GB 400 GB 500 GB |
Connections
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45 |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Fibre Channel | Optional |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Serial | 1 – DB9 (RS-232) |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps 2 – 800 Mbps |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | None |
| Display | 1 – VGA or DVI 1 – VGA and 1 – S-Video |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X Server 10.2.4 (10 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 | 94 – 244 W |
| Line Voltage | 90V – 264V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Xserve (Slot Load): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Upgrades Xserve – Apple Newsroom
- Xserve – Wikipedia
- Xserve G4 (Early 2003) – Low End Mac
- Xserve (Cluster Node) – Apple History
- Xserve Setup Guide (PDF) – Apple Docs
- Xserve Service Source (PDF) – Apple Repair Manuals
- Apple Quietly Adds Xserve Clustering Model For Cheaper Cluster Networks – Mac Observer
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 16, 2024
