In the realm of network server technology, February 10, 2003, marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the Apple Xserve Early 2003, also affectionately known as the “Xserve Slot Load” or “2nd Generation.” This unveiling marked a paradigm shift in the landscape of server computing, bringing forth a powerhouse solution designed to cater to the diverse needs of businesses and organizations.
The Apple Xserve Early 2003 emerged as a formidable successor to its predecessor, designed to raise the bar in terms of performance, affordability, and versatility. Boasting dual 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processors and up to 2 GB of DDR memory, coupled with hot-plug storage capabilities of up to 720 GB, this network server stood as a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation.
Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly summarized the essence of this groundbreaking release: “Just six months after we shipped the first Xserve, we’re now offering more power and more storage at an even lower price.” This sentiment resonated with businesses worldwide, positioning the Xserve as an indispensable asset in their technological arsenal.
At the core of the Xserve Slot Load lay its robust specifications, engineered to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency. With dual 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 processors and 2 MB of dedicated L3 cache memory per processor, coupled with up to 2 GB of DDR memory, this server exuded computational prowess.
The inclusion of two full-length 64-bit, 66 MHz PCI slots facilitated seamless expansion, while dual independent Gigabit Ethernet ports and FireWire 800 interfaces ensured high-speed connectivity, essential for modern networking environments.
Complementing its formidable hardware, the Xserve Early 2003 came equipped with the unlimited client edition of Apple’s Mac OS X Server software. This comprehensive software package offered built-in file and printer sharing, alongside a robust journaled file system, enhancing availability and reliability in mission-critical scenarios.
Furthermore, the server’s remote management and monitoring tools empowered administrators to effortlessly oversee key network services, ensuring seamless operation and swift troubleshooting.
The Xserve Early 2003 didn’t just stand alone; it thrived within a thriving ecosystem of third-party solutions. Partnerships with industry titans such as Macromedia and Stalker Communicate Pro further enriched the server’s capabilities, offering a diverse array of applications ranging from J2EE Application Servers to clustered failover solutions.
Upon its release, the Xserve Slot Load 2003 was priced competitively, starting at $2,799, making it an attractive proposition for businesses seeking cutting-edge server solutions. Available through the Apple Store and Authorized Resellers, it offered flexibility through customizable configurations tailored to meet specific requirements.
Despite its acclaim and success, the Xserve Slot Load met its end on January 6, 2004, making way for the next iteration, the Xserve G5. However, its legacy endures, with enthusiasts and collectors cherishing it as a relic of Apple’s early foray into network server computing.
In retrospect, the Apple Xserve Early 2003 stands as a testament to Apple’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. Its introduction 21 years ago marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of network server technology, offering unparalleled performance, reliability, and versatility. Though its journey may have concluded, its impact reverberates through the annals of technological history, forever etching its place as a pioneer in the realm of server computing.
Xserve Slot Load Details
| Introduced | February 10, 2003 |
| Discontinued | January 6, 2004 |
| Model Identifier | RackMac1,2 |
| Model Number | A1004 |
| EMC | 1971 |
| Order Number | M8888LL/A (1.33 GHz) M8889LL/A (dual 1.33 GHz) |
| Original Price | $2,799 $3,799 |
| 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 Early 2003 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7455 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 1.33 GHz Dual 1.33 GHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 or 2 |
| System Bus | 167 MHz |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 256 KB backside L2 2 MB L3 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 60 GB 7,200 rpm 180 GB 7,200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM or 8x DVD-R/CD-RW “Combo” drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 2 GB |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-2700 DDR SDRAM |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI PCI graphics ATI AGP graphics |
| 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/133 (ATA-7) |
| ADM Compatibility | 60 GB 120 GB 180 GB 250 GB 400 GB 500 GB |
Connections
| Ethernet | 1 – Built-in 1 – PCI/AGP slot 10/100/1000BASE-T (support for jumbo frames on PCI/AGP only) |
| 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 (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 | 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 (Slot Load) / Xserve RAID – Apple History
- Xserve Setup Guide (PDF) – Apple Docs
- Xserve 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 16, 2024
