In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain innovations stand out as milestones, marking significant advancements and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. One such innovation was the Apple Xserve G5 Cluster Node Early 2004, a network server computer that left an indelible mark on the computing world during its brief but impactful existence from 2004 to 2005.
Introduced by Apple on January 6, 2004, the Xserve G5 Cluster Node was part of the Macintosh Xserve G5 series, offering unparalleled performance and manageability in a sleek 1U rack-mount enclosure. Priced at $2,999, it quickly gained popularity among Apple enthusiasts and computer fans alike.
Powered by the revolutionary PowerPC G5 processor, the Xserve G5 boasted over 30 gigaflops of processing power per system, a significant leap from its predecessor, the PowerPC G4-based Xserve. This formidable processing capability made it the perfect choice for a wide range of applications, from cross-platform file and print services to high-performance computing and web serving.
The Xserve G5 Cluster Node was packed with features designed to meet the demanding needs of modern server environments. It boasted up to 8 GB of ECC memory, hot-plug Serial ATA drive modules offering up to 750 GB of storage, optional internal hardware RAID, dual PCI-X slots supporting high-throughput cards, and dual onboard Gigabit Ethernet for blazing-fast networking.
Moreover, its architecture, based on an execution core with massively parallel computation capabilities, delivered exceptional performance with symmetric multiprocessing, double-precision floating-point units, and an optimized Velocity Engine. With the industry’s fastest front-side processor bus, running at up to 1.0 GHz, the Xserve G5 set new standards for server performance and efficiency.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Xserve G5 Early 2004 was its innovative design, which managed to pack dual PowerPC G5 processors into an ultra-thin 1U enclosure without compromising on performance or reliability. Its copper heat sink design efficiently dissipated heat, while redundant high-performance fans ensured optimal cooling, even in the most demanding environments.
The server’s robust construction was further enhanced by its array of over 30 sensors, including dedicated temperature sensors, continuously monitoring critical system functions to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This meticulous attention to detail underscored Apple’s commitment to delivering servers that were not only powerful but also dependable.
Recognizing the importance of simplicity and ease of use in server environments, Apple equipped the Xserve G5 with new capabilities aimed at making server setup and remote management a breeze. The updated Server Monitor provided real-time status updates on key subsystems, while Apple’s hardware remote monitoring application offered comprehensive insights into server health and performance.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Xserve G5 Cluster Node remains a significant part of Apple’s history, embodying the company’s spirit of innovation and commitment to excellence. Although it was discontinued on January 4, 2005, its impact continues to be felt in the world of server technology.
Today, as the Xserve G5 Cluster Node Early 2004 celebrates its 20-year anniversary, it serves as a reminder of Apple’s legacy of innovation and technological prowess. Its enduring appeal among collectors and nostalgic Apple enthusiasts is a testament to its timeless design and groundbreaking features.
Xserve G5 Cluster Node Early 2004 Details
| Introduced | January 6, 2004 |
| Discontinued | January 4, 2005 |
| Model Identifier | RackMac3,1 |
| Model Number | Unknown |
| EMC | Unknown |
| Order Number | ML/9215A M9742LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,999 |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 33 Ibs. 14.968 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 G5 Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 970fx G5 |
| Processor Speed | Dual 2 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 1 GHz |
| Cache | 64 / 32 KB L1 512 KB L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB 7,200 rpm |
| Media | None |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 8 GB |
| Memory Slots | 8 – PC-3200 DDR400 SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 10 ns |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | None |
| Graphics Memory | N/A |
| Display Connection | None |
| Display Modes | N/A |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 2 – PCI-X 133 MHz 64-bit |
| Bays | 1 – Apple Drive Module bays |
| Hard Drive Interface | 1 – 1.5 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
| ADM Compatibility | 74 GB 80 GB 250 GB 400 GB 500 GB |
Connections
| Ethernet | 2 – 10/100/1000BASE-T (support for jumbo frames) |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | None |
| Bluetooth | None |
| Fibre Channel | Optional |
| USB | 2 – 480 Mbps |
| Serial | 1 – DB9 (RS-232) |
| SCSI | None |
| FireWire | 1 – 400 Mbps 2 – 800 Mbps |
| Audio In | None |
| Audio Out | None |
| Display | None |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X Server 10.3 (10 Client) |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| Backup Battery | Unknown |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 240 – 252 W |
| Line Voltage | 90V – 264V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Xserve G5: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces Xserve G5 – Apple Newsroom
- Xserve – Wikipedia
- Xserve G5 (Early 2004) – Low End Mac
- Xserve G5 (Cluster Node) – Apple History
- G5 Xserve – Sound on Sound
- Xserve G5 Review – MacWorld
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 25, 2024
