In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, certain artifacts stand as monuments to innovation and progress. One such relic is the Xserve Late 2006, a network server computer crafted by Apple, which from 2006 to 2008, epitomized the pinnacle of server performance and functionality.
Back in August 2006, amidst a wave of anticipation, Apple unveiled its latest marvel – the Xserve Late 2006. Priced at $2,999, this behemoth of a machine redefined the standards of server computing. Powered by a quad Xeon, 64-bit architecture, and featuring Mac OS X Server Tiger on two Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors running at speeds up to 3.0 GHz, the Xserve Late 2006 boasted performance levels exceeding five times its predecessors.
The Xserve Late 2006 was not just a server; it was a powerhouse engineered for unmatched performance. With an industry-leading high-bandwidth server architecture, including PCI Express and fully-buffered DIMMs, it delivered up to four times the I/O bandwidth, three times the memory bandwidth, and twice the storage bandwidth of its predecessors. Configurable with up to 32 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMM memory and supporting multiple processor options, the Xserve Late 2006 offered over a million possible build-to-order configurations, catering to diverse computing needs.
Flexibility and manageability were at the core of Xserve Late 2006’s design philosophy. With a myriad of customization options, including faster processors, larger hard drives, and dual power supplies, Apple ensured that users could tailor their servers to meet specific requirements. Moreover, advanced thermal management capabilities and remote administration tools further enhanced the server’s appeal, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of applications, from creative workgroups to scientific computing.
Alas, despite its groundbreaking features and unparalleled performance, the Xserve Late 2006 met its demise on January 8, 2008. This marked the end of an era for Apple’s server offerings as the company shifted its focus towards consumer devices, bidding adieu to the Xserve series.
Today, 18 years later the Xserve Late 2006 may be a relic of the past, but its legacy continues to resonate within the annals of tech history. As part of a series that marked Apple’s foray into the server market, it played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s trajectory towards future success. Despite its discontinuation, the Xserve Late 2006 remains a symbol of innovation and ingenuity, reminding us of a time when Apple dared to venture beyond the realm of consumer electronics.
Xserve Late 2006 Details
| Introduced | August 7, 2006 – 18 years ago |
| Discontinued | January 8, 2008 – 16 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 17 months (1 year) |
| Model Identifier | Xserve1,1 |
| Model Number | A1196 |
| EMC | 2107 |
| Order Number | MA409LL/A |
| Original Price | $2,999 (base configuration) |
| Colors | Aluminum |
| Weight | 31.7 – 38.3 Ibs. 14.378 – 17.372 KG |
| Dimensions | 1.73” H x 17.6” W x 30” D 4.39 cm H x 44.7 cm W x 76.2 cm D |
Rack Support
- Open or closed (cabinet-style) 19-inch-wide four-post rack from 24 to 36 inches deep
Xserve Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | Dual-Core Xeon 5130 “Woodcrest” x2 (2 GHz) Dual-Core Xeon 5150 “Woodcrest” x2 (2.66 GHz) Dual-Core Xeon 5160 “Woodcrest” x2 (3 GHz) |
| Processor Speed | 2x Dual 2 GHz 2x Dual 2.66 GHz 2x Dual 3 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 per processor (4 cores in total) |
| System Bus | 2x 1.33 GHz |
| Cache | 4 MB shared L2 per processor |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB 7,200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 24x DVD-R/CD-RW “Combo” slot-loading drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 1 GB |
| Maximum Memory | 32 GB |
| Memory Slots | 8 – PC2-5300 DDR2 ECC DIMM 667 MHz |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Radeon X1300 |
| Graphics Memory | 64 MB GDDR3 SDRAM 256 MB GDDR3 SDRAM |
| Display Connection | 1 – Mini-DVI (64 MB) 1 – dual-link DVI (256 MB) |
| Display Modes | N/A |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 1 – 8-lane PCI Express |
| Bays | 3 – Apple Drive Module bays |
| Hard Drive Interface | 3 – 3 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA) |
| ADM Compatibility | 73 GB 80 GB 300 GB 750 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 | 1 – Mini-DVI (64 MB) 1 – dual-link DVI (256 MB) |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS X Server 10.4.8 (Unlimited Clients) |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.7.5 |
| Firmware | Intel Extensible Firmware Interface |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| Backup Battery | Unknown |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 253 – 414 W |
| Line Voltage | 100V – 240V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Xserve (Late 2006): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Introduces Xserve with Quad 64-bit Xeon Processors – Apple Newsroom
- Xserve Xeon (Late 2006) – Low End Mac
- Xserve – Wikipedia
- Xserve (Late 2006) – Apple History
- A History of the Xserve: Apple’s One Rack Wonder – MacStories (Image 2 Source)
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.
