On a crisp December 2nd, 1999, Apple marked a milestone in its Macintosh Server series by introducing the Macintosh Server G4 Late 1999, fondly known as (AGP Graphics). This personal computer, though gracing the market for just over six months until its discontinuation on July 19th, 2000, remains etched in the annals of Apple’s computer history, now standing as a vintage piece at 24 years old.
At its core, the Macintosh Server G4 is a testament to reliability, power, scalability, and speed. Fueled by the PowerPC G4 with Velocity Engine, this machine was designed for seamless performance. Its ease of setup and use, coupled with the AppleShare IP, makes it an affordable solution catering to a diverse array of needs.
For those navigating large-scale networking terrain, the Macintosh Server G4 with Mac OS X Server emerges as a frontrunner. It not only encapsulates the robustness of the PowerPC G4 but also integrates Apple’s industry-leading web and application server software.
Delving into the realms of Internet and workgroup servers, the Macintosh Server G4, armed with Mac OS X Server, stands as an epitome of power and versatility. The amalgamation of the PowerPC G4 with Velocity Engine and Apple’s Mac OS X Server software catapults its performance, making it a stalwart for Internet, publishing, and education server applications.
Noteworthy is its speed, scalability, and user-friendly administration, making it a beacon for those seeking a powerful yet straightforward solution. The integration of the new PowerPC G4 with Velocity Engine provides a robust platform for seamless communication and information exchange. With AppleShare IP software, the Macintosh Server G4 facilitates the sharing of users and groups across multiple servers, allowing for organic growth as organizational needs evolve.
Marketed as a potent solution for small businesses and personal use, the Macintosh Server G4 boasted impressive specifications for its time. Its base model featured a 350 MHz / 400 MHz / 450 MHz or 500 MHz PowerPC 7400 G4 processor, accompanied by 128 MB / 256 MB or 512 MB of RAM, an 18 GB / 20 GB or 36 GB hard drive, 5x DVD-ROM, and 16 MB ATI Rage 128 Pro graphics.
Notably, all models in the Mac Server G4 series shared striking similarities with the Power Mac G4 series. The server models, however, distinguished themselves with larger or faster hard drives, increased RAM, and the inclusion of pre-installed server software. The Mac Server G4 (AGP), specifically, found its roots in the Power Mac G4 (AGP) but shipped with either MacOS 8.6 and AppleShare IP 6.3.1 or a Mac OS X Server.
Despite its promising specs, the Macintosh Server G4 faced a lukewarm reception in the market. The combination of a starting price of $2,999 and the rapid pace of technological advancements during that period may have contributed to its limited success. Nevertheless, within the hearts of Apple enthusiasts and collectors, the Macintosh Server G4 holds a special place.
The sleek design and impressive specifications make it a cherished artifact, a testament to Apple’s innovation, even in the face of market challenges. As we reflect on the Macintosh Server G4, we uncover not just a piece of hardware but a chapter in Apple’s journey—a chapter marked by ambition, innovation, and a touch of nostalgia.
The Macintosh Server G4 may have been a fleeting presence in the tech landscape, but its impact endures. As we celebrate its 24 years, we acknowledge its role in shaping the narrative of Apple’s computing history—a narrative rich with milestones, challenges, and the unwavering spirit of innovation.
Mac Server G4 Late 1999 Details
| Introduced | December 2, 1999 |
| Discontinued | July 19, 2000 |
| Model Identifier | PowerMac3,1 |
| Model Number | M5183 |
| EMC | 1843 |
| Order Number | M7835LL/A (350 MHz) M7609LL/A (400 MHz) M7232LL/A (450 MHz) M7646LL/A (500 MHz) |
| Original Price | $2,999 $3,999 $4,499 $5,899 |
| Colors | Graphite |
| Weight | 28.7 Ibs. 13.018 KG |
| Dimensions | 17” H x 8.9” W x 18.4” D 43.18 cm H x 22.6 cm W x 46.73 cm D |
Mac Server G4 with AGP Graphics Tech Specs
Processor
| Processor | PowerPC 7400 G4 |
| Processor Speed | 350 MHz 400 MHz 450 MHz 500 MHz |
| Architecture | 32-bit |
| Number of Cores | 1 |
| System Bus | 100 MHz (Up to 800 Mbps data throughput) |
| Cache | 64 KB L1 1 MB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 18 or 36 GB 10,000 rpm (SCSI) 20 or 30 GB 7,200 rpm (ATA) |
| Media | 1 – 5x DVD-ROM |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 128 MB 256 MB 512 MB |
| Maximum Memory | 1.5 GB (Mac OS 8 or Mac OS 9) 2 GB (Mac OS X) |
| Memory Slots | 4 – PC-100 3.3v 168-pin SDRAM |
| Minimum Speed | 8 ns (125 MHz) |
| Interleaving Support | No |
Display
| Built-in Display | None |
Graphics
| Graphics Card | ATI Rage 128 ATI Rage 128 Pro |
| Graphics Memory | 16 MB |
| Display Connection | 1 – VGA 1 – DVI-D |
| Display Modes | Single display only |
Expansion
| Expansion Slots | 3 – 33 MHz 64-bit PCI 1 – 2x AGP |
| Bays | 4 – Internal 3.5″ ATA drive bays 1 – Optical drive bay 1 – Zip 100/250 bay |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ultra ATA/66 (ATA-5) or Ultra2 SCSI |
| Optical Drive Interface | EIDE (ATA-3) |
Connections
| Ethernet | 1 or 5 – 10/100BASE-T (RJ-45) |
| Modem | None |
| Wi-Fi | AirPort Card 802.11b (Optional) |
| Bluetooth | None |
| ADB | None |
| USB | 2 – 12 Mbps |
| Serial | None |
| SCSI | Ultra2 LVD SCSI PCI Card (Optional) |
| FireWire | 3 – 400 Mbps (1 internal) (15W total power) |
| Audio In | 1 – 3.5-mm analog input jack |
| Audio Out | 1 – 3.5-mm analog output jack 1 – Built-in speaker |
| Display | 1 – VGA 1 – DVI-D |
Software
| Original OS | Mac OS 8.6 with Apple Share 6.3.1 or Mac OS X Server 1.2 |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.4.11 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
Keyboard and Mouse
| Peripherals | Apple USB Keyboard Apple USB Mouse |
Power
| Backup Battery | 3.6 V 850 mAh Lithium (922-4028) |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 200 W |
| Line Voltage | 115 V AC (90-132 V AC) or 230 V AC (180-264 V AC) |
Further Reading and References
- Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics): Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Power Mac G4 – Wikipedia
- The Power Mac G4 Line – MacStories
- Power Mac G4 Index – Low End Mac
- Apple Power Macintosh G4 400 – The Centre for Computing History
- Power Mac G4 – Relatively Ambitious
- PowerMac G4 – MacMuzeum
- Apple Unveils Power Mac G4 – Tech Insider
- The 400 MHz Power Mac Reviewed – The Mac Observer
- Power Mac G4/ Macintosh Server G4 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: January 17, 2024
