In the early 2000s, Apple was at the zenith of innovation, continually redefining technology with its sleek designs and groundbreaking features. Among its notable creations was the Xserve G5 Early 2005, a network server that not only set the standard for its time but also left an indelible mark on the industry.
Released on January 4, 2005, the Xserve G5 was a pinnacle of Apple’s prowess in server technology. Boasting dual 64-bit 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 processors, it delivered unparalleled processing power, with over 35 gigaflops per system. The incorporation of the industry’s fastest front-side server system bus, running at up to 1.15 GHz, propelled it to new heights of performance. This powerhouse also offered up to three 400 GB drives, resulting in a groundbreaking 1.2 TB of hot-plug storage.
With configurations starting at just $3,999, the Xserve G5 was not only a marvel of engineering but also a cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications. Whether for file and print serving or computational clusters, it provided unmatched price performance and manageability. Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, aptly summarized its appeal, highlighting its 64-bit processing power and legendary ease of use.
The impact of the Xserve G5 extended beyond conventional server applications. Its prowess was demonstrated when it formed the backbone of Virginia Tech’s upgraded System X supercomputer cluster. With 1,100 Xserve servers achieving over 12.25 trillion operations per second, it showcased unprecedented computing power per unit density. Moreover, its low power consumption and cost-effectiveness made it a preferred choice for supercomputing endeavors.
Equipped with dual 2.3 GHz PowerPC G5 processors and up to 8 GB of DDR memory, the Xserve G5 was a tour de force in computational capabilities. Its support for up to three 400 GB Serial ATA drives and industry-leading internal storage paved the way for enhanced data handling and storage solutions. Additionally, two full-length 64-bit, 133 MHz PCI-X slots allowed seamless expansion to high-performance storage and networking cards, further enhancing its versatility.
The Xserve G5 came pre-installed with Mac OS X Server 10.3 Panther software, offering seamless integration with Mac, Windows, and Linux clients. This out-of-the-box compatibility, combined with intuitive management tools, simplified deployment and administration tasks. Moreover, Apple’s comprehensive service and support programs, including AppleCare Premium Service and Service Parts Kits, ensured minimal downtime and optimal performance for users.
Although discontinued in 2006, the Xserve G5 continues to hold a special place in the annals of technology history. Its legacy as a top-performing network server and a symbol of Apple’s commitment to innovation remains unparalleled. Even after 19 years, it serves as a reminder of the company’s ability to push boundaries and redefine industry standards.
Xserve G5 Early 2005 Details
| Introduced | January 4, 2005 – 19 years ago |
| Discontinued | August 7, 2006 – 17 years ago |
| Time on the Market | 19 months (1 year) |
| Model Identifier | RackMac3,1 |
| Model Number | A1068 |
| EMC | 1994 |
| Order Number | M9745LL/A (dual 2.3 GHz) |
| Original Price | $3,999 |
| 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 2.3 GHz |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| Number of Cores | 2 |
| System Bus | 1.15 GHz |
| Cache | 64 / 32 KB L1 512 KB backside L2 |
Storage & Media
| Storage | 80 GB 7,200 rpm |
| Media | 1 – 24x CD-ROM or 8x DVD-R/CD-RW “Combo” drive |
Memory
| Built-in Memory | 1 GB |
| Maximum Memory | 16 GB |
| Memory Slots | 8 – PC-3200 DDR400 SDRAM |
| 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 | 3 – Apple Drive Module bays |
| Hard Drive Interface | 3 – 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 (Unlimited Client) |
| Maximum OS | Mac OS X 10.5.8 |
| Firmware | Mac OS ROM |
| Bundled Software | None |
Power
| Backup Battery | Unknown |
| Maximum Continuous Power | 170 – 290 W |
| Line Voltage | 90V – 264V AC |
Further Reading and References
- Xserve G5: Technical Specifications – Apple Support
- Apple Upgrades Xserve G5 – Apple Newsroom
- Xserve – Wikipedia
- Xserve G5 (Early 2005) – Low End Mac
- Xserve G5 – 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.
