Xserve Late 2006 Explained

Xserve
Source: apple.com – Xserve

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, 17 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 Rack
Source: macstories.net – Xserve Rack

Xserve Late 2006 Details

IntroducedAugust 7, 2006 – 17 years ago
DiscontinuedJanuary 8, 2008 – 16 years ago
Time on the Market17 months (1 year)
Model IdentifierXserve1,1
Model NumberA1196
EMC2107
Order NumberMA409LL/A
Original Price$2,999 (base configuration)
ColorsAluminum
Weight31.7 – 38.3 Ibs.
14.378 – 17.372 KG
Dimensions1.73” 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

ProcessorDual-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 Speed2x Dual 2 GHz
2x Dual 2.66 GHz
2x Dual 3 GHz
Architecture64-bit
Number of Cores2 per processor (4 cores in total)
System Bus2x 1.33 GHz
Cache4 MB shared L2 per processor

Storage & Media

Storage80 GB 7,200 rpm
Media1 – 24x DVD-R/CD-RW “Combo” slot-loading drive

Memory

Built-in Memory1 GB
Maximum Memory32 GB
Memory Slots8 – PC2-5300 DDR2 ECC DIMM 667 MHz
Interleaving SupportNo

Display

Built-in DisplayNone

Graphics

Graphics CardATI Radeon X1300
Graphics Memory64 MB GDDR3 SDRAM
256 MB GDDR3 SDRAM
Display Connection1 – Mini-DVI (64 MB)
1 – dual-link DVI (256 MB)
Display ModesN/A

Expansion

Expansion Slots1 – 8-lane PCI Express
Bays3 – Apple Drive Module bays
Hard Drive Interface3 – 3 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)
ADM Compatibility73 GB
80 GB
300 GB
750 GB

Connections

Ethernet2 – 10/100/1000BASE-T (support for jumbo frames)
ModemNone
Wi-FiNone
BluetoothNone
Fibre ChannelOptional
USB2 – 480 Mbps
Serial1 – DB9 (RS-232)
SCSINone
FireWire1 – 400 Mbps
2 – 800 Mbps
Audio InNone
Audio OutNone
Display1 – Mini-DVI (64 MB)
1 – dual-link DVI (256 MB)

Software

Original OSMac OS X Server 10.4.8 (Unlimited Clients)
Maximum OSMac OS X 10.7.5
FirmwareIntel Extensible Firmware Interface
Bundled SoftwareNone

Power

Backup BatteryUnknown
Maximum Continuous Power253 – 414 W
Line Voltage100V – 240V AC

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Further Reading and References

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.