Apple finally upgraded the Xserve from a base 2.0 GHz dual-core configuration to a base 2.8 GHz quad-core machine – with dual 2.8 GHz and 3.0 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs optional. It matches the power of the Mac Pro, whereas the previous model had lagged behind.

The base 2.8 GHz 4-core Xserve benchmarks 37% higher than the 2.0 GHz 2006 Xserve in Geekbench 2, 3.5% higher than the 2.66 GHz version, and 6.5% behind the 3.0 GHz model. Going from 4 cores up to 8 boost performance by almost 80%, and there’s little additional benefit (less than 1% in 32-bit Geekbench 2, a bit more with other versions of Geekbench) from going to the 3.0 GHz 8-core Xserve.

Xserve supports up to 2.25 TB of internal storage, RAID, hot swappable drives, and remote management while running Mac OS X Server. It supports the SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface, which gives it access to 15,000 rpm hard drives.

Xserve includes an unlimited user license for Mac OS X Server.

• Got an Intel-based Xserve or thinking about buying one? Join our Macintel group.

Details

• introduced 2008.01.08 at $2,999 with one 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Xeon CPU; dual 2.8 GHz, $3,499; dual 3.0 GHz, $4,299; replaced 2009.04.07
• requires Mac OS X Server 10.5.1 Leopard to 10.7 Lion, not compatible with 10.8 Mountain Lion or later
• CPU: 1 or 2 quad-core Intel Xeon CPUs, 2.8 or 3.0 GHz
• Bus: 1.6 GHz
• system performance:
  • Geekbench 2, 32-bit: 5423 (2.8 GHz quad), 9201 (2.8 GHz 8-core), 9257 (3.0 GHz 8-core)
  • Geekbench 2, 64-bit: 10279 (2.8 GHz 8-core), 11103 (3.0 GHz 8-core)
  • Geekbench 3, 32-bit, single core: 1535 (2.8 GHz quad), 1537 (2.8 GHz 8-core), 1625 (3.0 GHz 8-core)
  • Geekbench 3, 64-bit, single core: 1748 (3.0 GHz 8-core)
  • Geekbench 3, 32-bit, multicore: 5357 (2.8 GHz quad), 10397 (2.8 GHz 8-core), 10965 (3.0 GHz 8-core)
  • Geekbench 3, 64-bit, multicore: 11933 (3.0 GHz 8-core)
• RAM: 2 GB standard, expandable to 32 GB using 800 MHz DDR2 ECC FB-DIMMs
• video: ATI Radeon X1300 with 64 MB RAM
• L2 cache: 12 MB per processor
• L3 cache: none
• Hard drive: 80 GB 7200 RPM, 3 drive bays, Serial ATA
• optical drive: slot-loading Combo drive, 8x SuperDrive DL optional
• 2 8-lane PCI Express slots (1 configurable as PCI-X)
• no 400 Mbps FireWire port
• two FireWire 800 ports on back
• two USB 2.0 ports on back, one on front
• one DB-9/RS-232 port
• dual 10/100/1000Base-T ethernet
• size (HxWxD): 1.73″ x 17.6″ x 30″ (44 x 447 x 762mm)
• Weight: 31.7-38.3 lbs. (14.4-17.4 kg)
• PRAM battery: 3.6V half-AA
• upgrade path: none yet
• Part no.: MA882

Accelerators & Upgrades

• none yet

Online Resources

• Best Online Xserve Deals
• The 64-bitness of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.19. Although Apple is promoting Snow Leopard as a fully 64-bit operating system, it defaults to running in 32-bit mode.
• The Road Ahead: 64-bit Computing, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.19. Personal computers started with 8-bit CPUs, Macs started out with a 24-bit operating system, and 32-bit computing is starting to give way to 64 bits.
• Apple Trumps Microsoft in Making the 64-bit Transition Transparent to Users, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.18. To use more than 4 GB of RAM under Windows, you need a 64-bit PC and the 64-bit version of Windows. On the Mac, OS X 10.4 and later already support it.
• Xserve: Power and value in a 1U server, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.05.07. Often overlooked, Apple’s Xserve is powerful, flexible, and anything but overpriced, making it perfect for the enterprise.
• Most powerful Mac Pro and Xserve ever, dishwashers great for cleaning keyboards, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.01.11. Also a look at the new video cards for the Mac Pro, running Classic on Intel Macs, AppleCare costs more in Canada, New User’s Guide to the Mac, and more.
• Xserve (Early 2008) Technical Specifications, Apple

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