Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.66 "Eight Core" Specs (Early 2009, BTO/CTO, Xserve3,1, A1279, 2279): EveryMac.com

Apple Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.66 "Eight Core" Specs

Identifiers: Early 2009 - BTO/CTO - Xserve3,1 - A1279 - 2279

All Xserve Models | All 2009 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others

Apple Intel Xserve The Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.66 "Eight Core" (Early 2009) technically is a "build-to-order" configuration of the Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.26 "Quad Core" (Early 2009), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than the processors, these two models are identical.

The Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.66 "Eight Core" (Early 2009) is powered by dual 2.66 GHz Quad Core 45-nm Xeon X5550 (Nehalem) processors with a dedicated 256k of level 2 cache for each core and 8 MB of "fully shared" level 3 cache.

By default, it is configured with 3 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM, a 160 GB (7200 RPM, 8 MB cache) hot-plug "Apple Drive Module" (a 128 GB SSD option -- which does not occupy a drive bay -- was available for an additional US$500), an 8X dual-layer "SuperDrive", and NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 graphics with 256 MB of GDDR3 memory. Ports include Mini DisplayPort (VGA and DVI supported with optional adapters), three USB 2.0 ports, and two Firewire "800" ports.

Compared to the "Early 2008" Xserve replaced, the "Early 2009" Xserve models use a substantially faster architecture that supports "Hyper-Threading" -- which "allows two threads to run simultaneously on each core" -- and "Turbo Boost" -- which "automatically boosts the processor speed based on workload" (so if an application is only using one core it will automatically increase the speed of the core in use and turn off the unused cores). It also replaces the frontside bus with a new "QuickPath Interconnect" (QPI) system described as a "bidrectional, point-to-point connection" that provides "quick access to the disk, I/O, and other Xserve subsystems". Apple reported that these improvements add up to "twice the performance" of the previous system.

Despite the age of this system, site sponsor Other World Computing has RAM, hard drives, SSDs, and other upgrades available for this specific Mac while supplies last.

Tech Specs
Ports
Global Original Prices
Popular Q&As

Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.

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Introduction Date:

April 7, 2009

Discontinued Date:

January 31, 2011*

Details:

The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.

Also see: All Macs introduced in 2009.

Processors:

2 (8 Cores)

Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

14561

Geekbench 2 (64):

15571

Details:

Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the Xserve3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 3 (32):

2022

Geekbench 3 (32):

15042

Details:

These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Xserve3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 3 (64):

N/A

Geekbench 3 (64):

N/A

Details:

When last updated, Geekbench 3 only provided sufficient 32-bit performance data for this model. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the Xserve3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 4 (SC):

2381

Geekbench 4 (MC):

14237

Details:

These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the Xserve3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Geekbench 5 (SC):

522

Geekbench 5 (MC):

3897

Details:

These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.

You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the Xserve3,1 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.

To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison.

Processor Speed:

2.66 GHz

Processor Type:

Q. Core Xeon X5550 x2

Details:

Both of two 64-bit 45-nm Xeon X5550 (Nehalem) processors have four independent processor "cores" each with a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, 8 MB of "fully shared" level 3 cache, an integrated memory controller, and "a 128-bit SSE4 SIMD engine". It also supports "Hyper-Threading" -- which "allows two threads to run simultaneously on each core" -- and "Turbo Boost" -- which "automatically boosts the processor speed based on workload" (so if an application is only using one of the four cores it will automatically increase the speed of the core in use and turn off the unused cores).

Turbo Boost:

3.06 GHz

Custom Speeds:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Processor Upgrade:

N/A

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

It is not clear whether or not the processor can be upgraded on this model.

System Bus Speed:

QPI*

Cache Bus Speed:

2.66 GHz (Built-in)

Details:

*This system replaces the frontside bus with a new "QuickPath Interconnect" (QPI) system described as a "bidirectional, point-to-point connection" that provides "quick access to the disk, I/O, and other Xserve subsystems".

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

L1 Cache:

32k/32k x8

L2/L3 Cache:

256k (x8), 8 MB*

Details:

*Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 8 MB of "fully shared" level 3 cache as well.

RAM Type:

DDR3 ECC SDRAM*

Min. RAM Speed:

1066 MHz

Details:

Uses "1066 MHz DDR3 ECC memory" (PC-8500) modules.

Standard RAM:

3 GB

Maximum RAM:

96 GB*

Details:

3 GB of RAM installed as three 1 GB modules.

*As originally shipped on April 7, 2009, Apple reported that the Eight Core custom configurations hold 24 GB of memory. On December 4, 2009, Apple formally added support for 4 GB modules and increased the maximum memory to 48 GB. However, third-parties have confirmed that the Eight Core configurations actually support 96 GB of RAM using 8 GB modules.

Apple additionally reports that the operating "system supports up to 32 GB in Mac OS X Server v10.5" and "up to 96 GB in Mac OS X Server v10.6".

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this Xserve.

In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells RAM and other upgrades for this Xserve.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells RAM and other upgrades for this Xserve.

Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

None

RAM Slots:

12*

Details:

*Apple reports that the eight core custom configurations have twelve DIMM slots. Apple also reports that the "operating system supports up to 32 GB in Mac OS X Server v10.5" and "up to 96 GB in Mac OS X Server v10.6".

Video Card:

GeForce GT 120

VRAM Type:

GDDR3 SDRAM

Details:

Apple reports that this Xserve model has "NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 graphics with 256 MB of GDDR3 memory and Mini DisplayPort output". Adapters to VGA and DVI output are sold separately.

Standard VRAM:

256 MB

Maximum VRAM:

256 MB

Details:

N/A

Display Support:

N/A

Resolution Support:

N/A

Details:

N/A

2nd Display Support:

None

2nd Max. Resolution:

N/A

Details:

Single display supported in default configuration. Additional displays can be supported with expansion cards.

Standard Storage:

160 GB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

7200 RPM

Details:

Default hard drive is a 160 GB 7200 RPM SATA "Apple Drive Module" with 8 MB of cache. Apple also offered 1 TB and 2 TB 7200 RPM SATA drives with 32 MB of cache as US$200 and US$400 options, respectively, (2 TB option beginning December 4, 2009) as well as a 128 GB SSD (which does not occupy a drive bay) for an additional US$500.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this Xserve.

In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells hard drives and other upgrades for this Xserve.

Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs.

Storage Dimensions:

3.5" (25.4 mm)

Storage Interface:

SATA/SAS

Details:

Apple formally supports "up to 6 TB of hot-plug internal storage" using three 3.5" 2 TB drive modules.

Standard Optical:

8X DL "SuperDrive"

Standard Disk:

None

Details:

An 8X double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW) is standard.

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

Gigabit (x2)

Details:

The system has "two independent 10/100/1000BASE-T [Gigabit] Ethernet (RJ-45) interfaces with support for jumbo frames."

Standard AirPort:

None

Standard Bluetooth:

None

Details:

N/A

USB Ports:

3 (2.0)

Firewire Ports:

2 (800)

Details:

Three USB 2.0 ports (one on front panel, two on rear) and two Firewire "800" ports on rear panel.

Expansion Slots:

2 PCIe 2.0 x16*

Expansion Bays:

3 3.5"

Details:

Apple explains that this system offers "two open PCI Express 2.0 x16 expansion slots: one half-length (6.6-inch) and one 9.25-inch length".

In the default configuration, one external 3.5" bay is occupied by a hard drive and two bays are free. If configured with an SSD, the SSD does not occupy a drive bay.

Incl. Keyboard:

None

Incl. Input:

None

Details:

N/A

Case Type:

Rack-Mountable

Form Factor:

Xserve Intel

Details:

Fits "most industry-standard (EIA-310-D) four-post racks and cabinets with a rack depth of 24 inches to 36 inches deep."

Apple Order No:

BTO/CTO

Apple Subfamily:

Early 2009

Details:

As this model technically is a custom configuration of the Xserve Nehalem 2.26 "Quad Core", it does not have its own order number.

Apple Model No:

A1279 (EMC 2279)

Model ID:

Xserve3,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.

Also see: All Macs with the A1279 Model Number, the 2279 EMC Number, and the Xserve3,1 Model Identifier.

For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section.

Battery Type:

N/A

Battery Life:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X Server 10.5.6

Maximum MacOS:

X 10.11.6*

Details:

*This model supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion" and OS X 10.9 "Mavericks" with the exception of the AirDrop and AirPlay Mirroring features. It also supports the last version of OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" and OS X 10.11 "El Capitan" but AirDrop, Continuity, and other major features are not supported. It is not capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) or subsequent versions of the macOS at all.

Also see: Which Macs are compatible with OS X El Capitan (10.11)? What are the system requirements? Which Macs support which features?

Minimum Windows:

None*

Maximum Windows:

None*

Details:

*Apple's Boot Camp provides no support for running Windows on the Intel-based Xserve models.

MacOS 9 Support:

None

Windows Support:

N/A

Details:

N/A

Dimensions:

1.73 x 17.6 x 30.0

Avg. Weight:

30.8 lbs. (14.0 kg)

Details:

In inches - height by width by depth, (4.4 cm, 44.7 cm, 76.2 cm). 30.8 pounds (14.0 kg) for "base" configuration. Apple reports that it weighs "38.3 pounds (17.4 kg) for [the] 8-core system with twelve DIMMs, three 1 TB SATA Apple Drive Modules, and two power supplies".

Original Price (US):

US$4999*

Est. Current Retail:

N/A

Details:

*On December 4, 2009, Apple dropped the price of this custom configuration option to US$4399.

Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).

Photo Credit: Apple Computer.

Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.

Expand All Details | Contract All Details

Video (Monitor):

1 (Mini DisplayPort)

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

Single Mini DisplayPort. VGA and DVI output supported with adapters (sold separately).

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

1 (DB-9)

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

This system has a single DB-9 serial port (RS-232) for accessing the server through a serial console session. This is not a "Mac serial" port.

USB:

3 (2.0)

Firewire:

2 (800)

Details:

Three USB 2.0 ports (one on front panel, two on rear) and two Firewire "800" ports on rear panel.

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

2 (RJ-45)

Details:

The system has "two independent 10/100/1000BASE-T [Gigabit] Ethernet (RJ-45) interfaces with support for jumbo frames."

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

None

Sound In:

None

Details:

N/A

Sound Out:

None

Headphone:

None

Details:

N/A

Security (Lock):

1 (Lock)

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

Power Adapter:

N/A

Details:

In the stock configuration, this model has a single 750W power supply. It optionally could be configured with a second load-sharing 750W power supply.

Apple reports that the line voltage is "universal input (100V to 240V AC), power factor corrected" and the maximum input current is "8.0A (100V to 120V) or 4.0A (200V to 240V); current is shared when system is configured with two power supplies". It has a single phase frequency of "50 Hz to 60 Hz".

Global original prices for the Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.66 "Eight Core" in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

Canada:

N/A

Brazil:

N/A

Mexico:

N/A

United States:

US$4999*

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

N/A

Belgium:

N/A

Denmark:

N/A

Finland:

N/A

France:

N/A

Germany:

N/A

Ireland:

N/A

Italy:

N/A

Luxembourg:

N/A

Netherlands:

N/A

Norway:

N/A

Portugal:

N/A

Spain:

N/A

Sweden:

N/A

Switzerland:

N/A

United Kingdom:

N/A

Original Prices - Asia

China:

N/A

Hong Kong:

N/A

India:

N/A

Indonesia:

N/A

Japan:

N/A

Korea:

N/A

Malaysia:

N/A

The Philippines:

N/A

Singapore:

N/A

Taiwan:

N/A

Thailand:

N/A

Vietnam:

N/A

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

N/A

New Zealand:

N/A

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the Xserve models follow.

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