Apple Xserve Xeon 2.8 "Eight Core" (Early 2008) Specs

Identifiers: Early 2008 - BTO/CTO - Xserve2,1 - A1246 - 2186

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The Xserve Xeon 2.8 "Eight Core" (Early 2008) technically is a "build-to-order" configuration of the Xserve Xeon 2.8 "Quad Core" (Early 2008), but also is documented as a separate model for reader convenience. Other than the number of processors, these two models are identical.

The Xserve Xeon 2.8 "Eight Core" (Early 2008) is powered by two 2.8 GHz Quad Core 45-nm Intel Xeon E5462 (Harpertown/Penryn) processors with 12 MB of "on-die" level 2 cache per processor (each pair of cores shares 6 MB) and dual independent 1.6 GHz 64-bit frontside buses.

By default, it was configured with 2 GB of 800 MHz DDR2 ECC fully-buffered (FB-DIMM) memory (but can support up to 32 GB of RAM), an 80 GB (7200 RPM) SATA "Apple Drive Module" with 8 MB cache, a slot-loading 8X double-layer SuperDrive, and built-in ATI Radeon X1300 PCI Express graphics with 64 MB of GDDR3 memory. Ports include onboard mini-DVI, three USB 2.0 ports, and two Firewire "800" ports.

Compared to the original Intel-powered Xserve replaced, the "Early 2008" Xserve models use a more advanced architecture with faster and more efficient processors with larger level 2 caches, a more advanced vector engine, a faster frontside bus (1.6 GHz instead of 1.33 GHz), and faster memory (800 MHz instead of 667 MHz). Apple reports that these improvements result in a system that is "up to" twice as fast as its predecessor.

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.

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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:

January 8, 2008

Discontinued Date:

April 7, 2009

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 2008.

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):

9201

Geekbench 2 (64):

10279

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 Xserve2,1 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):

1537

Geekbench 3 (32):

10397

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 Xserve2,1 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 Xserve2,1 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):

1853

Geekbench 4 (MC):

8872

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 Xserve2,1 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):

397

Geekbench 5 (MC):

2260

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 Xserve2,1 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:

2.8 GHz

Processor Type:

Q. Core Xeon E5462 x2

Details:

The 45-nm Xeon E5462 (Harpertown/Penryn) processors each have four independent processor "cores" with 12 MB of "on-die" level 2 cache (each pair of cores shares 6 MB). It also features a 128-bit SSE4 SIMD vector engine, and dual independent 1.6 GHz 64-bit frontside buses.

Turbo Boost:

N/A

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:

1.6 GHz

Cache Bus Speed:

2.8 GHz (Built-in)

Details:

This system has an independent 1.6 GHz 64-bit frontside bus. 12 MB of "on-die" level 2 cache (each pair of cores shares 6 MB).

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

L1 Cache:

N/A

L2/L3 Cache:

12 MB x2

Details:

12 MB of "on-die" level 2 cache per processor (each pair of cores on each processor shares 6 MB).

RAM Type:

ECC DDR2 FB-DIMM

Min. RAM Speed:

800 MHz*

Details:

*Apple originally reported that this model uses "800 MHz DDR2 ECC fully-buffered DMM (FB-DIMM) memory," but subsequently changed this to 667 MHz in some documentation. The system also has a "256-bit wide memory architecture".

Standard RAM:

2 GB

Maximum RAM:

32 GB

Details:

2 GB of RAM installed as two 1 GB modules. 6 slots free. 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:

8

Details:

Apple reports that the system has "eight FB-DIMM slots [that] support up to 32 GB of memory" and a "256-bit-wide memory architecture".

Video Card:

Radeon X1300

VRAM Type:

GDDR3 SDRAM

Details:

Apple reports that this Xserve model has "built-in ATI Radeon X1300 PCI Express graphics with 64 MB of GDDR3 SDRAM" with a single-link mini-DVI port (includes a mini-DVI to VGA adapter as well).

Standard VRAM:

64 MB

Maximum VRAM:

64 MB

Details:

The built-in graphics cannot be upgraded.

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:

80 GB HDD

Std. Storage Speed:

7200 RPM

Details:

Default hard drive is SATA, but it supports SATA and SAS drives. 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 3 TB of hot-plug internal storage" using three 3.5" 1 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

Expansion Bays:

3 3.5"

Details:

Apple explains that this system offers "two open PCI Express 2.0 expansion slots: one half-length (6.6-inch) configurable slot (x8 PCI Express 2.0 or 133 MHz PCI-X) and one 9.25-inch x16 PCI Express 2.0 slot". In the default configuration, one external 3.5" bay is occupied by a hard drive and two bays are free.

Incl. Keyboard:

None

Incl. Input:

None

Details:

N/A

Case Type:

Rack-Mountable

Form Factor:

Xserve Intel

Details:

Fits "EIA-310-D-compliant, industry-standard four-post racks and cabinets: 19 inches wide, 24 to 36 inches deep".

Apple Order No:

BTO/CTO

Apple Subfamily:

Early 2008

Details:

As this model technically is a custom configuration of the Xserve 2.8 "Quad Core" (Early 2008), it does not have its own order number.

Apple Model No:

A1246 (EMC 2186)

Model ID:

Xserve2,1

Details:

Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model. Also see: All Macs with the A1246 Model Number, the 2186 EMC Number, and the Xserve2,1 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 (9B2117)

Maximum MacOS:

X Server 10.7.5*

Details:

An unlimited client version of Mac OS X Server 10.5 "Leopard" was pre-installed. *This model can run the last version of OS X 10.7 "Lion" and Apple Server software. It cannot run more recent versions of OS X. It does not support "OpenCL" either.

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:

31.7 lbs. (14.4 kg)

Details:

In inches - height by width by depth, (4.4 cm, 44.7 cm, 76.2 cm). 31.7 pounds (14.4 kg) for "base" configuration. Apple reports that it weighs "38.3 pounds (17.4 kg) with three 300 GB SAS Apple Drive Modules and two power supplies."

Original Price (US):

US$3499

Est. Current Retail:

N/A

Details:

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.

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Video (Monitor):

1 (Mini-DVI)

Floppy (Ext.):

None

Details:

Built-in graphics with a single mini-DVI port. Also ships with a mini-DVI to VGA adapter.

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:

1

Power Adapter:

N/A

Details:

In the base configuration, this model shipped with 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 2.8 "Eight Core" (Early 2008) 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$3499

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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