New Xserve Is Twice as Better Than Previous Models

Minutes ago, Apple announced two new Xserve models bearing the "Nehalem" signature. Using Intel's fresh processors and a next generation system architecture, the 1U rack-optimized Xserve allegedly delivers up to an 89% improvement in performance per watt. Apple has now formally introduced the updated Xserve via an official report over at its press room.

According to the company behind the Mac operating system, the new Xserve ships with Intel Xeon processors running at speeds up to 2.93 GHz, each with an integrated memory controller with three channels of 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC memory that delivers up to 2.4 times the memory bandwidth, while cutting memory latency up to 40%. The new Xserve delivers a 19 percent reduction in idle power use, thanks to the high-efficiency power supplies and intelligent thermal management, Apple explains.

As far as storage is concerned, Apple points out to the 128GB SSD boot-drive option that requires a fraction of the power of a hard disk and delivers up to 48 times faster random access times without occupying a drive bay. As existing users should know, Xserve’s three 3.5-inch drive bays support both 7200 rpm SATA and 15,000 rpm SAS drives. Users can configure their orders for up to 3TB of internal storage.

Fresh Xserves also pack two PCI Express 2.0 x16 expansion slots for more I/O bandwidth to support the latest high-bandwidth expansion cards. The optional Xserve RAID card now allows for 497MB/s transfer rates and supports RAID levels 0, 1 and 5 with 512MB of cache, while not occupying an extra PCI Express expansion slot. To enhance data protection, Apple can also throw in a 72-hour backup battery, at your request.

“The Xserve is the best workgroup server for our education, business and creative customers,” said David Moody, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing. “With up to twice the performance, better power efficiency and an innovative SSD drive option, this is the best Xserve we’ve ever made.”

The new Xeon “Nehalem”-based Xserve is now available starting at $2,999. Users can configure their orders to include up to two 2.93 GHz Intel Xeon processors, and low-power solid state drives (SSD) for up to 3TB of internal storage. All Xserve models ship with an unlimited client license for Mac OS X Leopard Server.