The new Xserve. More power. Less Engery.
Intel Xeon "Nehalem" processor

Introducing Intel Xeon "Nehalem".
Many quad-core processors are composed of two separate dies, which means some cached data has to travel outside the processor to get from core to core. Thats an inefficient way to access information. Enter the Quad-Core Intel Xeon “Nehalem” processor. Its single-die, 64-bit architecture makes 8MB of fully shared L3 cache readily available to each of the four processor cores. The result is fast access to cache data, reduced traffic between processors, and greater application performance. Combine that with the other technological advances and you get an Xserve thats up to 2x faster than the previous generation.

Integrated memory controller.
System memory is often connected to a processor through a separate I/O controller. But each Intel Xeon “Nehalem” processor features an integrated memory controller that connects memory directly to the processor, reducing memory latency by up to 40 percent. The integrated memory controller provides three channels of fast 1066MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM. And when you configure the new Xserve with eight processing cores, you double your memory resources to six channels and 12 physical DIMM slots. The result is up to a 2.4x increase in memory bandwidth over the previous-generation Xserve.

Virtual cores through Hyper-Threading.
The new Intel Xeon “Nehalem” processors support Hyper-Threading, which allows two threads to run simultaneously on each core. This enables an 8-core Xserve to take better advantage of its execution cores. Hyper-Threading increases performance and allows the processor to fully utilize its execution resources without significantly increased die size, transistor count, or power requirements.

Faster per clock.
The “Nehalem” microarchitecture executes up to four instructions per clock cycle per core on a sustained basis. It can also run more instructions out of order. The enhanced SSE4 SIMD engine handles 128-bit vector computations in a single cycle. And, of course, the processor continues 64-bit support for large memory loads.

Increased performance per watt.
The new Xserve delivers a 19 percent reduction in idle power consumption and provides 89 percent better performance per watt over the previous generation when running server workloads.3 How do you get more performance with less energy? For starters, the Intel Xeon “Nehalem” processor is built on an industry-leading 45-nm process technology that reduces leakage and improves switching times. Integrated power gates in the processor design allow an advanced power management system to dynamically manage cores, threads, cache, and interfaces to deliver outstanding energy efficiency and performance on demand. These power management enhancements, coupled with smart system design in Xserve, mean a server thats less expensive to power and cool.

Turbo Boost technology.
The new Xserve introduces Turbo Boost: a dynamic performance technology that automatically boosts the processor clock speed based on workload. If youre running an application that doesnt need every core, Turbo Boost shuts off the idle cores while simultaneously increasing the speed of the active ones. That means a 2.93GHz system can perform at up to 3.33GHz under dynamic workloads.

Built-in graphics.
Thanks to a built-in NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 graphics card, its easy to manage your system using a keyboard, mouse, and display, without taking a valuable expansion slot. The 2D/3D acceleration of the GPU enhances rendering and video processing, a valuable feature for Apples professional applications and server-side video processing tools such as Podcast Producer in Mac OS X Server. An optional VGA adapter supports connection to standard VGA devices and KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switches.

Quick look.
Get an at-a-glance view of power, the enclosure lock, Ethernet links, the system identifier, and all network activity. The lock secures the ports, drives, and enclosure.

Power supply. Times two.
Xserve has optional dual redundant power supplies. Hot swappable and load sharing, they provide enhanced redundancy — and easy serviceability in case of a failure.

Keeping it cool.
Xserve features an active cooling system that intelligently manages fan speeds. Each fan has two independent counter-rotating blades and is individually monitored and controlled by over a dozen temperature sensors. This ensures that each fan runs only as fast as it needs to in order to cool the system — perfectly — over a wide range of environmental conditions. And lower fan speed means lower power consumption.

Xserve ID.
System vital statistics are printed on the system identification card on the back of Xserve for asset tracking and support. And theres room for your site-specific information such as host name and IP address.

Fits right in.
Xserve fits into all types of standard racks and cabinets, so you can use what you already have or buy new racks right off the shelf to meet your specific requirements. Theres no need for a special “Apple rack.” You can install the server in any of several kinds of racks, including open four-post racks and cabinets from 24 to 36 inches deep.