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Apple Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.26 "Eight Core" Specs

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

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Apple Intel XserveThe Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.26 "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 number of processors, these two models are identical.

The Xserve Xeon Nehalem 2.26 "Eight Core" (Early 2009) is powered by two 2.26 GHz Quad Core 45-nm Xeon E5520 (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.


April 7, 2009 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.
2 (8 Cores) 64-Bit
Details: Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.
12188 13647
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.
1653 12107
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.
1850 14057
Details: These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-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 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.
2045 12364
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.
432 3199
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.
2.26 GHz Q. Core Xeon E5520 x2
Details: Both of two 64-bit 45-nm Xeon E5520 (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).
2.53 GHz N/A
Details: N/A
N/A Integrated
Details: It is not clear whether or not the processor can be upgraded on this model.
QPI* 2.26 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".
EFI 64-Bit
Details: N/A
32k/32k x8 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.
DDR3 ECC SDRAM* 1066 MHz
Details: Uses "1066 MHz DDR3 ECC memory" (PC-8500) modules.
3 GB 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.
None 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".
GeForce GT 120 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.
256 MB 256 MB
Details: N/A
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
None N/A
Details: Single display supported in default configuration. Additional displays can be supported with expansion cards.
160 GB HDD 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.
3.5" (25.4 mm) SATA/SAS
Details: Apple formally supports "up to 6 TB of hot-plug internal storage" using three 3.5" 2 TB drive modules.
8X DL "SuperDrive" None
Details: An 8X double-layer SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW) is standard.
None Gigabit (x2)
Details: The system has "two independent 10/100/1000BASE-T [Gigabit] Ethernet (RJ-45) interfaces with support for jumbo frames."
None None
Details: N/A
3 (2.0) 2 (800)
Details: Three USB 2.0 ports (one on front panel, two on rear) and two Firewire "800" ports on rear panel.
2 PCIe 2.0 x16* 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.
None None
Details: N/A
Rack-Mountable 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."
BTO/CTO 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.
A1279 (EMC 2279) 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.
N/A N/A
Details: N/A
X Server 10.5.6 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?
None* None*
Details: *Apple's Boot Camp provides no support for running Windows on the Intel-based Xserve models.
None N/A
Details: N/A
1.73 x 17.6 x 30.0 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".
US$3599 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.


1 (Mini DisplayPort) None
Details: Single Mini DisplayPort. VGA and DVI output supported with adapters (sold separately).
None None
Details: N/A
1 (DB-9) 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.
3 (2.0) 2 (800)
Details: Three USB 2.0 ports (one on front panel, two on rear) and two Firewire "800" ports on rear panel.
None 2 (RJ-45)
Details: The system has "two independent 10/100/1000BASE-T [Gigabit] Ethernet (RJ-45) interfaces with support for jumbo frames."
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
None None
Details: N/A
1 (Lock) None
Details: N/A
1 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 2.26 "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

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N/A US$3599

Original Prices - Europe

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Original Prices - Asia

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Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

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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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