Server · The Digital Hub · 2004
Xserve G5
The Xserve G5 moved Apple’s rack server line to 64-bit PowerPC G5 chips, giving Mac shops a serious server companion.
First 64-bit Xserve.
Xserve (Intel) (2006)
Xserve G5: key facts
When was the Xserve G5 released?
The Xserve G5 arrived on January 6, 2004. Apple discontinued it in August 2006.
How much did the Xserve G5 cost?
The Xserve G5 launched at $2,999 in 2004, about $5,098 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: PowerPC G5 at 2 GHz, 512 MB RAM, 78.1 GB storage, Rack server, no built-in display display.
Why does the Xserve G5 matter?
First 64-bit Xserve.
Full specifications
| CPU | PowerPC G5 · 2 GHz |
|---|---|
| Cores | 2 |
| Memory (RAM) | 512 MB (up to 16 GB) |
| Storage | 78.1 GB |
| Display | Rack server, no built-in display |
| GPU | Integrated / NuBus video |
| Ports | Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, USB, PCI-X |
| Weight | Varies by configuration |
| Dimensions | 1U rack server |
| Operating system | Mac OS X Server 10.3 |
| Released | January 6, 2004 |
| Discontinued | August 2006 |
| Launch price | $2,999 |
How the Xserve G5 compares to today
A 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro has about 32× more memory than this device shipped with.
At 2 GHz, the clock is roughly 1.6× slower than a single performance core of a 16 GB Apple Silicon MacBook Pro, and that is before counting cores, width and IPC.
This held about 20,000 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $2,999 in 2004, about $5,098 in today’s money (approx., US CPI).
Method note: clock comparisons use frequency only; price conversions use US CPI.
Sources
Specs checked against Apple technical specifications archive, EveryMac, Mactracker, Wikimedia Commons image credits.
Related Server models
Open the Xserve G5 in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11