Storage · The Digital Hub · 2003
Xserve RAID
Xserve RAID was Apple’s serious storage box: a rack full of drives aimed at servers, video editing and SAN deployments.
Apple’s rack-mounted storage array for Xserve and pro video workflows.
Apple USB SuperDrive (2008)
Xserve RAID: key facts
When was the Xserve RAID released?
The Xserve RAID arrived in February 2003. Apple discontinued it in February 2008.
How much did the Xserve RAID cost?
The Xserve RAID launched at $5,999 in 2003, about $10,438 in today’s money (approximate, US CPI).
What specs stand out?
Key specs: 703.1 GB storage, Fibre Channel.
Why does the Xserve RAID matter?
Apple’s rack-mounted storage array for Xserve and pro video workflows.
Full specifications
| CPU | — |
|---|---|
| Cores | — |
| Memory (RAM) | — |
| Storage | 703.1 GB |
| Display | — |
| GPU | — |
| Ports | Fibre Channel |
| Weight | Varies by model |
| Dimensions | 3U rack storage array |
| Operating system | Driver/firmware support |
| Released | February 2003 |
| Discontinued | February 2008 |
| Launch price | $5,999 |
How the Xserve RAID compares to today
This held about 180,000 modern phone photos, a respectable library even today.
Launched at $5,999 in 2003, about $10,438 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.
Did you know?
It was one of the few Apple products to live comfortably in a machine room.
Related Storage models
Open the Xserve RAID in the interactive archive →
Last updated: 2026-08-11