XServe 2.1/early-2008 notes...

OK... I see a few posts on here related to my experiences with my newly-bought 2.8GHz "Early 2008" XServe 2.1... just thought I'd add to the discussion...

First topic I'll address is... I'm running the regular old "client" version of OS X 10.6.8. It works just fine if you're only planning on using the XServe like I am... as a decent platform for audio/video work and not as an actual "server". The Client version of the OS is missing all the "monitoring" and control features of the Server version of the OS, but... it actually does work. The boot process is a little strange (from my "Client" perspective) as I get to see all the Unix (?) code scolling up the window (very DOS-like) that isn't being blocked from the end-users eyes, as it is in the regular client version of 10.6.8. BTW... I started with 10.6.3 off the commercial/retail version of the OS X disc, upgraded once installed on the XServe via the "software upgrade" function when I'd ethernetted the XServe to my Airport.

Just to satisfy the questions that are brewing... I have a slew of old "legacy" audio programs that won't work without Rosetta/OS 10.6.8, and as such I'm stuck in OS 10.6.8 without upgrading ProTools, Digital Performer, and the slew of plug-in effects that I've collected. This was the "most power for the $ spent" option to keep these applications running. I got the XServe off eBay for "free" because the seller took so long to get it packaged and on it's way to me, he insisted on refunding my money. I insisted that I at least pay for shipping because I knew that was a "real" expense, where the XServe was simply old palletized-back-stock inventory to him. The auction price was $38, the shipping was $45. Still seemed like a great deal to me.

Next topic... the hard-drives... seems to be a lot of question as to what will work. I've got 3 SATA sleds in there. It only came with one, got the other 2 off eBay for something like $7 each. I've got a pile of old SATA drives in my parts bin, but... the ONLY drives that seem to work "every time" are the 2.5" size, like those you'd find in a "portable" USB hard drive. Not sure what the firmware/programming issue is, but "full-size" 3.5" drives seem to be ignored by the buss hardware. They don't even show up in Disc Utility. I'd poked around on-line and found a few comments related to this, when I COULD get my Hitachi HDS723020BLA642 2TB to mount and boot, but no other 3.5 drives would work (Seagate Pipeline, other drives that I note are 5400RPM... maybe it has something to do with the fact that the Hitachi is a 7200RPM?). Or maybe it's that only CERTAIN Apple-acknowledged bare drives will work, not sure what the list of Apple-blessed drives is. I'd start that with the Hitachi I've got. Maybe someone else has some input on this topic?

I could get any of the 2.5" SATA SSD drives that I own to work, 3 different manufacturers, each only 32 or 64GB sized. I've gotten a number of other random 2.5" drives to work, Jmicron Corp, Seagate, Toshiba. Either portable USB drives, or the Toshiba being the start-up from my girlfriend's MacBook Pro. Maybe THAT one is "Apple-blessed", don't know. Point is... it SEEMS that 2.5" drives work, for some reason. Might not be ALL 2.5" drives, so don't hold me to that. I'm going to shop for a decent sized pair of 2.5" (1 or 2TB) to install on the other sleds, we'll see how that goes)

Oh, next point... the one Hitachi 3.5" drive that's installed, bootable, reliable... is a 2TB. Seems there's an assumed "limit" on the drive size that can be used with these XServes, I assume because Apple only offered the ADMs in a max 1TB size. I can assure you, there is no such limitation. Granted, only one sample to go off of, but it is working. It's what I'm booted off of while I'm typing this.

Every drive attached via Firewire or USB works as you'd expect it to when connected to a regular Mac. They're bootable, Time-Machine-able, etc. This is actually how I initially got the XServe on-line... using a 250GB external Firewire drive that I use as a startup for emergencies/repair work.

I've got the factory installed Redeon X1300 video card on it's motherboard riser for video output. Works like you'd expect it to. Max of 1920 x 1080 on my 24" e-Machines monitor. I'm searching for a compatible PCI-Express dual output card, to give me 3 monitors... audio work uses up a LOT of desktop space. Anyone has any suggestions on a suitable video card, I'm listening. I tried an Apple Nvidia GeForce 6600LE 128MB Dual DVI PCIE I had lying around from my old Pro, but it wouldn't work.

I guess that's it for now. Any discussion/input is welcomed.

Chip