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Apple tested the scalability of Xserve G5 storage using Bonnie++, an open source
benchmark that measures drive throughput.This test shows that both read performance
and write performance improve as drives are added to the system.
Hot-plug Apple Drive Modules
The three Xserve drive bays
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provide affordable storage expansion using 80GB or
250GB SATA Apple Drive Modules.
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Apple Drive Modules feature robust hot-plug
connectors called Single Connector Attachment (SCA) II that protect the connecting
pins from bending when drives are inserted or removed. Hot plugging allows admin-
istrators to add storage without bringing down the server: Insert a new Apple Drive
Module at any time and it’s instantly available to the server. This flexibility is made
possible by tight integration between system hardware and software. The three
independent drive controllers detect when a drive is unplugged, so removing the
drive doesn’t mean risking data loss or a system crash. When the drive is plugged back
in, its controller instantly recognizes that it’s back online—without requiring cycles or
resets to reinitiate communication between the drive and the controller, as in other
storage architectures.
Apple Drive Modules feature a unique handle design for fast, easy installation and
a positive locking mechanism to hold them tightly in place after insertion.The new
drive carrier employs a drive mounting technique that increases drive isolation and
reduces vibration. Carefully tested and qualified to ensure maximum performance
and reliability, Apple Drive Modules work seamlessly with the sophisticated Xserve
monitoring sensors and Server Monitor remote monitoring software.
Monitoring of drive health
Xserve hardware and software work together to provide industry-leading remote
monitoring and alert capabilities. The server operating system reads Self-Monitoring,
Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) data from each hard drive. SMART data
allows the drive to report its health and enables Server Monitor software to warn the
administrator of a prefailure condition—providing the opportunity to back up critical
data and replace the hard drive before a failure occurs. For local monitoring, each
Apple Drive Module has two LEDs, one for drive activity and one for drive health.
Three drives
Two drives
One drive
110MB/s
115MB/s
Read 165MB/s
Write 139MB/s
Megabytes per second
60 120 180
57MB/s
44MB/s
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Technology Overview
Xserve G5
Apple Drive Module
Xserve G5 uses reliable, high-performance
Apple Drive Modules to provide cost-
effective, high-capacity system storage.
Xserve Storage Scalability