Xserve (Cluster Node): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 2 of 2

1. How many PCI slots are available on the Xserve (Cluster Node)?
2. What is the serial port intended for?
3. What are the configurable options for the Xserve (Cluster Node)?
4. Are there any graphics cards available for the Xserve (Cluster Node)?
5. Are there any optical drives available for the Xserve (Cluster Node)?
6. Which mounting racks can the Xserve (Cluster Node) be installed in?
7. Does the Xserve (Cluster Node) have redundant power supplies?
8. How do I install software or restore the OS without a CD-ROM?
9. What applications can run on the Xserve (Cluster Node)?

Question 1: How many PCI slots are available on the Xserve (Cluster Node)?

Answer: There are two 64-bit, 66 MHz PCI slots available on the Xserve (Cluster Node). Note that the AGP/PCI combination slot is not available on this product.

Question 2: What is the serial port intended for?

Answer: The DB-9 (9-pin) serial port allows administrators to access the server through a serial console session using UNIX commands.

Question 3: What are the configurable options for the Xserve (Cluster Node)?

Answer: RAM is offered as a configurable option for the Xserve (Cluster Node). Although there are no other configurable options, two kits are available for purchase from Apple--the 180 GB Apple Drive Module (ADM) and the Apple Fibre Channel card.

Question 4: Are there any graphics cards available for the Xserve (Cluster Node)?

Answer: Apple does not offer a graphics card, but there are third-party options available.

Question 5: Are there any optical drives available for the Xserve (Cluster Node)?

Answer: Apple does not offer an optical drive, but there are third-party options available.

Question 6: Which mounting racks can the Xserve (Cluster Node) be installed in?

Answer: The Xserve (Cluster Node) fits in EIA-310-D-compliant, industry-standard 19-inch (483 mm) wide racks, including four-post racks (24 inches (607 mm), 26 inches (660 mm), and from 29 to 36 inches (734 mm to 914 mm) deep) and two-post Telco racks (center-mount brackets are included).

Question 7: Does the Xserve (Cluster Node) have redundant power supplies?

Answer: No.

Question 8: How do I install software or restore the operating system without a CD-ROM?

Answer: There are several ways to install or restore software, including the following:

• Start up from the provided CD using a FireWire optical drive.
• Use FireWire Target Disk Mode and perform the installation from the host computer.
• Insert the 60 GB ADM into another Xserve to perform the installation.
• Use Apple's NetBoot and Network Install technology built into Mac OS X Server 10.2 to perform the installation from another server.

Answer: Any application that can be used with Mac OS X Server work with Xserve (Cluster Node). Be aware, however, that this configuration is designed to be accessed remotely through connections such as SSH, or by software applications that communicate directly to the server over the network (with no graphics card). If you are not sure whether your application can be used in a "headless" configuration (without a display), check with the software publisher.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only, and does not constitute Apple's recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

Document 17159, "Locating Vendor Information" can help you search for a particular vendor's address and phone number.