Apple updates server line

The company said it will feature the new Xeon models in its next line of Xserve rack-mount servers.

IT buyers will be able to purchase the servers with a pair of the new processors, each running at up to 2.93ghz.

The quadcore version of XServe server will start at AUD$5899 in Australia, the eight-core at $7099.

For an additional cost, users will have the option of adding additional hard drives up to 3TB or the option of using faster, more efficient solid-state hard drives.

Apple claims that the new processors will allow the XServe models to run at twice the speed of previous systems with a performance per watt improvement of roughly 89 per cent.

"With up to twice the performance, better power efficiency and an innovative SSD drive option, this is the best Xserve we’ve ever made," proclaimed Apple worldwide vice president of Mac product marketing David Moody.

The move adds Apple to the growing list of server vendors to offer the new Intel Xeon chips since the line was formally released early last week. Dell, IBM are among the vendors to feature the new chip in their offerings.