# Xserve RAID

> Apple Fibre Channel storage enclosure

**Wikidata**: [Q509370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q509370)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xserve_RAID)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xserve-raid

## Summary
Xserve RAID is an Apple Fibre Channel storage enclosure designed for rack mounting, providing high-performance storage solutions using Fibre Channel, Parallel ATA, and RAID technologies. It features 14 hot-swappable drive bays and is classified as both a peripheral and Apple hardware product.

## Key Facts
- Xserve RAID is a rack-mounted Fibre Channel storage enclosure manufactured by Apple Inc.
- It utilizes Fibre Channel, Parallel ATA, and RAID technologies for data storage and management.
- The enclosure contains 14 hot-swappable drive bays, enabling maintenance without system downtime.
- It is categorized as both a peripheral (hardware accessory) and Apple hardware product.
- The device is documented in 9 Wikidata sitelinks and available in 9 Wikipedia languages (English, Spanish, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese).
- Its freebase ID is `/m/038b2l`, and it has a fandom article ID `apple:Xserve_RAID`.
- Xserve RAID is a subclass of rack-mounted devices and storage enclosures.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Xserve RAID?
A: Xserve RAID is an Apple Fibre Channel storage enclosure designed for rack mounting, providing high-performance storage solutions using Fibre Channel, Parallel ATA, and RAID technologies.

### Q: How many drive bays does Xserve RAID have?
A: It features 14 hot-swappable drive bays, allowing for easy maintenance and storage expansion without powering down the system.

### Q: What technologies does Xserve RAID use?
A: It utilizes Fibre Channel, Parallel ATA, and RAID technologies for efficient data storage, access, and protection.

### Q: Is Xserve RAID compatible with non-Apple systems?
A: Xserve RAID is classified as Apple hardware, though Fibre Channel technology allows for interoperability with enterprise servers from other manufacturers.

## Why It Matters
Xserve RAID addressed the critical need for scalable, high-performance storage in Apple-centric server environments, particularly for creative industries and enterprises. As one of Apple's few dedicated enterprise storage solutions, it enabled seamless integration with Xserve servers while providing Fibre Channel's high-speed data transfer capabilities. The hot-swappable drive design minimized downtime during maintenance, making it valuable for mission-critical applications. Its production marked Apple's expansion into professional storage markets, complementing their workstation offerings and supporting large-scale data workflows for video editing, scientific computing, and database management. Despite its discontinuation, it represented Apple's commitment to enterprise hardware integration before the company's shift toward cloud services.

## Notable For
- First Apple-branded Fibre Channel storage enclosure, targeting enterprise and professional markets
- 14 hot-swappable drive bays enabling rapid storage expansion without system interruption
- Integration with Apple Xserve server ecosystem, providing native compatibility for macOS Server
- Use of Fibre Channel technology for high-speed (up to 4 Gbps) data transfers, suitable for SAN environments
- Unique combination of Apple hardware design with enterprise-grade RAID capabilities

## Body
### Overview
Xserve RAID is an Apple Fibre Channel storage enclosure designed for rack mounting. It functions as a peripheral device and belongs to the Apple hardware category, offering enterprise-grade storage solutions for professional environments.

### Technical Specifications
- **Storage Technologies**: Utilizes Fibre Channel for high-speed connectivity, Parallel ATA for drive interface, and RAID for data redundancy and performance
- **Drive Configuration**: Contains 14 hot-swappable drive bays, allowing live replacement and expansion of storage capacity
- **Physical Design**: Classified as a rack-mounted device, compatible with standard server rack enclosures

### Classification
- **Hierarchical Class**: Peripheral → Apple hardware → Rack-mounted device → Storage enclosure
- **Technology Stack**: Employs Fibre Channel, Parallel ATA, and RAID technologies in a unified enclosure
- **Part Structure**: Includes drive bays as essential components with hot-swapping capability

### Documentation
- Recognized in 9 Wikidata sitelinks with identifier `/m/038b2l`
- Wikipedia presence in 9 languages: English, Spanish, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese
- Fandom article ID: `apple:Xserve_RAID` with English language specification

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013