Using a G4 XServe Without the Apple Drive Module, uh, thing?

[Paul F.]

I may have the opportunity to pick up a G4 XServe (PATA/100) without any drives in it. (School to school deal...).

Doing some reading has me a bit confused!

Is there any way to mount and connect ATA/100 drives in the empty bays WITHOUT Apple's expensive and discontinued "ADM" sleds?

I'm OK with building a physical sled with mounting brackets and strips of UHMW if I have to... BUT will the cabling work, or is it easy to build adapter cables from the drive controller to the drive?

I probably won't have the opportunity to inspect it with it's cover off before having to make the deal.... and I've never seen the innards of a G4 XServe.

I'd hate to pass it up if I could scrounge drives for it, but I'd hate to be saddled with it if $150 used-market drive sleds are required!

[Wild eep]

I have a G4 X-serve That I keep as an emergency spare.
I doubt that the labor it would take to get a drive in it would be worth it (If even possible)
I could take pics of it on monday if it would help.

[Doc]

Have you got a soundproofed room for that thing?

The noise from the fans might keep your neighbors awake.

[blusubaru]

C(-)ris on the forum has done this. I don't remember if it was a G4 or a G5, but you might want to PM him or wait until he finds this thread.

[Paul F.]

eep;

It would help... Mostly I want to know if the drive control board has a standard plug on it (ATA/IDE) that I can put a standard cable on... and snake it through to the drive bays.

Doc;
As a matter of fact, yes. It will be going in a wiring closet (well, a supply room that no one has t be in). :-)


Blu;
The G5 XServe is SATA, and I actually got a look at C(-)ris' conversion for that one... I am hoping that something simillar can be done with the PATA G4 XServe!

[C(-)ris]

Nope, sorry. The G4 Xserve does not have an easy way to tap into IDE interface. On the G5 Xserve there are normal SATA connectors on the logic board. On the G4, there are no IDE connectors anywhere. You need to have a tray(s) to make it work.

[mattkime]

if its gonna cost you that much in drive sleds, sounds like external drives would be better.

[Paul F.]

Bummer!

But I'll think about using external drives or maybe an SATA PCI card...

Like I said, it would be a shame to pass it up if I can put it to use easily... but I also can't spend a fortune on drive sleds to use a "free" server!

[Doc]

Paul F. wrote:
I may have the opportunity to pick up a G4 XServe (PATA/100) without any drives in it. (School to school deal...).

Free?

$70 on eBay, including shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-xServe-G4-1GHz...5886223933

[clay]

Doc wrote:
[quote=Paul F.]
I may have the opportunity to pick up a G4 XServe (PATA/100) without any drives in it. (School to school deal...).

Free?

$70 on eBay, including shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-xServe-G4-1GHz...5886223933
Man, that almost makes me want to buy one! But not enough that I will actually do it...