It seems that an Xserve prototype found its way to through Apple's tight net and landed on the lap of an unsuspecting AppleInsider reader. And what does he find out? Lo and behold: It's a SATA RAID prototype!

Well, particularly striking is the six fiber-channel interface right behind the Xserve chassis which confirms the six indicator lights available in front of the chassis. Unfortunately, the unit is only half complete, as it is missing one other RAID controller for seven additional devices and six more fiber-channels.

The mysterious machine, dubbed as "Q57," is only known to hold as 512 MB of RAM and 1 Terabyte of storage space either over four storage drives or 1 TB multiplied by four, plus 2 Gigabit fiber channel. The prototype firmware is recognized, but somehow not activated for configuration. SATA will provide for better RAID performance and cooler temperatures but Apple may forgo the release of a SATA RAID option and head right to a Serial Attached SCSI-based prototype.

The Xserve, having served Virginia Tech in their supercomputer initiative, might get the right overhaul over their fiber channel weakness. And it's right about time it did.

You may read more on the details of the leaked prototype by clicking the Read link below.