Sonnet xMac mini Server, PCIe x8 2.0 Half-Length & PCIe x16 2.0 Full-Length Slot, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, 3x USB 3.0, 1U Rackmount Enclosure

The Sonnet xMac mini Server allows you to take full advantage of a Mac mini. The Mac mini's compact size and form factor can limit its potential because it does not provide slots for PCIe expansion cards. With the xMac mini server, you'll be able to improve and add PCIe expansion cards through the Thunderbolt ports.

Sonnet used the RackMac mini 1U rackmount enclosure as a template to create a specially-designed 1U rack enclosure to securely house the Mac mini with strategic airflow cooling. Inspired by their Echo Express line of Thunderbolt-to-PCIe card expansion systems, Sonnet added two PCIe 2.0 expansion slots with an integrated power supply and built-in fans that connect to the Mac mini via its Thunderbolt port. Another Thunderbolt port is added for daisy chaining to other Thunderbolt devices.

For added convenience, the front panel provides a USB 3.0 port and a power button while other Mac mini interface ports are extended to the back of the chassis and mounted on the rear for convenient interfacing with Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and two more USB 3.0 ports. The PCIe expansion slots power on and off in unison with the Mac mini. To support a wide range of popular mobile racks, carts and portable rack cases, the xMac mini Server is just 17.75" deep.

A Great Design Made Better
With thousands of xMac mini Servers in daily use around the world, Sonnet has received great feedback from users and have updated this product with the features most important to them. This third generation xMac mini Server combines the best qualities of previous models and adds new features to make it the most capable model yet. The xMac mini server now supports one full-height, full-length card plus one full-height, half-length card. If you need to install a PCIe card that includes a daughter card, like the ones included with RME's HDSPe MADI FX card, Blackmagic Design's DeckLink 4K Extreme and the Lynx AES16e-50, the supplied mounting bracket allows you to securely mount the daughter card inside the chassis next to the main card, leaving the second PCIe slot open for another PCIe card.

Built for Future Expansion
The xMac mini Server provides you easy access to its PCIe slots and the computer's ports; simply loosen two thumbscrews and slide the top cover off. Once inside, installing PCIe expansion cards is easy. An included Thunderbolt cable connects your Mac mini to one of the xMac mini Server's Thunderbolt ports, linking the PCIe slots to the computer. The xMac mini Server's second Thunderbolt port allows daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt peripherals such as additional PCIe expansion (like Sonnet's Echo rackmount chassis), pro video breakout boxes, video capture and playback devices, audio I/O devices and more.

Smart Design Inside and Out
The xMac mini Server has numerous thoughtful design touches. The power supply and fans are user-replaceable. The front panel USB 3.0 port connects to the Mac mini, enabling you to connect a keyboard, mouse, or thumb drive to the computer without having to access its ports from the back. Other Mac mini interface ports a extended to the back of the chassis and mounted on the rear panel for convenient interfacing of Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and two USB 3.0 cables. A cable passthrough opening on the back panel allows you to route other cables to the computer or the internal connections on an installed card. One USB 3.0 port on the Mac mini is left available to connect a software license control dongle, such as the iLok, securely within the xMac's enclosure.

Stays Cool and Very Quiet
The third generation xMac mini Server's design has been refined to deliver increased airflow over installed PCIe cards. This enables its four variable-speed fans to effectively cool the cards while operating at slower speeds and as a result, reduced noise levels. The xMac mini Server is ideal for use with cool-running PCIe cards, including most pro audio, video capture & processing and many other cards, yet is capable of keeping hot-running cards cool quietly in the most demanding work environments.

Power for High Performance PCIe Cards
The third generation xMac mini Server integrates a universal 150W power supply and includes an auxiliary PCIe power connector for cards that require supplementary power, such as the Avid Pro Tools|HDX or the RED ROCKET. In short, there is plenty of power for any combination of compatible cards.

Eye on the Future
Both the xMac mini Server and Mac mini computers available today feature 10Gb/s Thunderbolt technology. Apple has already started enhancing some of its computers with 20Gb/s Thunderbolt 2 technology, starting with the MacBook Pro and the new Mac Pro. With an eye on the future, designed the third generation xMac mini Server to be easily upgradeable to Thunderbolt 2.

Adds Connectivity and Capabilities to Mac mini
Connects two PCIe 2.0 slots via Thunderbolt technology to the Mac mini, supports high-performance expansion cards

Server Room Ready
1U rackmount enclosure with user-replaceable power supply and fans, built-in cable management features

Diverse PCIe Card Support
Supports Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, pro video capture and playout, SAS/SATA RAID controllers, pro audio and other PCIe cards

Supports Thunderbolt Expansion
Enables daisy chain connection of additional Thunderbolt technology devices through second Thunderbolt port

Front Panel Operation
Front panel power button activates power switch on Mac mini; USB 3.0 port enables connection of keyboard, mouse, thumb drive, etc.

Power for High Performance PCIe Cards
Integrated 150W power supply provides plenty of power for any cards you install; auxiliary PCIe power connector enables use of power hungry cards such as the Avid Pro Tools|HDX or the RED ROCKET

Rear Panel Connectivity
Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and two USB 3.0 ports are mounted at the rear of the chassis for easy connectivity

Energy Efficient
Variable-speed fans automatically adjust to the unique needs of each configuration and the auto power on/off feature ensures there is no energy wasted with cards powered on when the Mac mini is sleeping or off.