Sonnet Technologies

In many applications, a Mac mini or Mac mini Server with Thunderbolt technology can easily take the place of a full size server, but the size and form factor can limit its potential. Most importantly, it doesn't provide slots for PCIe expansion cards to increase its functionality, connectivity, and storage. Sonnet's xMac mini Server PCIe 2.0 expansion system/1U rackmount enclosure (formerly known as RackMac mini Xserver) addresses these issues and expands a Mac mini Server's potential in a big way.

Starting with their successful RackMac mini 1U rackmount enclosure for two Mac minis as a template, Sonnet created a specially designed 1U rack enclosure that securely holds a Mac mini firmly in place and delivers strategic airflow cooling. Then, inspired by the demand for the upcoming Echo Express Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis for PCIe Cards, added two PCIe 2.0 expansion slots (with a 100W power supply and fans) that connect to the Mac mini via its Thunderbolt port, included a central power hub for the Mac mini and PCIe cards, and finished by adding an additional Thunderbolt port for daisy chaining to other Thunderbolt devices. The xMac mini Server even provides a front panel USB port and a power button. The PCIe expansion slots power on and off in unison with the Mac mini.

A xMac mini Server combines the usefulness of the RackMac mini 1U rackmount enclosure for Mac mini Server computers with the functionality of the Echo Express Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis for PCIe Cards to enable you to transform a Mac mini with Thunderbolt technology from a simple server to something much more. Imagine the possibilities!

The xMac mini Server allows 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 simple. An included Thunderbolt cable plugs in between your Mac mini and one of the xMac mini Server's Thunderbolt ports, which link the PCIe slots to the computer. The xMac mini Server's second Thunderbolt port allows daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt Technology-enabled peripherals such as additional PCIe expansion, and data storage devices.

An xMac mini Server as a metadata controller for Xsan? Yes, you can. xMac mini Server as an ingest station for uncompressed HD video? Sure. xMac mini Server supports one full-length, full-height x16 (x4 mode) PCIe 2.0 card to enable you to use professional video capture or transcoding cards such as the RED Rocket; plus a second half-height, half-length x8 (x4 mode) PCIe 2.0 card such as a 10 Gigabit Ethernet, SAS, or Fibre Channel adapter all in 1U rack space. For PCIe card compatibility, check our upcoming list of cards that have been tested to be recognized over a Thunderbolt connection and compatible with Thunderbolt technology requirements. This Sonnet solution also supports the connection of additional Thunderbolt technology-equipped devices, including storage systems and video capture devices. See the Configuration Ideas tab for a few concepts.

Variable speed fans ensure the PCIe cards stay "chill" and the enclosure stays as quiet as possible.

xMac mini Server has numerous thoughtful design touches. The power supply and fans are user-replaceable. The front panel USB port connects to the back of 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 are extended to the back of the chassis and mounted on the rear panel for convenient interfacing of Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and HDMI cables. The xMac mini Server's power switch turns the computer on and off, and the PCIe slots are powered on/off with the Mac mini for maximum energy savings. An opening in the front panel allows the Mac mini's power indicator to shine through. There's a central power hub for the computer and power supply for the PCIe slots, enabling you to power everything with one power cord. Locking brackets for the Thunderbolt cables and holes for cable ties enable you to secure all cables, keeping them tidy while avoiding accidental disconnects.