OWC Mercury Helios 2

Name: OWC Mercury Helios 2 Thunderbolt 2 Dual Slot Expansion Chassis For PCIe Cards
SKU: OWCHELIOS2TB2
Price: 479 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.50 (4 reviews)

Thunderbolt™ 2 Dual Slot Expansion Chassis For PCIe Cards

Thunderbolt 2 / Mac / PC

Features one x16 PCIe 2.0 double width card slot, and one x8 PCIe 2.0 single width card slot *
Daisy-chain support for up to five additional Thunderbolt peripherals
Near-silent operation
Plug and Play - no drivers needed.**

Use PCIe Expansion Cards with any Thunderbolt Equipped Mac or PC

Helios 2 is the ideal way to access up to two PCIe cards and is perfect for video capturing, video editing, media transcoding, audio processing, ultra-fast networking, data storage, and more via its Thunderbolt interface. Get empowered with the flexibility to upgrade the capabilities of almost any workflow and workstation.

Install Two PCIe Cards + Daisy Chain

Helios 2 features one half-length (up to 7.75"), full-height, double-width x16 PCIe 2.0 slot and one half-length (up to 7.75"), full-height, single-width x8 PCIe 2.0 slot to provide a vast array of expansion options.

Two PCIe card slots + daughter card support
Two Thunderbolt 2 ports
Thunderbolt daisy-chain six devices plus a display

Thunderbolt Performance Juggernaut

The Helios 2 is the perfect solution to enhance and expand the computing capabilities of any Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 equipped Mac Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac laptop, or PC. Utilizing Thunderbolt high-performance technology, Helios 2 is a tour de force that provides the flexibility to use a multitude of PCIe cards with the bandwidth to support their capabilities.

Up to 20Gb/s performance
Perfect for HD/4K video workflows
Perfect for 10Gb/s networking interfaces
Perfect for Pro Audio workflows
Perfect for Ultra-Fast Datasets + Storage

Durable, Cool, and at the Ready

A whisper quiet variable speed fan keeps the inside of the Helios 2's durable aluminum ventilated chassis running cool. It automatically powers on/off with your computer, so it's at the ready whenever you are.

Lock It Up

Let's face it, you have PCIe cards because they serve an important workflow need. Helios 2 comes with a Thunderbolt cable lock that prevents accidental cable pulls from stopping your work in progress — ensuring your PCIe cards and daisy-chained Thunderbolt devices stay connected.

48 Hour Warranty Service

OWC's Step-by-Step Install Video

How to install PCIe Cards in the OWC Helios 2 Thunderbolt Enclosure.

* Thunderbolt limits PCIe x8 and x16 cards to x4 data lanes.

Includes

OWC Mercury Helios 2 PCIe Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis
High-Quality, Certified, Double-Shielded 1 Meter Thunderbolt cable
Helios 2 Thunderbolt cable locking bracket (not compatible with optical Thunderbolt cables)
External auto-switching 100/240v 50/60Hz power adapter 12V/7A
Mercury Helios 2 Assembly Manual & User Guide (View PDF 4.04 MB)
OWC 3 Year Solution Warranty with 48-Hour Turnaround Time

Gallery

360 Gallery

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Product Specifications:

System Requirements

Software
- OS
  - OS X 10.9 or later
  - Windows 7 SP1 or later
  - Note: Boot Camp is not supported
- Driver
  - Driver not required
Hardware
- Minimum Requirements
  - Mac or PC featuring Thunderbolt interface
- Recommended (Best performance)
  - Mac or PC featuring Thunderbolt 2 interface
Bootability
- OS X (requires installed PCIe card be bootable)

Interface

(2) Thunderbolt 20Gb/s

Device Interface

PCIe (PCI Express)

PCIe Card Support

(1) PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode) half-length (up to 7.75"), full-height, single- or double-width
(1) PCIe 2.0 x8 (x4 mode) half-length (up to 7.75"), full-height, single-width
Note: PCIe card must operate with no driver or have a Thunderbolt-aware driver. Please see the OWC PCIe Thunderbolt card compatibility chart for more information.

Performance

Thunderbolt 2 - 20Gb/sec
Note: Speeds will vary based on setup, configuration, and other environmental factors

Power

PCIe card minimum guaranteed power
- 25W (slot)
Power Supply
- External UL-listed, universal auto-switching
- AC input: 100 ~ 240V, 2.0A, 50-60Hz
- DC output: 12V, 7A
- Adapter plugs for international use sold separately

Product Manual

Mercury Helios 2 Assembly Manual & User Guide (View PDF 4.04 MB)

Dimensions

Height: 4.6 in (11.7 cm)
Width: 6.0 in (15.2 cm)
Length: 11.0 in (27.9 cm)

Weight

3.7 lb. (1.7 kg)

Operating Environment:

Environmental (Operating)

Temperature (°F) 32° to 95°
Temperature (°C) 0° to 35°

Environmental (Non-Operating)

Temperature (°F) -40° to 149°
Temperature (°C) -40° to 65°

Warranty

3 Year OWC Helios Limited Warranty

The best warranty is one you never have to use, but should the need occur, we're proud to provide a superior level of support and service coverage to our customers. OWC and NewerTech storage solutions come fully backed by an Industry-leading 48-hour turnaround time, for complete peace of mind ownership confidence.

View more information about the 3 Year OWC Helios Limited Warranty

Windows requires a Thunderbolt 2 interface in the computer and in the expansion chassis to support more than two PCIe controllers. Note that some PCIe cards have a bridge to multiple controllers, so it is possible for a single dual-controller PCIe card to reach the limit if not connected via Thunderbolt 2. Not all Mac-compatible PCIe cards are also compatible with Windows. See the PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart for details.

Compatability:

Compatible with the following Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 equipped computers:
Learn how to find your Mac's model ID

Mac Pro

(December, 2013)

Model ID: MacPro6,1

2.7GHz 3.0GHz, 3.5GHz, 3.7GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac w/Retina 5K display
(27-inch Mid 2015)

(May 2015)

Model ID: iMac15,1

3.3GHz i5, 3.5GHz i5, 4.0GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac with Retina 5K display (27-inch Late 2014)

(October 2014)

Model ID: iMac15,1

3.5GHz i5, 4.0GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (27-inch Late 2013)

(September, 2013)

Model ID: iMac14,2

3.2GHz i5, 3.4GHz i5, 3.5GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2013)

(September, 2013)

Model ID: iMac14,1; iMac14,3

2.7GHz i5, 2.9GHz i5, 3.1GHz i7

Detailed specs iMac14,1

Detailed specs iMac14,3

Install Videos

iMac (27-inch Late 2012)

(November, 2012)

Model ID: iMac13,2

2.9GHz i5, 3.2GHz i5, 3.4GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2012)

(November, 2012)

Model ID: iMac13,1

2.7GHz i5, 2.9GHz i5, 3.1GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2011)

(August, 2011)

Model ID: iMac12,1

3.1GHz i3

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011)

(May, 2011)

Model ID: iMac12,2

2.7GHz i5, 3.1GHz i5, 3.4GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011)

(May, 2011)

Model ID: iMac12,1

2.5GHz i5, 2.7GHz i5, 2.8GHz i7

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina Display 2013)

(October, 2013)

Model ID: MacBookPro11,2

2.0GHz

MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina Display 2013)

(October, 2013)

Model ID: MacBookPro11,1

2.4GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.9GHz

Detailed specs

MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina Display 2013)

(January, 2013)

Model ID: MacBookPro10,1

2.4GHz, 2.7GHz, 2.8GHz

Detailed specs

MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina Display 2013)

(January, 2013)

Model ID: MacBookPro10,2

2.5GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.9GHz, 3.0GHz

Detailed specs

MacBook Pro (13-inch Retina Display 2012-2013)

(October, 2012)

Model ID: MacBookPro10,2

2.5GHz, 2.9GHz

Detailed specs

MacBook Pro (15-inch Retina Display 2012)

(June, 2012)

Model ID: MacBookPro10,1

2.3GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.7GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (17-inch 2011)

(October, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookPro8,3

2.4GHz, 2.5GHz

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011)

(February, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookPro8,3

2.2GHz, 2.3GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (15-inch 2012)

(June, 2012)

Model ID: MacBookPro9,1

2.3GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.7GHz

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (15-inch 2011)

(October, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookPro8,2

2.2GHz, 2.4GHz, 2.5GHz

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011)

(February, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookPro8,2

2.0GHz, 2.2GHz, 2.3GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (13-inch 2012)

(June, 2012)

Model ID: MacBookPro9,2

2.5GHz, 2.9GHz

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (13-inch 2011)

(October, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookPro8,1

2.4GHz, 2.8GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Pro (13-inch Early 2011)

(February, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookPro8,1

2.3GHz, 2.7GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2013)

(June, 2013)

Model ID: MacBookAir6,2

1.3GHz, 1.7GHz

MacBook Air (11-inch Mid 2013)

(June, 2013)

Model ID: MacBookAir6,1

1.3GHz, 1.7GHz

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2012)

(June, 2012)

Model ID: MacBookAir5,2

1.8GHz, 2.0GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Air (11-inch Mid 2012)

(June, 2012)

Model ID: MacBookAir5,1

1.7GHz, 2.0GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2011)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookAir4,2

1.7GHz, 1.8GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

MacBook Air (11-inch Mid 2011)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: MacBookAir4,1

1.6GHz, 1.8GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Mac mini (Late 2014)

(October, 2014)

Model ID: Macmini7,1

1.4GHz, 2.6GHz, 2.8GHz, 3.0GHz

Detailed specs

Mac mini (Late 2012)

(October, 2012)

Model ID: Macmini6,1 & Macmini6,2

2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.6GHz

Detailed specs

Mac mini (Late 2012 Server)

(October, 2012)

Model ID: Macmini6,2

2.3GHz, 2.6GHz

Detailed specs

Mac mini (Mid 2011)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: Macmini5,1 & Macmini5,2

2.3GHz, 2.5GHz, 2.7GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

Mac mini (Mid 2011 Server)

(July, 2011)

Model ID: Macmini5,3

2.0GHz

Detailed specs

Install Videos

PC Desktops

Compatible with Intel / AMD Process based PCs capable with the specifications listed above.

Customer Ratings

Write a Review 4.5 / 5 3 out of 4 (75%) reviewers would recommend this product

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Anonymous Age: 55-65 Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 3/5 It is what it is and does what it does June 1, 2015 This functions as described and seems to be built well. The only reasons I gave it 3 stars instead of 5 is because it's quite noisy and surprisingly expensive. Having said all that, it is working perfectly after a few months of constant use and I'm fully satisfied that I got exactly what was described to me on the website. I'm sure the price of these things will fall dramatically once the blush is off the rose of the new peripheral-free Power Macs.

Verified Buyer Top 50 Contributor

Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Star Prairie, WI Age: 35-44 Experience Level: IT Professional Owned Product: 5-6 months

Rating: 5/5 Fantastic Idea April 17, 2015 Increasing you system's capabilities, through an external device, is much less of a concern these days, thanks to Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2. Adding any compatible PCIe device, which would traditionally have to be installed inside a computer, is a very nice feature, especially for graphics cards and storage options.

I would recommend this item to a friend!

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Allen, TX Age: 45-54 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: 1-3 months

Rating: 5/5 PCIe slots for the Late 2013 Mac Pro September 7, 2014 Upgraded to a Mac Pro and was looking for a way to add fast, external SSD storage. Bought this along with one of the Mercury Accelsior PCIe SSDs (already had another one from my previous Mac Pro tower). Put them in the Helios 2 in a RAID 0 config, and now I have 2TB of screaming fast external storage for my 2013 Mac Pro. It has worked flawlessly, with no issues whatsoever. Not even any sleep issues. It's just been fast, reliable, and I don't have to think about it. What more could you want?

I would recommend this item to a friend!

Verified Buyer

Reviewer: Anonymous Location: Brooklyn. NY Age: 55-65 Experience Level: Power User Owned Product: less than a month

Rating: 5/5 Easy installation, superb performance July 11, 2014 I bought the Helios 2 once I migrated from a 2009 MacPro in which I had installed a OWC PCI 960 GB card to a 2013 MacPro. Installation was painless and easy. And everything worked. I added another 1 TB OWC PCI card, and using a 3M Thunderbolt cable tucked the Helios 2 under a cabinet. So it is out of sight. The fan makes a slight audible hum which did not bother me, but now I don't hear that anymore. This is superb quality. It was all packaged well and does the job it needs to do.Prior to my purchase I wanted to make sure that the cards were compatible so I email support. I always get prompt replies, sometimes even over the weekend and the replies are accurate. Highly recommended. Highly appreciated.

I would recommend this item to a friend!

OWC Mercury Helios 2 Mfr P/N: HELIOS2TB2 OWC SKU: OWCHELIOS2TB2 Thunderbolt™ 2 Dual Slot Expansion Chassis For PCIe Cards with Dual Thunderbolt™ 2 Ports. 1M High Quality Thunderbolt™ 2 Cable Included. 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty

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