Connect Three Full-length PCIe Cards to Computers with Thunderbolt Ports

The best portable, mini desktop and all-in-one computers feature powerful CPUs and include high-performance Thunderbolt™ ports to support peripherals. But they lack the PCIe expansion slots creative pros need to install specialty adapter cards that enable their workflows by adding video and audio inputs, transcoding data, and connecting to high-speed shared storage and networks. Sonnet has a Thunderbolt solution - Echo™ III Rackmount - a professional Thunderbolt expansion system that allows you to connect up to three full-length (12.28 inches) PCIe cards simultaneously. Using a single Thunderbolt cable, it's compatible with Apple M series or Intel Macs with Thunderbolt 3 ports, and Windows or Linux computers with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or USB4 ports.

The Thunderbolt Interface Connection

Three Slot Professional Desktop PCIe Card Expansion - when connected to one of your computer's Thunderbolt ports, Echo III enables you to connect professional PCIe cards (three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card).

Supports Every Thunderbolt Compatible, Non-GPU PCIe Card

Echo III Rackmount supports every Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU PCIe 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 card available including video capture and transcoding; audio DSP; 6Gb or 12Gb SAS or SATA host bus adapter; 10Gb or 25Gb Ethernet; SSD storage; and other specialty types to your system.

Do you have a card in mind but aren't sure it's compatible? We've put together a compatibility list that identifies cards conforming to Thunderbolt technology requirements, and organized by fit and power compatibility with specific expansion systems.

Avid Pro Tools Qualified | Ready for up to Three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe Cards - no Extra Parts Required

At the flick of a switch, the Avid qualified Echo III Rackmount system is instantly optimized to support up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards, with no extra parts necessary! This system has been tested and is qualified by Avid Audio group for use with Avid Pro Tools HD 2020 software, and Avid Pro Tools HDX and HD Native systems.

Your Entire Multi-card Pro Tools | HDX System in 4U Rack Space

Sonnet makes it easy to integrate a complete 2- or 3-card Pro Tools | HDX system and a Mac mini in just 4U of rack space. With the rugged 1U RackMac mini rackmount enclosure plus the 2U Echo III Rackmount you can combine the power of HDX with any Avid Pro Tools hardware I/O for a complete system, including the exciting Pro Tools | MTRX Studio all-in-one audio interface.

Key Features | Adds Connectivity & Capabilities

Connects up to three high-performance non-GPU PCIe cards to your computer lacking expansion slots via a Thunderbolt cable.

Avid Pro Tools | HDX Compatible

HDX compatibility mode enables use of up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards with no additional parts needed.

Broad PCIe Card Compatibility

Every Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU card supported regardless of length or height.

Three PCIe 3.0 Slots

One x16 plus two x8 slots support three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card.

Pro Power

Integrated 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power. Saves energy by powering on/off automatically with the computer.

Remarkably Quiet

Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17 dBA automatically and quietly cool the cards.

• Echo III Rackmount Thunderbolt Expansion System
• Region-specific Power Cable
• 6-pin PCIe Auxiliary Power Cable
• 0.8- meter Thunderbolt Cable
• ThunderLok-A Connector Lock
• Extension Rails for Rack Depth 16-24 inches
• Documentation

External Connectors

• Two Thunderbolt ports
• Power (C14-type)

Internal Connector

• 6-pin auxiliary power; provides up to 75W of power for PCIe cards that require supplemental power

Expansion Slots (Facing Rear, Top to Bottom)(3)

• One x8 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.1
• One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.1
• One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.1

PCIe Cards Supported

• Three full-length, full-height, single-width PCIe cards or
• One full-length, full-height, double-width PCIe card, plus one single-width card

Power Supply

• Universal 400W, 115-230V AC, 50-60Hz

Operating Temperature

• 0ºC to 35ºC (32ºF to 95ºF)

• Computer
• Mac

Mac Compatibility

• macOS 14+ Mac with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt/USB4, or Thunderbolt 3(1)ports
• macOS Tahoe compatible

Windows Compatibility

• Windows 11 computer with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4(2) ports

Linux Compatibility

• Linux kernel 6.6, 6.12, 6.18 (or newer) computer with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports

PCIe Card Compatibility:

• https://www.sonnettech.com/support/downloads/manuals/TB_PCIe_Card_Compatibility.pdf