Pro Modular 2U Rackmount Enclosure Plus Thunderbolt to PCIe Card Expansion Systems for Mac mini (2024+)
Connect Demanding Audio and Video Cards to Your Mac mini
The latest Mac mini delivers exceptional processing power, rivaling systems many times its size and cost. Yet in professional environments, raw performance alone isn’t enough — workflows often require secure rack mounting and expanded connectivity beyond what the Mac mini provides out of the box.
xMac mini (2024+) systems solve this challenge, seamlessly integrating one or two Mac minis into a rugged, compact 2U steel rackmount enclosure. Each system combines a dedicated computer mounting module with a Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion module, delivering the connectivity, flexibility, and reliability demanded by today’s most intensive audio, video, and broadcast production workflows.
Easy Access to Mac minis and PCIe Card Expansion Module
xMac mini (2024+) keeps your Mac minis safely tucked away while providing easy-to-use power buttons for each one — so you can turn them on with just a press. Access is provided to the front ports on the mini mounted in front. A USB-C port provides a connection to the mini mounted in the rear, while a cable passthrough on the front panel enables connection of front computer’s USB connectors to the rear of the rack. The computer mounting and PCIe card expansion modules are secured with two rear panel thumbscrews each, enabling you to easily pull out and access the modules and installed computers and PCIe cards through the front of the enclosure. The xMac mini (2024+) design enables you to connect and disconnect cables without needing to remove the computers from the module.
Connect Specialty Audio and Video Cards
Preconfigured
Systems Tailored to Your Workflow.
For many creative professionals, connecting a Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion system to their computer is essential for utilizing specialized hardware — such as audio I/O and DSP cards, video capture and playback cards, NVMe SSD storage, and other high-performance adapters – required for their demanding workflows. With a Sonnet preconfigured system, choose a configuration with the PCIe card expansion module that best fits your needs.
Flexible
Prefer Options? Add Your Own Module.
xMac mini (2024+) enclosure system is available without a PCIe card expansion module, allowing you to install one later or use an Echo II DV, Echo II DV T5, or Echo III expansion module you may already own from an existing Sonnet Thunderbolt expansion system.
Maximum Expansion
Need to Maximize Mac mini Density?
Mount four Mac minis in just 2U of rack space with by configuring an xMac mini (2024) system with an additional xMac mini (2024+) Module.
System Details:
xMac mini (2024+)/Echo III is a versatile expansion system that supports three full-height, full-length PCIe cards. Certified with Avid Pro Tools | HDX cards.
What's In The Box:
2U rackmount enclosure
xMac mini (2024+) Module
Echo III Module
Key Features
Connects PCIe Card Slots to Mac mini
Use high-performance PCIe cards with the Mac mini computers.
Makes Your Mac minis Road-ready
A rugged steel-framed module with rubber-cushioned brackets securely mounts Mac minis, all housed within a 2U rackmount enclosure that can also house an additional expansion module — enhancing mobility and streamlining your workflow.
Perfect for Use in Server Rooms
Standard mounting holes and included adjustable rack rails enable easy installation into any standard server rack 16" to 24" deep.
Front Panel Power Buttons
Front panel buttons enable easy and reliable operation of the Mac minis’ bottom-mounted power buttons.
Port and Slot Access
Direct access is provided to the front ports of the front-mounted Mac mini, while a front-panel USB-C port connects to the rear-mounted unit. A passthrough opening allows cable connections to both, with full access to all rear ports on each computer.
Front to Back Airflow Management
Supports direct airflow through the Mac minis and Thunderbolt expansion module to keep them operating as cool in a rack as on a desk, even when xMac mini (2024+) is mounted between two other rack-mounted components.
Easy Access
Secured with two thumbscrews each to the back of the enclosure, the xMac mini (2024+) Module and Thunderbolt expansion module can be removed and reinstalled through the front of the enclosure.
Power Hub
Single power connection for one or two Mac minis.
Space for Storage
Beneath the computers, space to place two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (sold separately) is provided.
Sonnet Support
Founded in 1986 in Orange County, Southern California — long recognized as a vibrant hub of technology and engineering — Sonnet has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly four decades. We’ve introduced award-winning products that expand performance and connectivity for Mac, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. Many of our team members have been with us for more than 20 years, bringing unmatched expertise across both current and legacy products. Should you ever need technical support, you can count on our knowledgeable staff to provide the help you need.
Supports the Mac mini Thermal Design
xMac mini (2024+) enclosure system secures your Mac minis without trapping them in recirculating hot rack air, supporting their thermal design to keep them as cool in a rack as out on a desk. Ventilation holes on the xMac mini module’s front panel plus enclosed chambers beneath the computers ensures their ability to draw in cool air through their bases, while a completely open back enable them to expel warm air out the back unimpeded.
Secure Two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs Beneath the Mac minis
Space is provided beneath the computers to store two Thunderbolt or USB SSDs (sold separately) at maximum size of 3.2 inches wide by 0.75 inch tall. The space is also suitable for other thin, bus-powered devices.
