Sonnet ECHO-EXP3FR Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt 2 3-Slot Rackmount Expansion Chassis for PCIe Cards

Today's ultra-light notebooks, mini, and all-in-one desktop computers now have tremendous processing power–power that many thought would only be possible in full-size workstation or large desktop computers. Smaller in size and more portable, they're very desirable. For pros in the creative fields, processing power alone is not enough. A prime example is the new Mac Pro. Proven to be a processing powerhouse and packed with Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 ports, it lacks the PCIe expansion slots necessary to install specialty cards to connect various video and audio inputs, for transcoding data, and to connect to high-speed storage and networks. With the Echo Express III-R, Sonnet has created a solution that leverages the paradigm shift enabled by Thunderbolt technology, allowing PCIe expansion slots to be connected outside a computer. This rackmount Thunderbolt-to-PCIe card expansion chassis makes it possible for you to connect three professional video capture, audio interface, SAS or SATA HBA, 16Gb or 8Gb Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and RAID controller PCIe cards to any Mac® with a Thunderbolt port.

Featuring 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 technology that provides sufficient bandwidth to support many of the highest performance and most demanding PCIe cards, the Echo Express III-R delivers maximum performance when connected to a computer with Thunderbolt 2. The III-R is also fully compatible with computers with 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology, supporting the majority of cards at full-performance.

20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 technology-equipped computers are here. The original 10Gbps Thunderbolt interface has provided breakthrough bandwidth for external expansion, more than sufficient to support the maximum performance of most PCIe cards. However, some high bandwidth cards such as the RED ROCKET, 16Gb Fibre Channel, multi-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet cards, or the use of other bandwidth-hungry cards require more than 10Gbps. Thunderbolt 2 removes this barrier by providing more bandwidth for demanding applications. The Echo Express III-R's Thunderbolt 2 interface takes full advantage of this increased bandwidth to ensure optimum performance from installed cards when the chassis is connected to a Thunderbolt 2-equipped computer. Need to connect to a computer equipped with 10Gbps Thunderbolt? No problem, the Echo Express III-R is fully compatible with earlier generation Thunderbolt computers as well.

Constructed of heavy-duty steel, the Echo Express III-R's enclosure not only provides secure mounting for the inner assembly and protection for the PCIe cards installed inside, but it supports maximum airflow for cooling, regardless of where it is installed in a rack. The fans are variable-speed and temperature-controlled, and the computer-modeled airflow management ensures that even hot-running cards and the chassis' components remain reliably cool without the need to install an extra PCIe blower card that would prevent the use of one of the three slots. Because the fans automatically speed up and slow down as needed, there is no guesswork in setting a switch position, and no need for tools to change fan speed settings. Since Echo Express products automatically power on and off with your computer, there is no power switch needed on the chassis. The III-R includes adjustable and removable rackmount extension rails that allow the chassis to be installed securely in a variety of racks from 16" to 24" deep. The III-R provides space for other equipment, too. Utilizing the optional Echo Express III-R Mobile Rack Kit, you can install two 5.25-inch form factor mobile rack devices (sold separately) in the III-R's enclosure without taking up additional rack space.

The Echo Express III-R was designed to be remarkably quiet so that it can be comfortably used in noise-sensitive environments and it is indeed the quietest Echo chassis yet. Its dual, ultra-quiet, temperature-controlled fans assist the natural convection of warm air through the PCIe cards. Echo Express III-R's fans vent warm air through custom Venturi openings with low form-drag grills, resulting in reduced air velocity, turbulence, and, consequently, fan noise.

The Echo Express III-R supports three standard width, full-length PCIe cards, or one double-width, full-length card plus one single-width card, enabling it to support every Thunderbolt-compatible card available. PCIe 1.1, PCIe 2.0, and PCIe 3.0 cards are supported.

If you're a RED ROCKET user, you already know that the card normally takes up two PCIe slots—one for the card itself and another for the BNC connector bracket (for HD-SDI output). Sonnet designed the Echo Express III-R to accommodate the card/bracket pair in a single slot. This Echo chassis includes mounting holes designed specifically for the installation of two BNC connectors, enabling you to install the RED ROCKET card in one slot and its BNC connectors in the Echo chassis' mounting holes, leaving the two remaining slots open. The extra bandwidth afforded by the Thunderbolt 2 interface significantly doubles the ROCKET's throughput, too.

Designed for BNC Connector Cables—Echo Express III-R's back panel has two mounting holes for BNC connectors, allowing the use of a RED ROCKET card without the need for the BNC connector bracket that would normally occupy a valuable PCIe slot.

Sonnet includes a lock that secures Thunderbolt connectors(3) in place plugged into the Echo chassis. It is easy to install and prevents accidental cable disconnections.

The Echo Express III is available in two versions, the Echo Express III-D (desktop) and Echo Express III-R (rackmount), to suit your workflow needs. The III-D's form factor makes it easy to transport. The III-R mounts in a rack space 2U tall, and is just 16" deep, making it perfect for use in a wide range of popular mobile racks, carts, and rack cases, and server rooms as well.

There's no need for you to pay an additional 10–15% on top of the purchase price to extend the warranty period beyond one year—Sonnet backs the Echo Express III-R with its Pro 5-year warranty.

Sonnet Echo Express III-R Includes:

• Echo Express III-R chassis(1)
• Power cord
• Thunderbolt cable lock(3)
• Documentation

Sonnet Echo Express III-R Features:

• Provides PCIe Card Expansion—Use high-performance PCIe cards with Thunderbolt-equipped computers
• Thunderbolt 2 Interface—Maximum performance with computers with Thunderbolt 2 technology, backward compatible with host computers and other devices equipped with 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology
• Three PCIe Slots—Supports three full-length, full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card
• Remarkably Quiet—Large, temperature-controlled,variable-speed fans that automatically cool the cards, plus computer-modeled design that reduces airflow turbulence and velocity, combine to provide quieter cooling for all cards
• Integrated Universal Power Supply—Built-in 300W power supply with 75W auxiliary power connector
• Rugged Steel Housing—Provides robust and secure protection for any environment
• Every Thunderbolt-Compatible Card Supported—Works with every Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe card, regardless of length or height
• 5-Year Warranty Included at No Extra Cost—No extra charge for full 5-year warranty

Sonnet Echo Express III-R Specifications:

• Warranty: 5-year
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 19" x 16" x 3.48" (48.26 x 40.6 x8.85 cm)
• Weight: 19 lbs (8.6 kg)
• Form Factor: Rackmount
• External Connectors: Two Thunderbolt
• Internal Connector: 6-pin Mini-Fit Jr (same typeas on legacy Mac Pro motherboard; provides up to 75W of power for PCIe cards that require supplemental power)
• Expansion Slots:
  • One x8 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 2.0
  • One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 2.0
  • One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 2.0
• PCIe Cards Supported(1): One full length, full-height, double-width PCIe card, plus one single-width card or three full length, full-height, single-width PCIe cards
• Compatible PCIe Cards(2): Up-to-date PCIe cards listed on Sonnet's website
• Power Supply: Universal 300W, 115-230V AC, 50-60Hz
• Operating Temperature: 32° F to 95° F (0° C to 35° C)
• RoHS Compliant: Yes
• Mac Compatibility:
  • Mac with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port
  • OS X 10.8.5+
• PC Compatibility:
  • PC with a Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 port(4)
  • Windows® 8, 7

Note:

PCIe cards and Thunderbolt cable sold separately

1. PCIe cards sold separately; requires Thunderbolt cable.

2. Compatibility requires the installation of Thunderbolt technology-aware drivers, available from the manufacturer. See Sonnet's website for a list of up-to-date compatible PCIe cards.

3. Thunderbolt cable lock is compatible with Apple and Sonnet Thunderbolt cables.

4. 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.