PCIe 2.0 Cards Over Thunderbolt

Today's ultra-light notebooks, mini, and all-in-one desktop computers now have tremendous processing power, power that many people thought would only be possible in full-size desktop computers. Smaller in size and portable, they're very desirable. For many professionals, this processing power alone is not enough. You need an expansion slot to install specialty cards to connect various video and audio inputs, for processing data, and to connect to high-speed storage and networks. The problem is, only desktop computers (which aren't very portable) have slots, and currently available PCIe expansion for notebook computers has been very limited in performance—until now. If you've got a computer with Thunderbolt technology, then the Echo™ Express SE Thunderbolt™ Expansion Chassis for PCIe cards is exactly what you need.

Sonnet's Echo Express SE enables you to use a high-performance PCI Express® adapter card (sold separately) with any computer with a Thunderbolt port. Imagine using a compatible professional video capture, audio interface, SAS & SATA HBA, 8Gb Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or RAID controller card with your iMac®, Mac® mini, MacBook® Air or MacBook Pro; this Sonnet product makes it possible!

Expanding Outside the Box

Sonnet harnesses the potential of Thunderbolt technology to enable you to connect a high-performance PCIe expansion card to computers without expansion slots. Developed by Intel® and brought to market with technical collaboration from Apple®, Thunderbolt technology supports high-performance data services and high-resolution displays through a single, compact port. Based on PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort technologies, Thunderbolt provides support for two channels on the same connector with 10 Gb/s of throughput per channel in both directions. Connected via a Thunderbolt cable (not included, sold separately), Echo Express SE carries the computer's PCIe channel to the slot and passes both PCIe and DisplayPort data through a second Thunderbolt port for daisy chaining other devices.

Echo Express DNA and Performance in a Smaller and Lighter Package

The Echo Express SE is small, light, and perfect for use in situations where the installed PCIe card doesn't require much space or a lot of power. Like its larger sibling, the Echo Express, the SE has a single slot, but uses a smaller enclosure that accommodates a half-length (up to 6.6" long), full-height, single-width, x8⁽¹⁾ PCIe 2.0 card. Do you have a card in mind but aren't sure which Echo Express you need? We've worked closely with PCIe card manufacturers to provide a list of compatible PCIe cards on our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart. The chart provides an up-to-date list of tested cards that are recognized over a Thunderbolt connection, compatible with Thunderbolt technology requirements, and that will physically fit the enclosure.

Smart Design Inside and Out

Constructed of aluminum, the Echo Express SE's outer shell helps transfer heat away from the card and securely protects it inside. The enclosure is ventilated front and back, and a quiet, temperature-controlled fan (with no switches or jumpers to configure) automatically helps keep even the very hottest cards cool; when not needed, the fan slows down to a whisper so you can work without a lot of noise in the background. The Echo Express SE is enviro-friendly, powering on and off with your computer.

Strong Link in the Chain

This Sonnet solution supports daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt technology-enabled peripherals such as an additional Echo Express SE, the Apple® Thunderbolt Display, video capture devices, and data storage devices. For connected devices requiring bus power, 10 watts is provided through the daisy chain Thunderbolt port to peripherals.

PCIe cards and Thunderbolt cable shown in photos for illustration purposes; items not included with chassis