Sonnet intros xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Edition expansion system

By Roger Fingas

Sonnet on Wednesday launched the xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Edition, an update of its 1U rackmount enclosure with Thunderbolt-to-PCIe card expansion.

The equipment includes a dual-port Thunderbolt 3 interface, and can accommodate a 2018 Mac mini with two PCIe cards: one full-size, the other full-height but half-length, yet still with enough room for a daughter card. On the front of the enclosure is a USB-A port, enabling system access without reaching around back.

The lid can be removed at will to manage hardware. Rear-facing connections include HDMI, USB-A, and 10-gigabit Ethernet.

For power the product has a 150-watt integrated supply, plus an auxiliary power connector for more demanding PCIe cards.

Sonnet is selling the xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 for $999. That price includes a Thunderbolt 3 cable, but not a Mac mini or any PCIe add-ons.