Sonnet xMac mini Server Expansion System ($1,295) With USB 3.0

Sonnet Technologies Inc. announced that its xMac mini Server,
a combination PCIe 2.0 expansion system and 1U rackmount enclosure for
Mac mini computers with Thunderbolt ports, is now USB 3.0-compatible.

This product connects to the Mac mini’sGbE, HDMI, and USB interfaces and
extends them to panel-mounted connectors on the front and back of the
unit. With the introduction of USB 3.0 ports on the new Mac mini
computers and the required use of USB 3.0 cables to support the
interface at full speed, USB 3.0 upgrade is available with all currently
shipping units.

Sonnet will offer existing xMac mini Server customers an upgrade path
with a replacement cable kit. The kit (Part No. XMCBL-3USB3) replaces
the existing USB 2.0 cables, and requires a screwdriver and nut driver
to complete the task.

The kit, priced at $39.95, is expected to ship in mid-November.

The xMac mini Server transforms a Mac mini into an expandable rackmount
server, mounting the computer inside a specially designed 1U rackmount
enclosure that contains two PCIe 2.0 slots that connect to the computer
through its Thunderbolt port.

The expansion system features a 100W power supply and employs
temperature-controlled variable-speed fans to cool the cards and
computer. This system enables users to plug in two PCIe adapter cards –
one half-length/low-profile and one full-length/full-height – to slots
connected to the Mac mini via an included Thunderbolt cable, while
enabling the daisy-chain connection of additional Thunderbolt
peripherals to the xMac mini Server’s second Thunderbolt port.

The Mac mini’sGbE, USB, and HDMI interfaces are extended to
panel-mounted connectors on the back of the unit. With these features,
the Mac mini is able to use expansion cards normally compatible only
with the Mac Pro, making the Mac mini suitable as a short and light
stand-in for the now-discontinued Xserve. This makes it for use in cases
such as a back-office RAID server, a metadata controller or mobile rack
frequently used in mobile pro audio, or on-location shoots for cinema
and other media projects.

The xMac mini Server requires the use of Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe
expansion cards. Compatible cards fall into numerous categories
including pro audio, Ethernet, FC, SAS/SATA RAID controllers, video
capture, and editing, with the list continually expanding as more cards
are tested and certified.

The USB 3.0-compatible xMac Mini Server (part number XMAC-MS) is available for $1,295.