#xmac

Will 2020 Finally See the Long-Rumored "xMac"?

Mac Mini as an enterprise class rack-mount server?

In many applications, a Mac mini or Mac mini Server with Thunderbolt technology can easily take the place of a full size server, but the size and form factor can limit its potential. Most importantly, it doesn’t provide slots for PCIe expansion cards to increase its functionality, connectivity, and storage. Sonnet's xMac mini Server PCIe 2.0 expansion system/1U rackmount enclosure (formerly known as RackMac mini Xserver) addresses these issues and expands a Mac mini Server's potential in a big way.

Starting with our successful RackMac mini 1U rackmount enclosure for two Mac minis as a template, we created a specially designed 1U rack enclosure that securely holds a Mac mini (sold separately) firmly in place and delivers strategic airflow cooling. Then, inspired by the demand for the Echo Express Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis for PCIe Cards, we added two PCIe 2.0 expansion slots (with a 100W power supply and fans) that connect to the Mac mini via its Thunderbolt port, included a central power hub for the Mac mini and PCIe cards (sold separately), and finished by adding an additional Thunderbolt port for daisy chaining to other Thunderbolt devices. The xMac mini Server even provides a front panel USB port and a power button. The PCIe expansion slots power on and off in unison with the Mac mini.

An xMac mini Server combines the usefulness of the RackMac mini 1U rackmount enclosure for Mac mini Server computers with the functionality of the Echo Express Thunderbolt Expansion Chassis for PCIe Cards to enable you to transform a Mac mini with Thunderbolt technology from a simple server to something much more. Imagine the possibilities!

Built for future expansion

The xMac mini Server allows easy access to its PCIe slots and the computer's ports; simply loosen two thumbscrews and slide the top cover off. Once inside, installing PCIe expansion cards is simple. An included Thunderbolt cable plugs in between your Mac mini and one of the xMac mini Server's Thunderbolt ports, which link the PCIe slots to the computer. The xMac mini Server's second Thunderbolt port allows daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt Technology-enabled peripherals such as additional PCIe expansion, and data storage devices.

Expand to fit your needs

An xMac mini Server as a metadata controller for Xsan? Yes, you can. xMac mini Server as an ingest station for uncompressed HD video? Sure. xMac mini Server supports one full-length, full-height x16 (x4 mode) PCIe 2.0 card to enable you to use professional video capture or transcoding cards such as the RED Rocket; plus a second half-height, half-length x8 (x4 mode) PCIe 2.0 card such as a 10 Gigabit Ethernet, SAS, or Fibre Channel adapter all in 1U rack space. For PCIe card compatibility, see our PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart for a list of cards that have been tested to be recognized over a Thunderbolt connection and compatible with Thunderbolt technology requirements. This Sonnet solution also supports the connection of additional Thunderbolt technology-equipped devices, including storage systems and video capture devices.

Smart design inside and out

xMac mini Server has numerous thoughtful design touches. The power supply and fans are user-replaceable. The front panel USB port connects to the back of the Mac mini, enabling you to connect a keyboard, mouse, or thumb drive to the computer without having to access its ports from the back. Other Mac mini interface ports are extended to the back of the chassis and mounted on the rear panel for convenient interfacing of Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and HDMI cables. The xMac mini Server's power switch turns the computer on and off, and the PCIe slots are powered on/off with the Mac mini for maximum energy savings. An opening in the front panel allows the Mac mini’s power indicator to shine through. There's a central power hub for the computer and power supply for the PCIe slots, enabling you to power everything with one power cord. Locking brackets for the Thunderbolt cables and holes for cable ties enable you to secure all cables, keeping them tidy while avoiding accidental disconnects. Threaded holes in the side of the enclosure match up with Sonnet's Rack Slide Sets, which provide you an easy way to pull out your xMac mini Server to access what's inside.

Key features

Adds connectivity and capabilities to Mac mini: Connects one PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 mode) slot and one PCIe 2.0 x8 (x4 mode) slot via Thunderbolt technology to the Mac mini, supports high performance expansion cards.

Server room ready: 1U rackmount enclosure with user-replaceable power supply and fans, built-in cable management features.

Diverse PCIe card support: Supports Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, pro video capture and playout, SAS/SATA RAID controllers, pro audio, and other PCIe cards.

Supports thunderbolt expansion: Enables daisy chain connection of additional Thunderbolt technology devices through second Thunderbolt port.

Front panel operation: Front panel power button activates power switch on Mac mini; USB port enables connection of keyboard, mouse, thumb drive, etc.

Rear panel connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, USB and HDMI ports are mounted at the rear of the chassis for easy connectivity

Energy efficient: Variable speed fans adjust to the unique needs of each configuration, and the auto power on/off feature insures there is no energy wasted with cards powered on when the system is off.

A note on USB3:

With the introduction of the latest Mac mini and Mac mini Server models, Apple added USB 3.0 ports to their popular compact desktop computers. If you purchased a Sonnet xMac mini Server prior to mid-October 2012 and need to use it with a Mac mini or Mac mini Server (Late 2012) computer, get this upgrade kit to replace the original USB 2.0 cables with USB 3.0 cables to support USB 3.0 peripherals at full speed.

Sonnet's USB 3.0 Replacement Cable Kit provides existing xMac mini Server customers an upgrade path to USB 3.0. The easy-to-install kit replaces the existing USB 2.0 cables, and requires only a screwdriver and nut driver to complete the task.

Package Contents: Three custom USB 3.0 cables and instructions.

Cost of server US$1,300. Cost of USB3 kit US$50.