Expand the performance of your Mac mini with the DuoModo xMac mini (Intel or M1) / Echo III Desktop System from Sonnet. Featuring a preinstalled Echo III module, this desktop system accepts an Intel or M1 Mac mini, available separately. Connecting to its host via the internal Thunderbolt 3 port, the mac housing provides a Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and two Type-C ports, while also preserving access to Mac mini ports. Plus, two M.2 NVMe SSD slots can be used to install up to 16TB of storage. A convenient internal USB port provides connectivity for a thumb drive or iLok USB key.

The included Echo III module features a PCIe 3.0 x16 and two x8 slots that fit three full-length, full-height PCIe adapter cards. Two Thunderbolt 3 ports support a total bandwidth of 2750 MB/s. Compatible with non-GPU PCIe adapter cards, including Avid Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards, the Echo III sports a built-in 400W power supply and a 75W auxiliary power connector. Dual cooling fans utilize variable speeds for temperature control to prevent overheating. In addition to a Thunderbolt 3 and power cable, a ThunderLok 3 retainer clip is included. Please note, this desktop system does not come with adapter cards or a Mac mini preinstalled.

Compatible with xMac Mini Intel or M1    Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports    2 x M.2 NVMe Slots    Internal Thunderbolt 3 Port for Mac mini    Preserves Access to Mac mini Ports    1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot    2 x PCIe 3.0 x8 Slots    Supports Non-GPU PCIe Cards    Built-In 400W Power Supply    Rugged Aluminum Build

Compatible with Intel or M1 Mac minis, this aluminum enclosure allows you to securely combine your computer with the preinstalled Echo III module.

An internal USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port allows you to connect a USB storage drive or an iLok USB Type-A license key. Use the internal Thunderbolt 3 port to connect the Echo III module to your Mac mini, available separately.

Along with two ports on the rear of the Echo III module, this enclosure sports a Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports on the front panel. Also, it is designed to preserve access to your Mac mini ports.

Use the two M.2 NVMe SSD slots to install optional drives for a total storage space of up to 16TB.

The dual cooling fans are rated at a max noise level of 17 dB for unobtrusive operation. A dedicated cooling fan also provides airflow to your Mac mini.

Supporting power-hungry non-GPU PCIe cards including AVID HDX cards, this module utilizes a built in 400W power supply. Need more juice? Use the auxiliary connector with an optional external power source for an additional 75W. This enclosure is designed to power on and off along with your connected computer.

Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface that utilizes the reversible USB Type-C connector. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 features a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s when used with compatible devices. The connector also transmits data via USB 3.1 at up to 10 Gb/s, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect up to two 4K displays simultaneously. You can daisy-chain up to six devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port.

Doubling the speed of its predecessor, USB 3.2 Gen 2 features a maximum throughput of 10 Gb/s when used with compatible devices and is synonymous with USB 3.1 Gen 2.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this work with a regular Thunderbolt Mac Mini and a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt adapter?

A: No, it is not compatible.

Q: 2. Can you send one PCIe card/slot to one computer, and the second to another computer?

A: The Sonnet Echo III Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card Rackmount Expansion System can only connect to one computer at a time; the second Thunderbolt 3 port is for daisy-chaining additional Thunderbolt devices.

Q: 3. IS THIS A SINGLE, EXTERNAL UNIT? or is it made to slide into some type of dock or larger unit? thanks!

A: The Sonnet DuoModo Echo I Module is meant to be used in a Sonnet DuoModo enclosure like the Sonnet DuoModo Single-Module Desktop Enclosure, B&H # SODMENC1MD, or Sonnet DuoModo Dual-Module Rackmount Enclosure, B&H # SODMMODE1.

Q: 4. Does this enclosure work for the 2023 M2 chip Mac mini?

A: Yes, this Sonnet Xmac Mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Rackmount Enclosure is compatible with the mac mini M1 as well as M2: https://bit.ly/3Z3t5N4 .

Q: 5. Will a DeckLink 8K Pro G2 PCIe card with the HDMI daughter card fit in this? And if so, will it leave one slot open for use?

A: Yes, the Blackmagic Design DeckLink 8K Pro G2 Capture Card would fit inside the Sonnet Echo III Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe Card Rackmount Expansion System, and you should be left with one open slot to use.

Q: 6. Can you install a graphics card in to this enclosure? (a la eGPU?)

A: This is an enclosure for Apple Mac Mini computers. There are PCIe slots for additional expansion including GPUs (limited compatibility). Please look for proper external GPU chassis..

Q: 7. Will this work on a mac pro 09 ?

A: The Sonnet BRD-UPGRTB2-XM is not compatible with a Mac Pro.

Q: 8. Does this enclosure work for the M1 chip Mac mini?

A: Yes, this will work with the M1 chip.

Q: 9. How loud are the fans on this unit? I have the Thunderbolt 2 version of this and the fans are louder than I'd like them to be on it. Does anybody know what the comparison is like?

A: This would be heavily dependent on the use case scenario. However I would say it would be on par with the thunderbolt 2 variant.

Q: 10. Besides rack mount, how is this different from Sonnet Echo Express SE?

A: As far as the software and capabilities, the two models are very similar.