Sonnet Echo III Desktop Thunderbolt Three-Slot PCIe Card Expansion System

For pros working in the creative fields, a computer's processing power alone is not enough to get the job done. A prime example is the latest MacBook Pro, which, while offering great performance, lacks the PCIe expansion slots necessary to support specialty cards that connect pro video and audio inputs, transcode data, and connect to high-speed storage and networks. Instead of slots, these computers include high-performance Thunderbolt 3 ports to support peripherals. Sonnet's Echo Express III-D (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) is a pro-level, desktop Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card expansion system that enables you to connect three full-length PCIe cards at the same time.

The Thunderbolt 3 Connection Through a simple Thunderbolt 3 connection, add professional PCIe cards (three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card) including video capture, audio interface, SAS or SATA HBA, 16Gb or 8Gb Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and RAID controllers.

Free Lifetime Tech Support Sonnet was established in Irvine, California in 1986. Since then, we've pioneered and brought to market many innovative and award-winning products that enhance the performance and connectivity of Mac, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. Many of our employees have been with the company for more than 20 years. We have a wealth of knowledge about our current and past products. Should you ever need technical support on one of our products, contact us; we'll be around to help you.

Every Thunderbolt 3 Compatible, Non-GPU Card Supported Echo Express III-D supports three single-width, full-length PCIe cards, or one double-width, full-length card plus one single-width card, enabling it to support every Thunderbolt 3 compatible, non-GPU PCIe 1.1, PCIe 2.0, and PCIe 3.0 card available. Do you have a card in mind but aren't sure it's compatible We've put together a list in our supporting PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart (PDF). There you'll find cards identified as conforming to Thunderbolt technology requirements, and organized by fit and power compatibility with specific expansion system.

ADDS CONNECTIVITY & CAPABILITIES:

Connects up to three high-performance non-GPU PCIe cards via a Thunderbolt 3 cable to your computer lacking expansion slots.

PRO TOOLS | HDX COMPATIBLE:

HDX compatibility mode enables use of up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards with no additional parts needed.

BROAD PCIE CARD COMPATIBILITY:

Every Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU card supported regardless of length or height.

THREE PCIE 3.0 SLOTS:

One x16 plus two x8 slots support three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card.

PRO POWER:

Integrated 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power. Saves energy by powering on/off automatically with the computer.

REMARKABLY QUIET:

Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17dBA automatically and quietly cool the cards.

40GBPS THUNDERBOLT 3 SYSTEM:

Offers 2750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth for the installed cards(1). Learn more about Thunderbolt 3 performance benefits over Thunderbolt 4.

TWO THUNDERBOLT PORTS:

One port connects to computer; second port supports daisy-chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices.

RUGGED ALUMINUM HOUSING:

Provides robust and secure protection.

COMPATIBILITY:

MAC COMPATIBILITY:

Mac (Intel) with Thunderbolt 3 ports

Mac (M1) with PCIe cards that have M1 compatible drivers

Mac with a Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt port with an Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter plus a Thunderbolt 2 cable (both sold separately).

macOS 10.12.6+

macOS Big Sur compatible

WINDOWS COMPATIBILITY:

PC with Thunderbolt 3 ports

Windows 10 (64-bit Edition Version 1809 or greater, see note)

Important Note: Windows computers require the latest BIOS and Thunderbolt drivers to support this product. Check with your computer manufacturer for update information.

LINUX COMPATIBILITY:

Linux computer with Thunderbolt 3 ports

Linux Kernel 5.0+

HARDWARE:

Part Number

:

ECHO-EXP3FD-TB3

Form Factor: Desktop expansion system

External Connectors:

Two Thunderbolt 3 ports

12V power port

INTERNAL CONNECTOR:

6-pin Mini-Fit Jr (same type as on legacy Mac Pro motherboard; provides up to 75W of power for PCIe cards that require supplemental power)

EXPANSION SLOTS (FACING REAR, LEFT TO RIGHT):

One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.0

One x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.0

One x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.0

PCIE CARDS SUPPORTED:

One full-length, full-height, double-width PCIe card, plus one single-width card or

Three full-length, full-height, single-width PCIe cards

POWER SUPPLY:

Universal 300W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz(7)

OPERATING TEMPERATURE:

0ºC to 35ºC (32ºF to 95ºF)

DIMENSIONS (WXDXH):

3.8 x 16 x 10.2 in. (9.7 x 40.5 x 25.9 cm)

WEIGHT:

7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)

ROHS COMPLIANT:

Yes

PACKAGE CONTENTS:

• Echo Express III-D (Thunderbolt 3 Edition)

• Power cord

• 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable

• ThunderLok 3 Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Clip(1)

• Documentation