Sonnet Technologies xMac mini Server User Manual

User’s Guide

for xMac™ mini Server
Thunderbolt™-to-PCIe® Expansion
System and 1U Rack Enclosure
for Mac® mini With
Thunderbolt Port

Contents

1 Introduction and Package Contents.............................................................................................................................................. 1

Introduction
Package Contents

2 xMac mini Server Description....................................................................................................................................................... 2

3 PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps.................................................................................................. 4

A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps
B – Mac mini Installation Steps
C – xMac mini Server Rackmount Installation Information

4 Verify Connections Using System Information.............................................................................................................................11

A – Verify xMac mini Server is Recognized
B – Verify Installed Cards are Recognized

5 Tips and Known Issues............................................................................................................................................................... 12

Tips
Known Issues

6 Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information......................................................................................... 13

Specifications
Safety Precautions
FCC Compliance
Contacting Customer Service
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Chapter 1 – Introduction and Package Contents

Congratulations on your purchase! xMac mini Server is a
PCIe 2.0 expansion system and 1U rackmount enclosure
for Mac minis with a Thunderbolt port. Through its two
PCIe slots, you may connect two expansion cards to your
Mac mini to expand its capabilities in ways never before
possible!

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. A locking bracket for the Thunderbolt cables
and holes for cable ties enable you to secure all cables,
keeping them tidy while avoiding accidental disconnects.

While xMac mini Server requires no drivers, the
expansion cards you install do; Thunderbolt-compatible
drivers to enable them to work properly through the
Thunderbolt interface are required. More information
on which cards are compatible with xMac mini Server
is available at http://sonnettech.com/support/charts/
thunderbolt/index.html

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Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server Description

1 – USB 3.0 Port

This port connects to the Mac mini through a cable
attached to the front panel

4 – Power Input Socket

Connect the included AC power cable here

5 – HDMI Port

This port connects to the Mac mini through a cable
attached to the back panel

6 – USB 3.0 Ports

These ports connect to the Mac mini through cables
attached to the back panel

2 – Power Indicator Opening

This hole allows the Mac mini’s power indicator to shine
through

8 – Gigabit Ethernet Port

This RJ-45 port connects to the Mac mini through a cable
attached to the back panel

9 – External Cable Passthrough

This opening allows the connection of the included
Thunderbolt cable from the computer to the left
Thunderbolt port on the xMac mini Server’s back panel,
and the connection of other cables to the Mac mini’s ports
or user-installed PCIe cards

3 – Power Switch

This button activates the Mac mini’s power switch; xMac
mini’s PCIe slots’ power supply turns on and off along
with the computer

11 – Thunderbolt Ports

The left port is connected to the Mac mini’s Thunderbolt
port, the other may be used to connect another
Thunderbolt device

7 – Top Panel Thumbscrews

Loosen these captive screws to enable the removal of the
top cover, tighten the screws to secure the top cover

10 – BNC Connector Mounting Holes

These holes accommodate the installation of BNC
connectors like those used for HD/SDI output for the RED
ROCKET transcoding card

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