14 DAY TRIAL // Sonnet today announced its xMac Pro Server PCIe expansion system/4U rackmount enclosure that addresses some of the limitations imposed by the Mac Pro’s design when the customer wants to use it as a server solution.
According to the hardware upgrade company, “The new Mac Pro has become the object of desire, but a lustrous finish hides its true beauty—the massive power within. If you're a pro user in the video or audio industries, the Mac Pro offers the power you need, but lacks the built-in expandability you count on.”
Sonnet explains that, in trying to achieve the stellar cylindrical design, Apple was forced to strip parts away, “taking out PCIe slots and drive bays, and packed the remaining components into a small cylinder.”
However, the design prevents onboard installation of PCIe expansion cards, and the computer still requires an enclosure to make it rack-ready, especially when you’re thinking cables. Sonnet believes the xMac Pro Server PCIe expansion system/4U rackmount enclosure is the answer to this issue.
“Building on the concept of our award-winning xMac mini Server PCIe 2.0 expansion system/1U rackmount enclosure for Mac mini, we designed a 4U rackmount enclosure exclusively for the new Mac Pro, and integrated the three PCIe 2.0 slots, 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 technology, and expandability of Echo Express III-R Thunderbolt 2 expansion chassis for PCIe cards,” says the Irvine, CA-based computer expansion company.
“Like the III-R, xMac Pro Server provides space for you to mount additional equipment, such as storage expansion. To support a wide range of popular mobile racks, carts and portable rack cases, xMac Pro Server is just 16" deep. The xMac Pro Server securely holds the computer and installed cards, making your Mac Pro fully rack- and road-ready,” it adds.
Supporting three full-length PCIe cards, Sonnet's xMac Pro Server comes with its own 300W power supply and a 75W PCIe power connector, in case some cards require extra juice. Examples include the Avid Pro Tools|HDX and the RED ROCKET-X, according to Sonnet.
Designed to have a small carbon footprint, the xMac Pro Server automatically switches off the PCIe expansion system when the connected computer goes to sleep or is powered off.
For the full tech specs, a manual, and a FAQ, visit sonnettech.com/product/xmacproserver. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up to Sonnet’s newsletter for product shipping updates.