Echo III T5 Desktop features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.1 slots. When connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port, it provides them 3400 MB/s aggregate, bi-directional PCIe bandwidth. This system supports single-and double-width, PCIe 4.0, 3.1, 2.0, and 1.1 cards including video capture, streaming and transcoding; audio DSP; 25Gb Ethernet; SSD storage; SAS host bus adapter; and other specialty types.
Not Sure If a Card You Own or are Considering is Compatible?
We’ve created a PCIe Card Compatibility Chart that lists many cards conforming to Thunderbolt technology requirements and organized by fit and power compatibility with specific expansion systems.
Install cards such as the Blackmagic Design DeckLink 4K Extreme 12G or DeckLink 8K Pro G2 with their daughter cards attached, keeping those additional connections available for your workflow.
At the flick of a switch, the Avid compatible Echo III T5 Desktop system is optimized to support three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards. This system has been tested and qualified by Avid Audio Group for use with Avid Pro Tools 2026 software and Avid Pro Tools, Pro Tools HD, and Pro Tools Ultimate systems. See avid.com for product details.
Echo III T5 Desktop is compatible with all Apple M series Macs and Thunderbolt 5, 4, and USB4 Windows and Linux computers. See Tech Specs for current computer and OS compatibility information.
Connects up to three high-performance non-GPU PCIe cards via a Thunderbolt cable to your computer lacking expansion slots.
Provides 3400 MB/s aggregate, bi-directional PCIe bandwidth to the installed cards when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port.
One x16 plus two x8 slots support three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card.
Every Thunderbolt compatible, non-GPU card supported regardless of length or height.
HDX compatibility mode enables use of up to three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards with no additional parts needed.
Integrated 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power. Saves energy by powering on/off automatically with the computer.
Dual temperature-controlled, variable-speed Noctua fans rated at 17 dBA automatically and quietly cool the cards.
Provides robust and secure protection.
Founded in 1986 in Orange County, Southern California — long recognized as a vibrant hub of technology and engineering — Sonnet has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly four decades. We’ve introduced award-winning products that expand performance and connectivity for Mac, Windows, and other industry-standard computers. Many of our team members have been with us for more than 20 years, bringing unmatched expertise across both current and legacy products. Should you ever need technical support, you can count on our knowledgeable staff to provide the help you need.
Echo III T5 Desktop supports power-hungry cards with ease. Its integrated universal 400W power supply includes a 75W auxiliary power connector for non-GPU cards that require extra power, including AJA Kona 5, Avid Pro Tools | HDX, and Blackmagic DeckLink 8K Pro G2 and 4K Extreme 12G. Designed without a power switch, the Echo III powers on and off automatically with the connected computer to help conserve energy. And with no power switch, you can’t forget to turn off the system!
View Sonnet’s PCIe Card Compatibility Chart for supported cards.
Echo III T5 Desktop is built for noise-sensitive environments, delivering ultra-quiet performance with dual Noctua fans that operate below the recommended 20 dBA limit for recording and broadcast studios. The temperature-controlled fans’ speeds adjust smoothly as needed, while optimized airflow efficiently cools installed cards, keeping the system quiet under demanding workloads.
Echo III T5 Rackmount occupies just 2U of rack space and measures only 16.5 inches deep, making it ideal for a wide range of mobile racks, carts, rack cases, and server rooms. It also provides space for an optional expansion module, adding even greater versatility.
Integrates one or two Mac minis (sold separately) into a rugged, compact 2U steel rackmount enclosure and adds three PCIe card slots through a preinstalled Echo III T5 module.
For greater expansion, pair with an Echo III T5 Rackmount to connect as many as six high performance PCIe cards to a single Mac mini, or three cards each to two Mac minis.
Integrates a Mac Studio (sold separately) into a compact, rugged steel 3U rackmount enclosure and adds three PCIe card slots through a preinstalled Echo III T5 module.
Expand even further with an Echo III T5 Rackmount to support up to six high-performance PCIe cards, or add another Echo III T5 module to increase capacity to an impressive nine cards!
