Compatibility Charts
Thunderbolt Compatibility with PCIe Cards in Sonnet Echo Express, Echo Express Pro, Echo Express II, Echo Express SE, and xMac mini Server and xMac mini Server 2H
All Sonnet Thunderbolt products are designed to comply with comprehensive Thunderbolt compatibility requirements, and have passed the Apple/Intel compatibility certification tests.
For PCIe card expansion products, there is an additional requirement that each PCIe card's driver must also be compatible with Thunderbolt technology. PCIe cards' Thunderbolt compatibility requirements include: 1) the card driver must enable the correct card ID to be recognized over Thunderbolt, and 2) it must properly support hot-plug/unplug, recover from sleep, etc. as defined in the Thunderbolt device interconnect paradigm.
All cards identified on this list have either been tested for compliance with Intel's Thunderbolt connectivity requirements in Sonnet's labs, by the PCIe card developer using Sonnet's Thunderbolt PCIe expansion products, or both. The compatibility list is broken out with a column for each Sonnet product and, in the case of xMac mini Servers, a column for each of its PCIe slots. Because they are too large to fit, some PCIe cards are not marked as compatible with the Echo Express (non-pro model) and in xMac mini Servers' low profile slot.
We will update this list as new cards are tested and verified to be compatible. Please download the latest drivers from the PCIe card developer's website before attempting to use the card in one of our Thunderbolt expansion products. |
    
    
Information updated February 10, 2014
FireWire/USB |
Product |
Mac |
PC |
Echo
Express SE
|
Echo Express & Echo Express II |
Echo
Express Pro |
xMac mini Server |
xMac mini Server 2H |
|
|
|
Full Height
Half Length |
Full Height
1/2 Length+ |
Full Height
Full Length |
Low Profile
Half Length |
Full Height
Full Length |
Full Height
Half Length |
Sonnet Allegro FW800 PCIe |
√ |
|
√ |
√ |
√ |
(6A) |
√ |
√ |
Sonnet Allegro FW400 PCIe |
√ |
|
√ |
√ |
√ |
(6A) |
√ |
√ |
 |
PCIe Bus Extender |
Product |
Mac |
PC |
Echo
Express SE
|
Echo Express & Echo Express II |
Echo
Express Pro |
xMac mini Server |
xMac mini Server 2H |
|
|
|
Full Height
Half Length |
Full Height
1/2 Length+ |
Full Height
Full Length |
Low Profile
Half Length |
Full Height
Full Length |
Full Height
Half Length |
Accusys ExaSAN QSFP to PCIe HBA |
√ |
|
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
Sonnet PCIe 2.0 Bus Extender Card |
√ |
|
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
√ |
 |
Technical Notes
- Some older versions of the Apple/LSI Fibre Channel Card may not be compatible with Thunderbolt technology. Here's what we know:
• Compatible Versions: H3-2507-01D, H3-250770-01D, L3-25077-00E, L3-25007-00G
• Incompatible Versions: L3-00137-01D, L3-00137-01E, LSI 7104-EP-LC, LSI 7404-EP, H3-25077-01E
• Please send an email to support@sonnettech.com if you have another version that does or does not work.
- 30ºC maximum ambient operating temperature.
- Single SSD in this chassis.
- SAS LTO models used with compatible SAS card such as ATTO H680 or H644.
- Recommended with Sonnet Tempo SATA 6Gb Pro 2-Port or Pro 4-port.
- Not marked as compatible because the size of the card (height or length) does not fit the space available:
A) |
Full-height cards don't fit in the xMac mini Server's low-profile slot, but do fit in its full-height slot and in all Echo Express models. |
B) |
Full-length cards fit in the Echo Express Pro, and in the xMac mini Server's full-length slot. They don't fit in the Echo Express SE, the Echo Express, the xMac mini Server's low-profile slot, or the xMac mini Server 2H. |
C) |
Medium-length cards (longer than 6.6" [half-length] but not longer than 7.75") don't fit in the Echo Express SE, the Echo Express II, or the xMac mini Server 2H, but do fit in the Echo Express and Echo Express Pro, as well as in the xMac mini Server's full-length slot. |
D) |
Double-width cards (double cards or single cards with an auxiliary I/O plate) fit in the Echo Express and Echo Express Pro, but not the Echo Express SE or xMac mini server. |
- Limited clearance within the chassis to connect to RJ45 port on AES16e-50 card.
- Limited clearance within the chassis to connect to RJ45 port on AES16e-50 card without special modification. RPM Dynamics is currently providing the expansion chassis with an approved modification.
- See www.areca.com.tw/support/s_thunderbolt/thunderbolt.htm for the latest information.
- Although this is a low profile card, a low profile bracket is not included in the box.
- Requires Echo Express Pro Serial Number Bxxx and greater (shipping beginning Feb. 2013) and requires Sonnet's Pro Tools|HDX2 PCIe Card Power Adapter Cable for Echo Express Pro.
- The Kona 3G fits in the Echo Express, but not the Echo Express II.
- There is not enought airflow in this low-profile slot to properly cool these cards.
- Supports up to three Avid Pro Tools|HDX cards.
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Sonnet Thunderbolt Expansion Partners
Sonnet works closely with the following partners to ensure Thunderbolt compatibility for their products.
         
            
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