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..................................
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.
Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server Description 1 – USB 3.
Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server Description 1 – PCIe Slot 1 This slot accepts up to an x16 mechanical, full-length, fullheight, single-width PCIe 2.0 card, and is also compatible with PCIe 1.1 cards 2 – PCIe Card Guide When installing full-length card, use this guide to support and secure the card ➊ 3 – Power Hub This hub routes power to the Mac mini and to the xMac mini Server’s power supply ➋ 4 – PCIe Slot 2 This slot accepts an x8 mechanical, half-length, lowprofile PCIe 2.
Chapter 3 – Computer, PCIe Cards, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps Support Note: In order to install a PCIe card into slot 1, you will need a short-handled Phillips screwdriver. In order to install a card into slot 2, you will need either a standard 3/16" wrench, or a small adjustable Crescent® wrench. 1. Remove the xMac mini Server from its packaging, and then set it on a flat, level surface. 2.
Chapter 3 – Computer, PCIe Cards, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps (continued) 5. If you are installing a PCIe card which includes a daughter card, install the included daughter card bracket as shown, securing the bracket with the screw through the bottom of the chassis (Figure 3). Figure 3 6. If you are installing BNC connectors for a PCIe card, do so now (Figure 4).
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps (continued) 7. If you are installing a card into PCIe Slot 1, remove and set aside the screw securing its port access cover, and then remove the cover (Figure 5). Figure 5 8. If you are installing a card into PCIe Slot 2, remove and set aside the nut securing its port access cover, and then remove the cover (Figure 6).
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps (continued) 9. If you are installing a card into PCIe Slot 1, remove the card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges and without touching any components or gold connector pins. Otherwise skip to step 12. 10. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but firmly press the card into the slot; do not rock the card or force the card into the slot.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps (continued) 16. If you are installed a card with a daughter card into PCIe Slot 1, remove the daughter card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges and without touching any components. Otherwise skip to step 19. 17.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps B – Mac mini Installation Steps 1. Remove the Mac mini from its packaging. 2. Carefully insert the Mac mini under the top edge of the enclosure, push it against the gasket behind the enclosure’s face plate, and then lower the computer onto the floor behind the small plastic posts (Figure 11). 3.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps C – xMac mini Server Rackmount Installation Information You may mount xMac mini Server into any standard 19-inch EIA compliant equipment rack at least 16 inches deep. It is recommended that you mount xMac mini Server using rack slides or a rack shelf. Sonnet offers rack slide sets for purchase separately; please visit the site at www. sonnettech.com/product/xmacminiserver.html and click on the Accessory tab for more information. 1.
Chapter 4 – Verify Connections Using System Information A – Verify the xMac mini Server is Recognized 1. Press the power button on the front panel of the xMac mini server to turn on the Mac mini. If you haven’t yet set up the computer, follow the onscreen directions to complete the setup process. 2. From the Apple menu, select About This Mac; the System Information application will launch. 3. When the About This Mac window opens, click More Info; a summary of specifications will appear. 4.
Chapter 5 – Tips and Known Issues TIPS KNOWN ISSUES Cooling xMac mini Server and Everything Inside It With its optimized airflow design and four temperaturecontrolled fans providing adequate cooling at all times, xMac mini server may be installed anywhere in a rack. Do not block any of the vents! Otherwise, the Mac mini, installed cards, and xMac mini Server’s components may overheat Not all PCIe Cards Will Perform at 100% Thunderbolt’s PCIe bandwidth is limited to 10 Gb/s.
Chapter 6 – Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information Specifications External Connectors (Front Panel) USB 3.0 External Connectors (Back Panel) Two Thunderbolt Two USB 3.0 RJ-45 HDMI Power (C14-type) Internal Connectors Expansion Slots Three USB 3.0 RJ-45 HDMI Power (C7-type) One x16 mechanical, x4 electrical PCIe 2.0 One x8 mechanical, x4 electrical PCIe 2.
©2013 Sonnet Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Sonnet, the Sonnet logotype, Simply Fast, the Simply Fast logotype, Echo and xMac, are trademarks of Sonnet Technologies, Inc. Mac, and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the United States and other countries. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice.
