User’s Guide for xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Edition ™
Contents 1 Introduction 1 2 xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) Description 2 3 PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server T3E Installation Steps 5 A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps B – Mac mini Installation Steps C – xMac mini Server T3E Rackmount Installation Information 4 Verify System and Installed Cards are Recognized 11 A – Confirm the xMac mini Server is Recognized B – Confirm Installed Cards are Recognized C – I nstall Card Drivers (If Necessary) 5
Chapter 1 – Introduction Congratulations on your purchase! xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) is a Thunderbolt 3 to PCIe card expansion system and 1U rackmount enclosure for Mac mini with Thunderbolt 3 ports. Through its two PCIe slots, you may connect two expansion cards to your Mac mini to expand its connectivity and processing capabilities. xMac mini Server T3E has numerous thoughtful design touches.
Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Edition (T3E) Description 1–U SB-A Port/Power Indicator This port connects to the Mac mini through a cable attached to the front panel, and lights when the computer is on. 2–P ower Switch This button activates the Mac mini’s power switch; the xMac mini Server T3E’s PCIe slots’ power supply turns on and off along with the computer. 3–P ower Input Socket Connect the included AC power cable here.
Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server T3E Description 1–P CIe Slot 1 (Beneath Thunderbolt Interface Card) This slot accepts an x8 mechanical, half-length, full-height PCIe card, and is compatible with PCIe 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 cards. 2–T hunderbolt Interface Card This is installed into its own slot and may not be moved to another slot. 3–F an Speed Switch for Main Fan Assembly This enables you to change when the main fans’ speed increases relative to the temperature inside the enclosure.
Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server T3E Description Offset Screwdriver Use this tool to remove the screw securing the port access cover for slot 1, and to install the screw securing the PCIe card you install into it. Daughter Card Mounting Bracket This bracket supports the installation of a daughter card that is in turn connected to the card installed into PCIe slot 1. Auxiliary Power Cable This cable passes power between the xMac’s auxiliary power connector and the PCIe power connector found on some PCIe cards.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server T3E Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps 1. Remove the xMac mini Server from its packaging, and then set it on a flat, level surface. 2. Loosen the two captive thumbscrews securing the top cover to the rest of the enclosure (Figure 1). 3. Lift the top cover up and slide it back to remove it (Figure 1).
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server T3E Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps (continued) 5. If you are installing a card into PCIe Slot 1, remove and set aside the screw securing its port access cover using the supplied offset screwdriver, and then remove the cover (Figure 3). Figure 3 6. If you are installing a card into PCIe Slot 2, remove and set aside the screw securing its port access cover, and then remove the cover (Figure 4). 7.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server T3E Installation Steps A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps (continued) 8. If desired, you may change the main fan speed switch setting (Figure 5). Refer to appendix section C at the end of this manual for more information on when the low speed setting may be used. 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.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server T3E Installation Steps B – Mac mini Installation Steps Support Note: Sonnet’s ThunderLok™ 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip secures the included Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cable to the xMac mini Server T3E to prevent accidental disconnects. It is compatible with Sonnet 0.5-meter and 0.7 Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cables, but not compatible with Sonnet 1-meter Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) cables.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server T3E Installation Steps B – Mac mini Installation Steps (continued) 4. Remove the Mac mini from its packaging. 5. 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 9). 6.
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server T3E Installation Steps C – xMac mini Server T3E Rackmount Installation Information You may mount xMac mini Server Thunderbolt 3 Edition into any standard 19-inch EIA compliant equipment rack at least 19 inches deep. Additional support such as rack slides or a rack shelf may be needed in mobile environments. 1. Install and secure the xMac mini Server in the equipment rack. 2.
Chapter 4 – Verify System and Installed Cards are Recognized A – Confirm the xMac mini Server is Recognized 1. Press the power button on the front panel of the xMac mini Server T3E 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. On the connected keyboard, press and hold down the Option key, and then from the Apple menu, select System Information; a System Information window will open. 3.
Chapter 5 – Tips and Known Issues TIPS Cooling xMac mini Server and Everything Inside It With its optimized airflow design and 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.
Chapter 6 – Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information Safety Precautions Contacting Customer Service Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device, thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help you to minimize the risk of damaging the device. Sonnet’s Web site located at https://www.sonnettech.com has the most current support information and technical updates.
Appendix A – Daughter Card Installation Steps 1. Insert the included daughter card mounting bracket into the xMac mini Server as shown, using the provided screws to secure the bracket through the bottom of the chassis (Figure A1). 2. Remove the screw from the top of the bracket and set it aside (Figure A1). Figure A1 3. Remove the daughter card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges and without touching any components. 4.
Appendix B – BNC Cable Installation 1. Insert the BNC cables through the BNC connector mounting holes, and then secure them as shown. (Figure A3). 2. Return to step 14 on page 7, and complete the setup procedure. Figure A3 C – Fan Switch Setting Information The xMac mini Server includes a fan speed switch (Figure A4) which enables you to change when the main fans’ speed increases relative to the temperature inside the enclosure. Regardless the switch setting, the fans’ starting speed is the same.
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