Expand Your Workflow: Add a Pro PCIe Slot to Any Thunderbolt 3 Computer
Today's ultra-light notebooks and sleek all-in-one desktops pack incredible processing power into stunningly thin designs. But this minimalist form factor comes at a cost: the lack of internal PCIe slots for specialized hardware. For creative professionals in video production, audio engineering, and other demanding fields, this is a major roadblock. Your workflow relies on high-performance video capture cards, professional audio interfaces, or blazing-fast network and storage controllers that standard ports simply can't support. You shouldn't have to compromise between portability and pro-level capability.
Enter the Sonnet Echo Express SE I (Thunderbolt 3 Edition)—the elegant and powerful solution to your expansion needs. This compact desktop chassis acts as a bridge, allowing you to connect a single half-length+, full-height PCIe card to any Mac or Windows computer equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 port. It's the key to unlocking the full potential of both your computer and your specialized hardware, without sacrificing the minimalist setup you love.
Getting started is effortless. Simply install your pro-grade card—whether for video capture, audio processing, 16Gb Fibre Channel, 40Gb Ethernet, or a SAS/SATA HBA—into the Echo Express SE I, connect the included Thunderbolt 3 cable, and you're ready to go. The rugged aluminum enclosure is built tough for both studio and field use, while its whisper-quiet, temperature-controlled fan ensures your high-performance card remains cool and stable even during the most intensive tasks. The system automatically runs slow and quiet with cooler cards, and ramps up only when needed to provide effective cooling.
With two 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 ports, the Echo Express SE I offers more than just single-card expansion. It allows you to daisy-chain up to five additional Thunderbolt devices, creating a powerful, customized workstation from a single port on your computer. Stop letting port limitations dictate your creative ceiling. Expand your possibilities and build the professional setup you need with the Sonnet Echo Express SE I.
Key Features
- 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Interface: Features two ports for maximum performance and daisy-chaining up to five additional devices.
- Broad PCIe Card Support: Accommodates one half-length+ (up to 7.75"), full-height, single-width non-GPU PCIe card.
- Rugged & Portable Design: A durable aluminum enclosure protects your card and effectively dissipates heat, perfect for studio or field use.
- Intelligent, Quiet Cooling: A temperature-controlled fan runs quietly with cooler cards and speeds up only when needed for demanding tasks.
- Secure Cable Connection: Includes a Sonnet ThunderLok 3 clip to prevent accidental cable disconnections and workflow interruptions.
- Ready Out of the Box: Comes with a 0.5m Thunderbolt 3 cable and is backed by a 1-year warranty for complete peace of mind.
Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Echo Express SE I - Thunderbolt 3 Edition |
|---|---|
| External Connectors | Two (2) Thunderbolt 3 Ports |
| Expansion Slot | One (1) PCIe 3.0 x8 Slot |
| Supported PCIe Cards | One full-height, half-length+ (up to 7.75"), single-width card |
| Compatible Card Types | Pro Audio, Video Capture, SAS/SATA HBA, 10Gb/40Gb Ethernet, Fibre Channel, RAID controllers |
| Power Supply | Universal 60W, 100-240V AC, 50-60 Hz |
| Operating Temperature | 0˚C to 35˚C (32˚F to 95˚F) |
| Housing Material | Rugged Aluminum |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 5.6 x 8.6 x 3.5 in. (14.3 x 21.8 x 8.8 cm) |
| Package Contents | Echo Express SE I chassis, universal power adapter, power cord, 0.5m Thunderbolt 3 cable, ThunderLok 3 retainer clip, documentation |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Shipping policy
Any items which are in stock, will be dispatched immediately - same day if possible and morning of the following business day at the latest. Items which are not in stock at our local warehouse will be routed to us, and dispatched immediately upon arrival to us. In that case, the estimated dispatch time is noted on the product page.
Note that you are always welcome to email info@dittools.eu or call (+372) 5556 0057 for a more accurate shipping time estimate, as this does vary depending on a number of factors.
Standard shipping
Unless otherwise noted, all items are shipped standard via DPD. We normally ship to European Union countries only – do contact us for possible exceptions, particularly other European mainland countries. Shipping times vary between 1 to 10 business days within Europe – an up to date estimate will be given at checkout.
Express shipping
Our shipping partner for expedited deliveries is DHL Express; please contact us directly for a quote.
Returning an item
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return your item(s) for a full refund within 14 days of confirmed delivery.
Special sales, demo items and promotions may have modified return policies. If an item from a bundle is returned for refund, the total bundle discount or the total value of the gifts will get deducted from the returned item prior to issuing a refund. If the bundle discount (or gift value) exceeds the value of the returned item, the difference must be paid to be able to return the item.
Return autorization
If you would like to return any item(s), please contact us by either emailing info@dittools.eu or calling (+372) 5556 0057. We will share with you a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) code and ask that you clearly mark this code outside of your shipping box as you ship your item(s) back for a refund.
You will be liable for the shipping and any applicable customs/duty fees returning the item(s).
Incorrect items
If the return is made due to a faulty product, or an incorrectly shipped product, or if you are returning the item(s) due to a defect, or functionality issue, or because it is not the item you have ordered, we will gladly email or mail a return shipping label covering all shipping related expenses. In order to determine whether the return is initiated due to a technical problem, we may ask for you to provide visual support like images or a video on the item(s).
Shipping
Returned merchandise must be in its original packaging, and placed in a decent shipping box, e.g. the same box that we shipped the items to you in. Please make sure to clearly mark the RMA code you have received from us outside on the box.
Do not forget to cover or peel off any existing shipping labels on the box.
DIT Supplies OÜ cannot be held accountable for return shipments that have not reached us or returns made without RMA codes. We strongly advise that if you are returning the item(s) with a carrier of your choice that you use a traceable shipping method.
It may take 4-5 business days for your return to reach us. Once it is received and inspected, your refund will be processed and automatically applied to your credit card or original method of payment within 14 business days. Please note that depending on your credit card company, it may take an additional 2-4 business days after your credit is applied for it to post to your account.
Customs, duties & taxes
There are no customs duties or taxes on orders shipping within the EU. Orders shipped outside of the EU may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees collected by the destination country. The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to such import taxes, customs duties and fees, which are collected once a shipment reaches the recipient's country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be paid for by the recipient; we have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; and when customs clearance procedures are required, it can cause delays beyond our original delivery estimates. We advise that you contact your local customs office for more information.