Transform Your Mac mini Into a Rackmount Powerhouse
Your Mac mini with Thunderbolt 3 is a formidable processing engine, but its compact design limits its potential in professional environments. Without native PCIe slots for specialized hardware or a built-in rackmount solution, it can't fully integrate into pro audio and video workflows. The Sonnet xMac mini Server (Thunderbolt 3 Edition) is the definitive upgrade, expertly engineered to transform your Mac mini from a desktop computer into a full-fledged, rack-ready production powerhouse.
This rugged 1U steel enclosure not only secures your Mac mini in any standard 19-inch rack but also unlocks its true capabilities with two full-size PCIe 3.0 slots. Connected via a blazing-fast 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 interface, you can instantly install the mission-critical cards your workflow demands. Add multi-channel audio I/O and DSP cards from Avid and Universal Audio, install high-performance video capture and playback cards from AJA and Blackmagic Design, or integrate high-speed 10GbE and Fibre Channel networking for shared storage access. The system provides up to 1750 MB/s of PCIe bandwidth, ensuring your cards perform at their peak.
Engineered for reliability, the xMac mini Server features a robust 150W power supply and a dedicated 6-pin auxiliary power connector, delivering up to 75W of extra power for demanding cards like the Avid Pro Tools | HDX. This ensures stable, consistent performance under heavy load. The thoughtful design extends to connectivity, with a convenient front-panel power button and USB 3.0 port for easy access. The rear panel includes passthrough ports for your Mac mini’s HDMI, Ethernet, and USB connections, keeping your setup clean and organized. Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports allow you to daisy-chain up to five additional peripherals, creating a comprehensive workstation from a single, powerful hub.
Whether you're building a mobile recording rig, an on-set DIT cart, or a central server, the xMac mini Server provides the expansion, security, and connectivity to elevate your Mac mini to a professional-grade workhorse.
Please Note: To ensure optimal performance, we strongly recommend verifying your PCIe card's compatibility on Sonnet's official PCIe Card Thunderbolt Compatibility Chart before purchase.
Key Features
- Pro-Level PCIe Expansion: Adds two PCIe 3.0 slots (one full-length, one half-length) to connect professional audio, video, storage, and networking cards.
- Rugged 1U Rackmount Design: Securely mounts your Mac mini and PCIe cards into a standard 19-inch rack for studio, server room, or road case integration.
- 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 Interface: Features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, providing ample bandwidth for demanding cards and enabling a daisy-chain of up to five additional devices.
- Broad Card Compatibility: Supports a huge range of cards, including Pro Tools | HDX, RED ROCKET-X, and high-speed 10GbE network adapters.
- Robust Power Delivery: An integrated 150W power supply and a 75W auxiliary power connector handle power-hungry PCIe cards with ease.
- Smart & Convenient I/O: Front panel power button and USB 3.0 port, plus rear passthrough ports for easy access to your Mac mini's built-in connectivity.
- Quiet, Cool Operation: Temperature-controlled, user-replaceable fans ensure your components stay cool and your environment stays quiet during intensive tasks.
- Complete Turnkey Solution: Includes a 0.5-meter Thunderbolt 3 cable and a ThunderLok 3 retainer clip to prevent accidental cable disconnections.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | 1U Rackmount Enclosure |
| PCIe Expansion | 2x PCIe 3.0 slots (x8 mechanical, x4 electrical) Slot 1: Full-height, full-length Slot 2: Full-height, half-length |
| External Connectivity | 2x Thunderbolt 3 Ports 1x USB 3.0 Port (Front Panel) |
| Rear Panel Passthroughs | 1x HDMI 1x 10 Gigabit Ethernet 2x USB-A |
| Power Supply | Universal 150W, 115-230V AC, 50-60 Hz |
| Auxiliary Power | 1x 6-pin Mini-Fit Jr. connector (provides up to 75W for compatible PCIe cards) |
| Computer Compatibility | Mac mini (Late 2018 or newer with Thunderbolt 3 ports) |
| Package Contents | xMac mini Server Enclosure, 0.5m Thunderbolt 3 Cable, ThunderLok 3 Retainer Clip, Power Cord, Documentation |
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.