Sonnet xMac mini Server User manual

User’s Guide
for xMac™mini Server
PCIe 2.0 Expansion System/1U Rackmount
Enclosure for Mac®mini with
Thunderbolt™Ports

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..................................................................................................4
A – PCIe Cards Installation Steps
B – Mac mini Installation Steps
C – xMac mini Server Rackmount Installation Information
4 Verify Connections Using System Information...............................................................................................................................8
Verify xMac mini Server is Recognized
Verify Installed Cards are Recognized
5 Tips and Known Issues............................................................................................................................................................... 10
Tips
Known Issues
6 Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information.........................................................................................11
Specifications
Safety Precautions
FCC Compliance
Contacting Customer Service
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Contents

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Package Contents
1
Congratulations on your purchase! xMac mini Server is a
PCIe 2.0 expansion system and 1U Rackmount Enclosure
for Mac mini and Mac mini Server with Thunderbolt
Ports. 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.
The front panel USB port connects to the back of the Mac
mini, enabling you to connect a keyboard, mouse, or
thumb drive to the computer without having to access its
ports from the back. Other Mac mini interface ports are
extended to the back of the chassis and mounted on the
rear panel for convenient interfacing of Gigabit Ethernet,
USB, and HDMI cables. The xMac mini Server's power
switch turns the computer on and off, and the PCIe slots
are powered on/off with the Mac mini for maximum
energy savings. An opening in the front panel allows the
Mac mini’s power indicator to shine through. There's a
central power hub for the computer and power supply for
the PCIe slots, enabling you to power everything with one
power cord. A locking bracket for the Thunderbolt cables
and holes for cable ties enable you to secure all cables,
keeping them tidy while avoiding accidental disconnects.
While xMac mini Server requires no drivers, the
expansion cards you install do; Thunderbolt-compatible
drivers to enable them to work properly through the
Thunderbolt interface are required. More information
on what cards are compatible with xMac mini Server
is available at http://sonnettech.com/support/charts/
thunderbolt/index.html

Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server Description
HDMI
USC
1 – USB 2.0 Port
This port connects to the Mac mini through a cable
attached to the front panel
4 – Power Input Socket
Connect the included AC power cable here
5 – HDMI Port
This port connects to the Mac mini through a cable
attached to the back panel
6 – USB 2.0 Ports
These ports connect to the Mac mini through cables
attached to the back panel
7 – Top Panel Thumbscrews
Loosen these captive screws to enable the removal of the
top cover, tighten the screws to secure the top cover
2 – Power Indicator Opening
This hole allows the Mac mini’s power indicator to shine
through
8 – Gigabit Ethernet Port
This RJ-45 port connects to the Mac mini through a cable
attached to the back panel
9 – External Cable Passthrough
This opening enables the connection of the included
Thunderbolt cable from the computer to the left
Thunderbolt port on the xMac mini Server’s back panel,
and the connection of other cables to the Mac mini’s ports
10 – Thunderbolt Ports
One port connects to the Mac mini’s Thunderbolt port,
the other may be used to connect another Thunderbolt
device
2 – Power Switch
This button activates the Mac mini’s power switch; xMac
mini’s PCIe slots’ power supply turns on and off along
with the computer.
2

Chapter 2 – xMac mini Server Description
➊
➋
➌
➐
➍
➎
➏
1 – PCIe Slot 1
This slot accepts up to an x16 mechanical, full-length, full-
height, 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
3 – Power Hub
This hub routes power to the Mac mini and to the xMac
mini Server’s power supply
4 – PCIe Slot 2
This slot accepts an x8 mechanical, half-length, low-
profile PCIe 2.0 card, and is also compatible with PCIe
1.1 cards. Note that the use of a low-profile bracket on the
card installed in this slot is required
5 – Power Supply
This user-replaceable power supply provides power to the
xMac mini Server’s PCIe slots, fans, and assorted printed
circuit boards
6 – Fan Assembly
This user-replaceable part provides airflow to cool the Mac
mini, installed PCIe cards, and other components inside
the enclosure
7 – Thunderbolt Connector Lock
This lock secures Thunderbolt connectors when plugged
into the xMac mini Server’s Thunderbolt ports to prevent
accidental disconnection
3

Chapter 3 – Computer, PCIe Cards, and xMac mini Server 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. Slide the top cover back and up to remove it (Figure 1).
4. Remove the strap securing the cables to the floor of xMac mini,
remove the loose Thunderbolt cable and set it aside, and then move
the rest of the cables aside (Figure 2).
Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static
electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working
inside xMac mini Server.
Figure 1
Figure 2
4
WARNING: When handling computer products, take care to prevent
components from being damaged by static electricity; avoid working
in carpeted areas. Handle expansion cards only by their edges and avoid
touching connector traces and component pins. Also, avoid touching the
xMac mini Server’s circuit boards and any of its components.

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, and then remove the cover. 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 3).
6. 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 9.
7. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but firmly
press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the
card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the
card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the
card again (Figure 4).
8. Secure the card using the screw you removed previously (Figure 4).
9. If you are installing a card into PCIe Slot 2, remove the card from its
packaging, handling the card by its edges and without touching any
components or gold connector pins.
10. Turn the card components side down, and then lower it into the
cavity where the slot is, aligning the notch in the card bracket with
the stud bolt used to secure the card (Figure 4).
11. Line up the card’s connector with the slot, and then gently but firmly
press the card straight into the slot; do not rock the card or force the
card into the slot. If you encounter excessive resistance, check the
card’s connector and the slot for damage, and then try inserting the
card again (Figure 4).
12. Secure the card using the nut you removed previously (Figure 4).
Chapter 3 – PCIe Cards, Computer, and xMac mini Server Installation Steps
Figure 3
Figure 4
5

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 5).
3. Loosen the thumbscrews securing the Thunderbolt connector lock, and
then slide it away from the xMac mini Server’s Thunderbolt ports.
4. Connect one end of the supplied Thunderbolt cable to either one of the
xMac mini Server’s Thunderbolt ports, route the other end of the cable
through the external cable passthrough, and then connect it to the Mac
mini’s Thunderbolt port verify the cable is plugged in securely at
both ends (Figure 5).
5. Plug all the xMac mini Server’s cables into the back of the Mac mini;
verify the cables are plugged in securely (Figure 5).
6. Route any external cables that need to be connected to the computer
(or PCIe cards) through the cable passthrough, and then connect them;
verify the cables are plugged in securely.
7. Slide the the Thunderbolt connector lock toward the xMac mini
Server’s Thunderbolt ports, and then tighten the thumbscrews to secure
it in place.
8. If desired, secure the cables to the bottom of the xMac mini Server with
cable ties.
9. Insert the top cover under the top edge of the enclosure, lower the lid,
and then secure it with the captive thumbscrews (Figure 6).
Figure 5
Figure 6
6