Sonnet XMac Pro server User manual

User’s Guide
for xMac™Pro Server Thunderbolt™2-to-PCIe®Card
Expansion System and 4U Rack Enclosure for New
Mac®Pro With Thunderbolt 2 Ports

1 Introduction 1
2 xMac Pro Server Description 2
External Features
PCIe Card Expansion Module
Additional Parts
3 Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps 6
A – Remove Computer Mounting and PCIe Card Expansion Modules
B – Install Cards Into PCIe Card Expansion Module
C – Install Mac Pro Into Computer Mounting Module
D – Install Computer Mounting and PCIe Card Expansion Modules
4 Verify Connections Using System Information 15
A – Verify xMac Pro Server is Recognized
B – Verify Installed Cards are Recognized
5 Tips, General Information, and Known Issues 16
Tips, General Information
Known Issues
6 Specifications, Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information 17
Specifications
Safety Precautions
FCC Compliance
Contacting Customer Service
Visit Our Website
A Appendix A – BNC Connector Installation Steps A
Contents

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Chapter 1 – Introduction
1
Congratulations on your purchase! The xMac Pro Server is a Thunderbolt
2-to-PCIe card expansion system and 4U rackmount enclosure for the new
Mac Pro; with its three PCIe slots, and space to install mobile rack devices with
an optional Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kit, the xMac Pro Server expands
your Mac Pro’s capabilities and makes it road-ready, too.
While the xMac Pro’s PCIe card expansion system 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 which cards are compatible with xMac Pro Server is available
at: http://sonnettech.com/support/charts/thunderbolt/index.html

Chapter 2 – xMac Pro Server Description
External Features
1 – Power Switch
This button activates the Mac Pro’s power switch; the
PCIe slots’ power supply turns on and off along with
the computer.
2 – Power Indicator LED
This LED lights when: the PCIe card expansion module
is powered, the Thunderbolt cable between the module
and your computer is plugged in securely, and the
computer powered on. This LED turns off when your
computer is sleeping
3 – USB 3.0 Port
This port connects to the Mac Pro through a cable
attached behind the front panel.
2

Chapter 2 – xMac Pro Server Description
3
4 – Thunderbolt Ports
Connect the included Thunderbolt cable between
either port and one your computer’s Thunderbolt
ports; the other port may be used to connect to
another Thunderbolt device when the Mac Pro’s
remaining Thunderbolt ports are filled.
5 – Computer Mounting Module Power Input Socket
This socket connects to the Mac Pro through a cable
attached to the back panel. Connect your Mac Pro’s
AC power cable here.
6 – USB 3.0 Ports
These ports connect to the Mac Pro through cables
attached to the back panel.
7 – HDMI Port
This port connects to the Mac Pro through a cable
attached to the back panel.
8 – Gigabit Ethernet Ports
These RJ-45 ports connect to the Mac Pro through
cables attached to the back panel.
9 – BNC Connector Mounting Holes
These accommodate the installation of BNC
connectors like those used for HD/SDI output for the
RED ROCKET-X transcoding card.
10 – PCIe Card Expansion Module Power Input Socket
Connect the included AC power cable here.

Chapter 2 – xMac Pro Server Description
4
PCIe Card Expansion Module
1 – PCIe Card Bracket Locking Plate
This plate secures PCIe cards and port access covers in place.
2 – Port Access Covers
These cover openings when PCIe slots are unoccupied.
3 – Slot 1
This is an x8 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 2.0 slot. It is also
compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.
4 – Slot 2
This is an x8 electrical (x16 mechanical) PCIe 2.0 slot. It is also
compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.
5 – Slot 3
This is an x4 electrical (x8 mechanical) PCIe 2.0 slot. It is also
compatible with PCIe 1.1 and 3.0 cards.
6 – Thunderbolt Interface Card
This card is installed in its own unique slot and may not be moved
to another slot.
7 – 6-Pin Auxilliary Power Connector
Plugged into this connector is the auxiliary power cable for cards
requiring extra power, such as the Avid Pro Tools|HDX or RED
ROCKET-X. You may need to disconnect the cable plugged in to
this connector and replace it with one that came with your card.
8 – PCIe Card Guides
When installing full-length cards, use these to support and secure
the cards.

Chapter 2 – xMac Pro Server Description
5
Additional Parts
Thunderbolt Cable
This cable connects the Mac Pro to the PCIe card expansion module.
Thunderbolt Connector Lock
This lock secures Thunderbolt connectors plugged into the expansion
module’s Thunderbolt ports to prevent accidental cable disconnection.
This lock is not compatible with optical Thunderbolt cables.
5/64-Inch Hex Wrench
This tool is used to adjust the position of the computer mounting
module’s power switch set screw.
Mac Pro Bottom Cover Label
This label is applied to the bottom of the Mac Pro to cover its labeling,
except for the serial number, and orient the words Mac Pro parallel to
the xMac Pro Server enclosure.

Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
A – Remove Computer Mounting and PCIe Card Expansion
Modules
1. Remove the xMac Pro Server from its packaging, and then set it on a
flat, level surface.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the six screws
securing the front panel to the rackmount enclosure, being careful to
prevent the front panel from falling off (Figure 1). Set aside the front
panel.
3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the three screws
securing the computer mounting module to the rackmount enclosure
(Figure 2).
4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove and set aside the four screws
securing the PCIe card expansion module to the rackmount enclosure
(Figure 2).
Figure 1
Figure 2
6
computer
mounting module
PCIe card
expansion module

Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
5. Gently pull out the computer mounting and PCIe card expansion
modules through the front of the enclosure, and then set them aside
(Figure 3).
6. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are going to install an optional Sonnet
Mobile Rack Device Mounting Kit, remove the four screws securing
the blank plate inside the enclosure using a Phillips screwdriver, and
then remove and set aside the blank plate. (Figure 4).
7. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing the xMac Pro Server into a rack
where mounting support for the back of the rackmount enclosure is not
present, you may slide out and remove the extension rails at this time.
8. Install the rackmount enclosure into the equipment rack now.
Figure 3
Figure 4
7
extension rail
extension rail

B – Install Cards Into PCIe Card Expansion Module
1. Turn the PCIe card expansion module so the PCIe slots are facing up
(Figure 5).
2. Loosen all three thumbscrews of the PCIe card bracket locking plate,
and then remove and set it aside (Figure 5).
3. Remove and set aside the port access covers (Figure 5).
4. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing a PCIe card which requires
additional power and must be connected to auxiliary power, locate
the wire harness connected the 6-pin connector indicated in the
graphic to the right (Figure 6). Remove the cable twist tie securing the
wire harness, and move the loose connector aside for later connection.
Otherwise, go to the next step.
5. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are installing BNC connectors into the PCIe
card expansion module’s mounting holes, skip to the appendix at the
end of the document for instructions. Otherwise, go to the next step.
Slot 1 x8 (x8)
Slot 2 x8 (x16)
Slot 3 x4 (x8)
Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
Figure 6
Figure 5
8
Support Note: If you are installing an Avid Pro Tools|HDX PCIe
card, you will need to disconnect the PCIe card expansion module’s
auxiliary power wire harness plugged into the 6-pin connector indicated in
Figure 6, and replace it with the one included with the Avid card.
6-pin connector
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
PCIe card expansion module’s circuit boards and any of its components.
Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static
electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working
inside the PCIe card expansion module.

Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
9
6. Remove a PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges
and without touching any components or gold connector pins.
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 7).
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 as necessary with any remaining cards.
9. If you installed a card which requires auxiliary power, connect the
auxiliary power connector to it now.
10. Install the port access covers you removed previously for any
unoccupied card slots (Figure 7).
11. Secure the cards and port access covers using the previously removed
PCIe card bracket locking plate (Figure 7).Figure 7

x10
Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
Figure 8
Figure 9
10
C – Install Mac Pro Into Computer Mounting Module
1. Using a Phillips screwdriver loosen, but do not remove, the six screws
securing the computer mounting module’s top bracket to its bottom
bracket (Figure 8).
2. Using the included 5/64-inch hex wrench, back out the computer
mounting module’s power switch set screw by turning the screw
counter-clockwise 10 complete turns (Figure 8).
3. Remove the Mac Pro from its packaging.
4. Holding the computer with its ports facing up, very carefully insert the
computer top-first into the computer mounting module as shown,
lining up the Mac Pro’s ports with the openings in the module’s top
bracket. (Figure 9).
WARNING: Before inserting the Mac Pro into or removing it from
the computer mounting module, you must back out the power
switch set screw to prevent damage to the computer and power switch.

Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
11
5. Adjust the Mac Pro within the computer mounting module so that its
power and HDMI ports are centered in the bracket openings
(Figure 10).
Figure 10
Support Note: The Mac Pro is equipped with three Thunderbolt
2 busses, each with two ports (Figure 11). The xMac Pro Server’s
PCIe card expansion module connects to one of the ports with the
included Thunderbolt cable. Sonnet recommends that, whenever possible,
you connect the PCIe card expansion module to its own bus, leaving
the other Thunderbolt port on the bus unoccupied. This will ensure the
installed PCIe cards get the full bandwidth of the bus. Please note that
the HDMI port shares the bandwidth of Bus 0, so if you connect a display
through the HDMI port, you should not connect the PCIe card expansion
module to either Thunderbolt port on Bus 0.
Port 3 Port 1 Port 2 Port 4
Thunderbolt Bus 1 Thunderbolt Bus 2
Port 5 Port 6
Thunderbolt Bus 0
Figure 11

Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
12
6. Connect the computer mounting module’s Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI,
power, and USB 3.0 cables to the corresponding ports on the computer
(Figure 12).
7. Connect the included Thunderbolt cable plus any other Thunderbolt
cables to the computer, and then secure them to the computer
mounting module’s cables (Figure 12).
8. Tighten the six screws securing the computer mounting module’s top
bracket to its bottom bracket. Be certain to tighten the screws securely
to prevent the computer from moving within the brackets (Figure 13).
9. Tighten the power button’s set screw by turning it clockwise just until
the top of the screw is flush with its housing (Figure 13).
10. Connect your computer’s power cable to the computer mounting
module’s power port and to a powered outlet. If the computer does not
turn on by itself, go to the next step. If the computer does turn on by
itself, disconnect the power cable. Loosen the set screw by turning it
1/4 turn counter-clockwise. Connect the power cable again and repeat
this step until the computer does not turn on when the power cable is
connected.
11. Press the computer mounting module’s power button and verify that
it activates the Mac Pro’s power switch and turns on the computer.
If the computer does not turn on, tighten the computer mounting
module’s power button set screw by turning it 1/4 turn clockwise. Press
the computer mounting module’s power button again. If the computer
turns on, disconnect the power cable and continue to the next step.
Otherwise, continue adjusting and testing until the computer turns on
when you press the power button.
Figure 13
Support Note: Sonnet recommends that you tape the hex wrench
to the floor of the computer mounting module for safekeeping in
case you need to remove the Mac Pro from the module in the future.
Figure 12

Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
Figure 14
13
Figure 15
D – Install Computer Mounting and PCIe Card Expansion
Modules
1. Carefully slide the computer mounting module into the xMac Pro
Server’s rackmount enclosure until it stops (Figure 14).
2. Carefully slide the PCIe card expansion module into the rackmount
enclosure until it stops (Figure 14).
3. OPTIONAL STEP: If you are also installing a Mobile Rack Device
Mounting Kit, do so now, referring to its user’s manual for
instructions. Otherwise, go to the next step.
4. Using the seven screws you removed previously, secure the computer
mounting and PCIe card expansion modules to the rackmount
enclosure (Figure 15).

Chapter 3 – Mac Pro, PCIe Cards, and Enclosure Installation Steps
14
5. Using a Phillips screwdriver, secure the Thunderbolt cable(s) to
the PCIe card expansion module with the supplied Thunderbolt cable
lock (Figure 16). Note that if you are using an optical Thunderbolt
cable, the supplied Thunderbolt cable lock is not compatible, and you
should skip to the next step.
6. Connect the Mac Pro’s power cord between a wall outlet or power strip
and the computer mounting module’s power socket.
7. Connect the included power cord between a wall outlet or power
strip and the PCIe card expansion module’s power socket. Note that
the power indicator on the xMac Pro Server will not light until the
computer is powered on.
8. Connect any remaining interface cables and devices to the computer
mounting module and computer, and to the PCIe cards installed in the
PCIe card expansion module.
9. Using one of the screws you removed previously, secure the front panel
to the rackmount enclosure, inserting the screw into the hole next to
the power switch opening. Verify the power switch operates smoothly
(Figure 17).
10. Using the remaining screws, secure the faceplate to the rackmount
enclosure (Figure 17).
11. OPTIONAL STEP: Apply the bottom cover label to the Mac Pro by
peeling off the backing material, aligning the cutout (the area without
ink) over the words “Serial Number” and the computer’s serial number,
and making sure the words ”Mac Pro” appear level.
Figure 16
Figure 17
insert and
tighten first

A – Verify the xMac Pro Server is Recognized
1. With the computer mounting module and PCIe card expansion
module powered, and connected to each other via the included
Thunderbolt cable, turn on the computer.
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. Click System Report; a full report window will appear.
5. In the System Information window, click Thunderbolt under the
Hardware header in the left column (Figure 18).
6. In the top right column under the Thunderbolt Device Tree header,
you will see the computer, followed by “Echo Express III” (Figure 18).
B – Verify Installed Cards are Recognized
1. When a card is installed into one of PCIe card expansion module’s
PCIe slots, the PCIe slot (listed as a port) the Status should appear as
connected.
2. Click PCI Cards under the Hardware header in the left column
(Figure 19).
3. At the top of the right column, installed cards are listed. By selecting
a card at the top, detailed information is listed. You should see “Yes”
next to Driver Installed and Tunnel Compatible, otherwise the card or
driver may not be Thunderbolt compatible (Figure 19).
Chapter 4 – Verify Connections Using System Information
Figure 18
Figure 19
15
Support Note: If “Echo Express III” is not listed, disconnect and
reconnect the Thunderbolt cable between the computer and
computer mounting module. Note that it is not necessary to shut down
the computer before disconnecting and reconnecting the cable.
Support Note: While PCIe card expansion module requires no
drivers, installed cards require Thunderbolt-compatible drivers to
enable their use.

KNOWN ISSUES
Not all PCIe Cards Will Perform at 100%
Thunderbolt 2’s PCIe bandwidth is limited to 20Gbps.
While many cards will operate at full performance, some
may not due to the fact they require more bandwidth
than Thunderbolt is capable of delivering.
OS X Updates May Break Compatibility
Specific device drivers that work under one version of OS X may
not work under a later version. Before updating to the latest
OS, we recommend that you contact your PCIe cards’
manufacturers to verify that the existing drivers work
with the new OS version. Note that other software updates
for the computer may also break compatibility.
PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE!
Never install a PCIe card into the computer mounting
module while it is connected to the Mac Pro or a power
outlet! If you do, you risk injury, and damage to the card,
module, and computer.
TIPS, GENERAL INFORMATION
Keeping the Cards Cool
With its optimized airflow design and temperature-
controlled fans providing cooling at all times, the xMac
Pro Server provides adequate cooling for the installed
cards. Do not operate the xMac Pro Server with the inner
assembly removed, and do not block any of the vents!
Otherwise, the installed cards and PCIe card expansion
module’s components may overheat.
Power Indicator LED Operation
Because the PCIe card expansion module automatically
powers on and off with the computer to which it’s
connected, the power indicator LED only turns on when
the computer is on, and turns off when the computer is
sleeping or powered off.
Connecting Additional Thunderbolt Devices
You may connect up to six Thunderbolt devices total in
a daisy chain, including the Apple Thunderbolt Display.
Because of the Mac Pro’s inclusion of three Thunderbolt
busses and six ports, Sonnet recommends you connect
additional Thunderbolt devices to the computer first,
before connecting them to the xMac Pro Server’s open
Thunderbolt port.
Using Expansion Cards Without User-Installed Drivers
Some Thunderbolt-compatible expansion cards, like
Sonnet’s Allegro™FW800 PCIe FireWire®adapter and
Sonnet’s Tempo™SATA Pro 6Gb eSATA cards, use drivers
built into the OS.
Replacing or Adding Cards After Initial Installation
If you decide to replace or add a card to the xMac Pro Server
after the initial setup, shut down the computer, and then
disconnect the power cord and Thunderbolt cables from
the computer mounting module before installing a card.
Chapter 5 – Tips, General Information, and Known Issues
16