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
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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