User’s Guide for xMac Studio Support Note: This document was up to date at the time of printing. However, changes to the hardware or software may have occurred since then. Please check the Sonnet website for the latest documentation. 1. Go to https://www.sonnettech.com/support/kb/kb.php 2. Navigate to and click the xMac Studio link. 3. Click the Manual link. 4. Click the xMac Studio User’s Guide [English] link and then check the Document Version information.
Contents 1 Introduction and System Requirements 1 Introduction Mac Compatibility System Requirements 2 xMac Studio Description 2 Exterior Echo III Module Interior Echo I Module Interior Power Cord Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cable Thunderbolt 3 Connector Retainer Clip Self-adhesive Magnet 3 Computer Installation and Module Removal Steps 7 4 Echo III Module PCIe Card Installation Steps 9 5 Echo I Module PCIe Card Installation Steps 11 6 Echo Module Installation Steps 12 7 Ac
Section 1 – Introduction and System Requirements Introduction System Requirements Congratulations on your purchase! The xMac Studio is a rackmount enclosure for Mac Studio™ computers and Sonnet Echo Thunderbolt expansion modules for PCIe cards. Through a module’s PCIe slot(s), you may connect one or three non-GPU adapter cards to your Mac Studio to expand its capabilities and add connectivity beyond what’s offered through its native ports.
Section 2 – xMac Studio Description Front Panel 1–U SB Hub This connects via a passthrough cable to one of the computer’s back-panel USB ports, supporting connection of keyboards, mice, thumb drive, and other USB devices. Note that the total number of USB devices you can connect to the hub may be limited by the width of the devices’ USB connectors. 2–P ower Switch This button activates the Mac Studio’s power switch; the installed Echo Module’s power supply turns on and off along with the computer.
Section 2 – xMac Studio Description Support Notes: The xMac Studio / No Module Back Panel — xMac Studio / Echo III system is not shown here. The Echo III Module includes two Thunderbolt ports and two threaded nuts for the included Thunderbolt connector retainer clip; the Echo I Module only has one each. 1 – Threaded Nut(s) for ThunderLok 3 Attach the included Thunderbolt connector retainer clip here.
Section 2 – xMac Studio Description Echo III Module Interior 1 – Slot 1 This is an x8 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.0 slot.* It is also compatible with PCIe 4.0, 2.0, and 1.1 cards. 2 – Slot 2 This is an x16 mechanical (x8 electrical) PCIe 3.0 slot.* It is also compatible with PCIe 4.0, 2.0, and 1.1 cards. 3 – Slot 3 This is an x8 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.0 slot.* It is also compatible with PCIe 4.0, 2.0, and 1.1 cards.
Section 2 – xMac Studio Description Echo I Module Interior 1–A uxilliary Power Connectors When auxiliary power is required, these connectors provide power to the installed card. 2–P CIe Card Slot This is an x16 mechanical (x4 electrical) PCIe 3.0 slot. It is also compatible with PCIe 4.0, 2.0, and 1.1 cards. 3–P CIe Slot Access Cover Remove this cover when installing a double-width card. If a single-width card is installed, leave this in place.
Section 2 – xMac Studio Description Rackmount Rails You may remove and reposition the pair of included rackmount rails. When installed on the upper mounting pins, the rails support enclosure installation in racks with mounting depths ranging from 16–20.25 inches. When installed on lower mounting pins, the rails support enclosure installation in racks with mounting depths ranging from 19.75–24 inches.
Section 3 – Computer Installation and Module Removal Steps 1. Remove the xMac Studio from its packaging, and then set it on a flat, level surface. 2. Remove and set aside the six thumbscrews securing the front panel to the rackmount enclosure (Figure 1). Figure 1 3. Remove your Mac Studio computer from its packaging, and then carefully insert it into the rackmount enclosure as shown. Push the computer in until it stops (Figure 2).
Section 3 – Computer Installation and Module Removal Steps 4. Connect the USB hub’s cable to a USB-A port on the Mac Studio (Figure 3). Figure 3 5. If you purchased an xMac Studio without an Echo Module, skip to the next page. Otherwise, remove the three thumbscrews securing the Echo Module to the rackmount enclosure (Figure 4). 6. Push the Echo Module out through the front of the enclosure (Figure 4).
Section 4 – Echo III Module PCIe Card Installation Steps This section covers the installation of PCIe cards into an Echo III Module. If you purchased an xMac Studio with an Echo I Module, skip to page 11. Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working inside the Echo Module. 1. Remove and set aside the screw securing a PCIe slot access cover (Figure 5). 2. Remove and set aside the loose PCIe slot access cover (Figure 5). 3.
Section 4 – Echo III Module PCIe Card Installation Steps 6. Remove a PCIe card from its packaging, handling the card by its edges and without touching any components or gold connector pins. Support Note: If you are installing a x8 PCIe 1.1 card, installing it into slot 3 may result in reduced performance. We recommend you install it into either slot 1 or 2 for best performance. 7.
Section 5 – Echo I Module PCIe Card Installation Steps Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while working inside the Echo I Module. 1. Remove and set aside the screw next to the PCIe slot access cover (Figure 8). 2. If you are installing a double-width card, or an additional daughter card, remove and set aside the screw securing the PCIe slot access cover, and then remove and set aside the cover (Figure 8). 3.
Section 6 – Echo Module Installation Steps 1. Insert the Echo Module into rackmount enclosure (Figure 10). 2 Using the three thumbscrews you removed previously, secure the Echo Module to the enclosure; do not overighten the screws (Figure 10). Figure 10 Support Note: Sonnet’s ThunderLok™ 3 Thunderbolt connector retainer clip secures the included Thunderbolt 3 cable to the module to prevent accidental disconnects. This clip is compatible with Sonnet 0.5- and 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 3 cables.
Section 7 – Accessory Installation Steps (Optional) The following two pages explain how to utilize the space beneath the computer to install Thunderbolt or USB SSDs or other accessories. If you are not going to install an accessory, skip to page 15. 1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws securing the accessory space cover plate to the back of the enclosure beneath the computer, and then set the screws and plates aside (Figure 12).
Section 7 – Accessory Installation Steps 3. Insert the device into the space beneath the computer, placing it far enough back so that the devices’s cables may be routed through the cover plates (Figure 14). 4. Connect the device to the computer (Figure 14). If you are installing additional devices, do so now. Figure 14 5. Using the previously removed screws, secure the cover plate to the enclosure (Figure 15).
Section 8 – Final Assembly and Enclosure Installation Steps 1. Using the six thumbscrews you removed previously, secure the front panel to the enclosure; do not overtighten the screws (Figure 16). Figure 16 Upper Mounting Pins 2. Adjust or remove the rackmount extension rails on the rackmount enclosure as necessary (Figure 17). 3. Install the assembled xMac Studio into its rack or case. 4. Connect interface and power cables between devices, PCIe cards, and the computer as necessary. 5.
Section 9 – Complete Setup and Configuration ECHO MODULE SETUP AND CONFIGURATION STEPS This page instructs you how to verify the Echo Module and installed cards are recognized by the computer. A – Confirm the Echo Module is Recognized 1. With the Echo Module powered and connected to the computer, turn on the computer. 2. Press and hold down the Option key, and then from the Apple menu, select System Information; a System Information window will open. 3.
Section 10 – Tips, General Information, and Known Issues TIPS, GENERAL INFORMATION Keeping the Cards Cool With its optimized airflow design and temperaturecontrolled fan providing cooling at all times, an Echo Module provides adequate cooling for the installed cards. Do not operate the Echo Module outside of its enclosure, and do not block any of the vents! Otherwise, the installed cards and Echo Module’s components may overheat.
Section 11 – Precautions, FCC Compliance, and Support Information SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Contacting Customer Service Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device, thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help you to minimize the risk of damaging the device. The Sonnet Web site located at www.sonnettech.com has the most current support information and technical updates.
