For users that need a simple, cost-effective and powerful server, Sonnet has the xMac Mini Server. This is a 1U enclosure built on the Mac Mini computer with PCI Express expansion. External connectivity includes gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and USB including the latest USB 3.0 high-speed variant. Internal cabling between the Mac and the back and front panels ensures that the full speed of the USB 3.0 standard can be achieved. The xMac Mini Server is an expandable rack-mounted server. Inside the case are two PCIe 2.0 slots that connect to the computer through its Thunderbolt port. Also included is an upgraded 100W power supply and temperature-controlled variable speed fans. Suitable cards for these two slots include audio, fibre channel, SAS/SATA Raid controllers and video capture, meaning that the device can be set up to deliver a broad range of content tasks as well as using it as the controller of an extensive server. As well as connecting the two PCIe slots the Thunderbolt connection is daisy-chained to a connector on the back panel, meaning that Thunderbolt storage can also be added. US list price for the latest version is $1295, a price which seems to be broadly matched in Europe.
