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  Thunderbolt Technology  
 

Thunderbolt LogoHigh Speed Connectivity

Thunderbolt provides fast external connections to high-speed peripherals and high-resolution displays, all through one port. Combining the power of PCI Express (PCIe) technology and DisplayPort connectivity, Thunderbolt provides a gateway for your Mac to a world of external expansion systems, storage, video capture solutions and 4K displays.

Through one connector, Thunderbolt 2 provides two channels of 20Gbps of throughput in both directions. That's more than enough bandwidth to daisy chain up to six high-speed peripherals, including a 4K display, without the need for external power or hubs.

Thunderbolt 2 incorporates DisplayPort 1.2 protocol which allows video streaming to a single 4K video monitor or dual QHD monitors. Thunderbolt 2 is backwards compatible with earlier Thunderbolt devices, connectors, and cables at 10Gbps speeds.

  

Thunderbolt 2 Chart

  
 
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Thunderbolt 2 Badge

Built for Thunderbolt 2

The Mac Pro includes six high-bandwidth 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 ports to compensate for its lack of internal expansion. The original 10Gbps Thunderbolt interface on older computers provided breakthrough bandwidth for external expansion, more than sufficient to support the maximum performance of most Thunderbolt-compatible PCIe cards.

However, some high-bandwidth cards such as the RED ROCKET™, 16Gb Fibre Channel, multi-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and other bandwidth-hungry adapters require more than 10Gbps. Thunderbolt 2 technology removes this barrier by providing more bandwidth for demanding applications. The xMac Pro Server’s 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 interface takes full advantage of this increased bandwidth to ensure optimum performance from installed cards connected to the Mac Pro.

  

Backward Compatible & Upgradeable Badge

Backward Compatible

If you need to connect a peripheral equipped with 10Gbps Thunderbolt, there’s no problem—xMac Pro Server is fully compatible with earlier generation Thunderbolt devices as well.

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Strong Link in the Chain

This Sonnet solution supports daisy chaining of additional Thunderbolt technology-enabled peripherals, such as video capture devices, and a bus-powered devices. For connected devices requiring extra power, 10 watts is provided through the daisy chain port to peripherals when connected via copper Thunderbolt cables.

 Daisychain  
  Thunderbolt Device Daisy Chaining  
 

Sonnet Thunderbolt Cables

Copper Thunderbolt Cables

Thunderbolt Cable and ThunderLok™ Included

Sonnet includes a Thunderbolt cable to connect the xMac Pro Server to your computer, and a ThunderLok Thunderbolt connector retainer clip(3) to secure the cable to the enclosure. Thunderbolt connectors are held in place by friction, which works well in situations where equipment remains undisturbed while operating. But when there’s a chance of movement nearby, there’s a chance the Thunderbolt cable can be unintentionally unplugged, possibly leading to loss of your work or data. Sonnet’s ThunderLok prevents accidental cable disconnections from xMac Pro Server’s PCIe Card Expansion Module, and is easy to install and use—just slide it over one end of the cable, and then plug in the connector and secure it to the enclosure by turning a thumbscrew. Because of its unique design, ThunderLok does not attach to the connector but remains on the cable so it won’t get lost when not in use.

Optical Thunderbolt Cables

Get Full Thunderbolt Performance, At a Distance

Whether noisy PCIe card fans make it impractical to use the xMac Pro Server in a noise-sensitive environment, or because securing it in another room is required, you may find it necessary to put some space between the xMac Pro and the workspace. No problem! Optical Thunderbolt cables, available in lengths up to 60 meters, enable you to locate your equipment where you need and connect the pieces without loss of functionality.

Thunderbolt Cable & ThunderLok

 

Optical Thunderbolt Cables

Sonnet Optical Thunderbolt Cables Badge
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 Mac Pro, peripherals, and cables shown in photos are shown for illustration purposes; items sold separately.
See Tech Specs Tab for footnotes