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ExpressBox 3T-DB

(3) Slot Thunderbolt™ 2 PCIe Expansion with Drive Bays

The portability of the ultra versatile ExpressBox 3T with (4) 2.5” drive bays. The ExpressBox 3T-DB is the ultimate package of expansion and storage for any computing environment.
SKU: eb3t-db
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ExpressBox 3T-DB provides an 'outside-the-box' solution for using PCIe cards with Thunderbolt 2-equipped computers. High-performance work flows are possible by connecting a Thunderbolt 2-equipped computer to a Thunderbolt 2 expansion chassis containing PCIe cards such as video capture, media transcoding, audio processing, and fast data storage. And because Thunderbolt 2 is also based on DisplayPort technology, you can daisy chain a high-resolution display with your Magma ExpressBox 3T.

Benefits:

  • Attach PCIe cards to Thunderbolt 2-enabled computer
  • Extension of PCI Express signals outside the computer
  • Daisy-chain or end-point device

Features:

  • Easy Plug and Play installation
  • Use any combination of x1, x4, x8 and x16 PCIe cards
  • Hot-swappable cooling fan
  • Works with Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher and Windows 7 and 8
  • Additional blower for extra hot cards
  • Built in drivebay for up to (4) 2.5" SSD or SAS/SATA drives***
 

Recommended Controller Cards

Magma recommends using either an ATTO ESAS H644 or an ATTO ESAS R644  HBA drive controller card with ExpressBox 3T-DB (Model EB3T-DB) . Please see our Thunderbolt PCIe Card Compatibility for more Thunderbolt controller card options.
Model
EB3T-DB Thunderbolt 2 to PCIe Expansion - 3 Slot with Storage Bays
Hardware
Backplane
  • (3) Full-Length PCI Express Slots*
    • one x8 PCIe (slotted to accomodate x16 card)
    • one x8 PCIe
    • one x 4 PCIe
  • *Maximum card length is limited to 8.5"
Cable Required Thunderbolt (Sold Separately)
Interconnect Bandwidth 20 Gbps Bi-directional
Hard Drive Support Built-in drivebay for up to four (4) 2.5" SSD or SAS/SATA drives
(when using the drivebay, maximum card length is limited to 8.5")
Enclosure
Material Aluminum Chassis
Dimensions 14.6” L x 4.3” W x 7.9” H (371mm x 110mm x 200mm)
Weight 7.65 lbs (3.47 kg)
System Cooling
 
  • (1) Hot Swappable Fan
  • (1) Removable Blower Fan
Power Supply
 
  • 250W, 100-240 VAC, 50-60HZ
  • Two 4-pin auxiliary power tabs
Environmental
Ambient Temperature 0º to 50º C
Storage Temperature -20º to 60º C
Relative Humidity 5% to 85% non-condensing
Regulatory Compliance
FCC Class A Verified
RoHS Compliant
Supported Operating Systems
 
  • Windows 7, 8
  • Mac OS X Yosemite
Warranty
30 day money back guarantee
1 year return to factory
Partner Approvals
 
Package Contents
Chassis
  • Power Indicator
  • PCIe card slot openings
  • Thunderbolt™ 2 ports
  • Power cord socket
Hardware Included
  • Blower (if needed for cooling)
  • Carry Bag
  • U.S. Power Cord

Is a Thunderbolt cable included?

The Thunderbolt cable is sold separately.

Do I need any special Firmware, Software, or Driver?

No firmware, software or driver is required from Magma, but you may need an updated driver for your PCIe card.

What types of PCIe cards can be used  with the ExpressBox 3T-DB?

The maximum card length for EB3T-DB is 8.5" or shorter and have a Thunderbolt compatible driver.  If your PCIe card is full length or longer than 8.5" use ExpressBox 3T instead. Check the Thunderbolt PCIe Card Compatibility for a list of cards that have a Thunderbolt compatible driver. If your PCIe card is not on this list, contact the card manufacturer to ask if they have a Thunderbolt compatible driver.

Is the ExpressBox 3T-DB compatible with Pro Tools?

The recommended expansion chassis fro Pro Tools HDX is ExpressBox 3T (EB3T), not ExpressBox 3T-DB (EB3T-DB). Pro tools HDX cards are full length (12") cards and the maximum card length for EB3T-DB is 8.5".  ExpressBox 3T supports full length cards and has been qualified by Avid for use with Pro Tools HDX.

Does a GPU or video card work with the ExpressBox 3T-DB?

The GPU must be supported by the Operating System AND have a compatible Thunderbolt 2 Driver.

Can the Magma Thunderbolt 2 Interface add-in card be used in a Mac Tower?

No, it will not work as a add-in PCIe card in a Mac Tower.

Do older Thunderbolt devices on a Thunderbolt 2 daisy chain affect performance?

Yes. If you have a mix of generations on a Thunderbolt 2 daisy chain, make sure that the Thunderbolt devices sit after the Thunderbolt 2 devices on the chain. Anything placed after a first generation Thunderbolt device will operate at Thunderbolt speeds.

What controller cards are recommended for use when adding hard drives to the ExpressBox 3T-DB?

Magma recommends using either an ATTO ESAS H644 or an ATTO ESAS R644  HBA drive controller card with ExpressBox 3T-DB (Model EB3T-DB) . Please see our Thunderbolt PCIe Card Compatibility for more Thunderbolt controller card options.

Support: support@onestopsystems.com or 800-438-2724

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