Sonnet Echo III Desktop Three-Slot Full-Length Thunderbolt 5 PCIe Card Expansion System

Sonnet Echo III Desktop T5 Three-Slot Thunderbolt 5 PCIe Card Expansion System

Desktop 3-slot Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe Card Expansion System for computers with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB4 ports. Today's laptop and mini desktop computers with ultra-high performance Thunderbolt 5 ports offer tremendous onboard processing power, but don't have the PCIe slots required for connecting adapter cards that add specialised ports and processing capabilities critical to your workflow. The Echo III T5 Desktop provides the slots you need. Using the included Thunderbolt 5 cable, this professional expansion system connects three full-length (12.28 inches) PCIe cards simultaneously to your Mac, Windows PC, or Linux computer. Add nearly any compatible (non-GPU) PCIe card to create the professional setup your workflow demands.

Key Features

• For computers with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB4 ports
• Three PCIe 3.1 slots: one x16 plus two x8, for three full-height, single-width cards, or one double-width card plus one single-width card
• Thunderbolt 5 interface: 3400 MB/s aggregate, bi-directional PCIe bandwidth to the installed cards when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port
• Avid Pro Tools | HDX compatible: use three Pro Tools | HDX cards with no additional parts
• Pro Power: integrated universal 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary PCIe power connector for power-hungry non-GPU cards
• Remarkably quiet: dual temperature-controlled Noctua fans rated at 17 dBA
• Two Thunderbolt 5 ports, the second providing 15W for an additional Thunderbolt or USB device
• Rugged aluminium housing; powers on and off automatically with the computer
• 2-year product warranty and lifetime technical support

Three PCIe 3.1 Slots: 3400 MB/s Aggregate, Bi-directional PCIe Bandwidth
The Echo III T5 Desktop features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.1 slots. When connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port, the system provides 3400 MB/s aggregate, bi-directional PCIe bandwidth to the installed cards. It supports single- and double-width PCIe 4.0, 3.1, 2.0 and 1.1 cards, including video capture, streaming and transcoding; audio DSP; 10Gb and 25Gb Ethernet; SSD storage; SAS host bus adapters; and other specialty cards.

Comprehensive PCIe Card Support
Every Thunderbolt-compatible, non-GPU card is supported. Not sure about a card you have in mind? Sonnet's PCIe Card Compatibility PDF lists many cards conforming to Thunderbolt technology requirements, organised by fit and power compatibility with specific expansion systems.

Avid Qualified for Pro Tools
Install three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards, with no extra parts required. At the flick of a switch, the Echo III T5 Desktop is optimised to support three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards. The system has been tested and is qualified by Avid Audio Group for use with Avid Pro Tools 2026 software, and Avid Pro Tools, Pro Tools HD, and Pro Tools Ultimate systems.

Power to Spare. Smart Operation.
The integrated universal 400W power supply includes a 75W auxiliary power connector for non-GPU cards that require extra power, including the AJA KONA 5, Blackmagic DeckLink 8K Pro G2, and Avid Pro Tools | HDX. Designed without a power switch, the Echo III powers on and off automatically with the connected computer to help conserve energy, and you can't forget to turn it off.

Dual Noctua Fans: Ultra-quiet Operation
Built for noise-sensitive environments, the Echo III T5 Desktop uses dual Noctua fans rated at 17 dBA, below the recommended 20 dBA limit for recording and broadcast studios. The temperature-controlled fan speeds adjust smoothly as needed, while optimised airflow efficiently cools the installed cards.

Light, yet Rugged
A lightweight, rugged aluminium outer shell securely houses the inner assembly that holds the installed PCIe cards and the integrated power supply.

Thunderbolt 5 with Two Ports
The system includes two Thunderbolt 5 ports: one connects to the computer, while the second lets you connect an additional Thunderbolt or USB peripheral device. The second port provides 15 watts to bus-powered devices requiring extra power, and you can connect one 5K display using spare bandwidth while retaining full PCIe bandwidth.

Secure Connections for High Performance
Sonnet includes a 0.8-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable that supports Thunderbolt's maximum bandwidth and is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, and 3 computers. Sonnet also provides a ThunderLok-A connector lock that prevents accidental cable disconnections.

What's in the Box

• Echo III T5 Desktop Thunderbolt expansion system
• Region-specific power cable (UK or EU)
• 6-pin PCIe auxiliary power cable
• 0.8-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable
• ThunderLok-A connector lock (for securing the Thunderbolt cable)
• Documentation

Product Q&A