Part No. DM-MOD-E3-T5
(Module only; enclosure sold separately)
 

Three PCIe Slots Expansion

Echo III T5 Module

3-slot Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe Card Expansion Module

Echo™ III T5 Module connects up to three PCIe cards to computers without card slots. The module supports three full-height, full-length Thunderbolt™-compatible non-GPU PCIe cards; provides 400W of power for the most demanding of PCIe cards, includes qualification from Avid Audio Group for Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards;  features ultra-quiet, dual temperature-controlled Noctua fans rated at 17 dbA; and connects through super fast Thunderbolt 5 interface.

Three PCIe 3.1 Slots: 3400 MB/s Aggregate, Bi-directional PCIe Bandwidth

Echo III T5 Module 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. This system 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

Do you have a card in mind but aren’t sure it’s compatible? We’ve created a PCIe Card Compatibility PDF that lists many cards conforming to Thunderbolt technology requirements and organized by fit and power compatibility with specific expansion systems.

Avid Qualified for Pro Tools: Install Three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe Cards – No Extra Parts Required

At the flick of a switch, the Avid compatible Echo III T5 Module system is optimized to support three Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards, with no extra parts necessary! This 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 Ultimatesystems.

Power to Spare. Smart Operation.

Echo III T5 Module supports power-hungry cards with ease. Its integrated universal 400W power supply includes a 75W auxiliary power connector for non-GPU cards that require extra power, including 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 because there’s no power switch, you can’t forget to turn off the system!

Dual Noctua Fans: Ultra-quiet Operation

Echo III T5 Module is built for noise-sensitive environments, delivering ultra-quiet performance with dual Noctua fans that operate below the recommended 20 dBA limit for recording and broadcast studios. The temperature-controlled fan speeds adjust smoothly as needed, while optimized airflow efficiently cools installed cards, keeping the system quiet under demanding workloads.

Secure Connections for High Performance

Thunderbolt 5 Cable and ThunderLok Included. Sonnet includes a Thunderbolt 5 cable that supports Thunderbolt’s maximum bandwidth and is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, and 3 computers. Sonnet also provides ThunderLok, a Thunderbolt connector cable lock, that prevents accidental cable disconnections.

ThunderLok Advantage:Many Sonnet Thunderbolt products featuring Thunderbolt ports come equipped with threaded mounting holes to securely attach a Sonnet ThunderLok connector lock, preventing Thunderbolt cables from accidentally disconnecting.

Thunderbolt 5: More Than Just the Fastest External Interface Available

Echo III T5 Module features an ultra-high-speed Thunderbolt 5 interface that delivers the PCIe bandwidth needed to support demanding cards at high performance. The system includes two Thunderbolt 5 ports: one connects to the computer, while the second enables you to connect an additional Thunderbolt or USB peripheral device:

Powers Peripherals. 15 watts is provided to bus-powered USB or Thunderbolt devices requiring extra power through the secondary Thunderbolt port.

Connect One 5K Display Using Spare Bandwidth.Maximize the utilization of one computer Thunderbolt port, connecting a 5K display while retaining full PCIe bandwidth.

Key Features and Specifications
Three Versatile PCIe Slots

• Supports three full-height, full-length PCIe cards.
• One x16 plus two x8 PCIe 3.1 slots.
• Supports every Thunderbolt-compatible non-GPU card.
• AVID QUALIFIED – Supports up to three Avid Pro Tools | HDX PCIe cards.
• View PCIe Card Compatibility PDF of supported PCIe cards.

Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe Device

• Two Thunderbolt 5 ports.
• Provides 3400 MB/s aggregate, bi-directional PCIe bandwidth to the installed cards when connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port.
• Thunderbolt 5 cable included.
• ThunderLok-A Thunderbolt Connector Retainer Lock included.

400W of Power

• Built-in 400W power supply with 75W auxiliary power connector.
• Supports power-hungry, non-GPU PCIe cards, including Avid Pro Tools | HDX.
• Powers on and off automatically with connected computer.

Quiet Fans

• Dual Noctua fans offer ultra-quiet operation.
• Temperature-controlled, variable-speed.
• Rated at 17dBA
.

Compatibility

• Sonnet rackmount expansion enclosures.

Mac Compatibility

• Mac with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt/USB4 ports. OS support: macOS 15+; compatible with macOS 27.

Windows Compatibility

• Windows computer with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports. OS support: Windows 11 25H2+ and Windows Server 2025.

Linux Compatibility

• Linux computer with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, or USB4 ports.OS support: Supported Linux kernel, 6.6 or later.

Weight and Dimensions (WxDxH)

• 19.4 lbs (8.80 kg)
• 19.13  x 16.9  x 3.5  in (48.57 x 42.93 x 8.89 cm)

Package Contents

• Echo III T5 Module
• Region-specific power cable
• 6-pin PCIe auxiliary power cables (installed)
• 0.8-meter Thunderbolt 5 cables
• ThunderLok-A connector lock (for securing Thunderbolt cable)
• Product documentation


The Sonnet Advantage

• 2-year product warranty
• Lifetime technical support
• Innovating technology since 1986


Note:Computers and accessories featured in photos are not included with the product. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

Compatibility Charts

• PCIe card compatibility chart (Thunderbolt expansion systems)
• Avid Pro Tools | HDX chassis compatibility
• All Sonnet compatibility charts

Manuals & Firmware

• Quick start guide (echo_iii_t5_module_qsg.pdf)
• Sonnet support articles for this product