Sonnet Announces Single-Slot Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe Card Expansion System

Sonnet Announces Single-Slot Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe Card Expansion System

Brie Clayton October 12, 2026

0 Comments

Compact Desktop System Features PCIe 4.0 Slot, Delivers up to 6,800 MB/s PCIe Bandwidth

What's New:

Sonnet Technologies today announced the Echo SE I T5 Thunderbolt 5 to PCIe card expansion system, designed for professional video, audio, broadcast, networking, and storage workflows. When connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer, the system can deliver up to 6,800 MB/s of bidirectional PCIe bandwidth, enabling most bandwidth-intensive cards to operate at maximum performance. The Sonnet system also supports computers equipped with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports, providing a flexible upgrade path across current and previous-generation workstations.

What It Does:

The Echo SE I T5 expansion system enables users to connect one PCIe card to their computer with Thunderbolt or USB4 ports. The Sonnet system features one x8 PCIe 4.0 slot (can also support for a card with an x16 PCIe card connector); accommodates an up-to full-height, half-length+ (maximum of 7.75 inches long) single- or double-width PCIe card; and connects it to a computer's Thunderbolt or USB4 port via an included Thunderbolt 5 cable. The system also includes a 6-pin auxiliary power connector for cards that require extra power.

Why It's Important:

Laptops and compact desktop computers offer powerful processing capabilities but lack PCIe slots for the specialized cards professionals rely on. The Echo SE I T5 enables users to add video capture and playback, professional audio, high-speed networking, or storage connectivity - without moving to a larger computer - with a single cable. Weighing just 2.5 pounds and measuring 3 inches wide by 11.3 inches deep by 5.5 inches tall, the Sonnet expansion system fits comfortably on most desks while accommodating the majority of Thunderbolt compatible PCIe cards.

How It's Distinctive:

The Echo SE I T5 offers several unique advantages:

High Performance: Provides up to 6,800 MB/s of bi-directional PCIe bandwidth to the installed card when it is connected to a Thunderbolt 5 computer port, providing up to 13% more bandwidth than competing products.

Room for larger cards: Accommodates PCIe cards up to 7.75 inches long, the Sonnet chassis supports a larger group of the cards important to professional users than competing products.

Automatic, quiet cooling: Unlike other expansion systems that require users to flip a switch and guess whether the fan speed should be set to low or high, the Echo SE I T5 features a temperature-controlled fan that automatically speeds up as necessary to cool the installed card when it's hot, slows down when it's cool, always operating quietly, with no guesswork necessary.

When You Can Get It:

Echo SE I T5 (part number ECHO-SE1-T5) is available now from Sonnet and its worldwide distribution and reseller partners at the suggested retail price of $399.99.

October 12, 2026Blackmagic Design Used on CCV Chevrolet Dealership CommercialPocket Cinema Cameras capture decades of car models with detail and precision.

October 9, 2026COW Jobs: Visual Storyteller - Emeryville, CAhttps://jobs.creativecow.net/job/full-court-press-communications-emeryville-ca-full-time-visual-storyteller/ Enjoying the news? Sign up for the Creative COW Newsletter! Sign

Enjoying the news? Sign up for the Creative COW Newsletter! Sign up for the Creative COW newsletter and get weekly updates on industry news, forum highlights, jobs, inspirational tutorials, tips, burning questions, and more! Receive bulletins from the largest, longest-running community dedicated to supporting professionals working in film, video, and audio.

Enter your email address, and your first and last name below!

-- Sign up: * indicates required

Email Address *

Name

--

I like thisUnlike Like0I dislike thisUndislike 0

LINK:	https://creativecow.net/sonnet-announces-single-slot-thunderbolt-5-to-...
	See more stories from creativecow

Most recent headlines