Compact desktop system features PCIe 4.0 slot, delivers up to 6,800 MB/s PCIe bandwidth

LAKE FOREST, Calif.- — October 7, 2026 — Sonnet Technologies 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.

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