SON-GPU-750WEX-TB3 - Desktop Computer Sonnet - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Desktop Computer
Model	SON-GPU-750WEX-TB3
Brand	Sonnet
Power Supply	750W
Connectivity	Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
GPU Support	Full-length, double-width PCIe GPU (up to 300W)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	17.0 x 8.3 x 19.5 in (43.2 x 21.1 x 49.5 cm)
Weight	Approximately 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)
Cooling	One 120mm fan (exhaust) with temperature-controlled speed
Operating System Support	macOS 10.14 or later, Windows 10 or later
Main Functions	External GPU enclosure for enhancing graphics performance; supports video editing, 3D rendering, gaming
Maintenance	Periodic dust removal from fan and vents; avoid moisture
Safety Features	Over-current protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection
Spare Parts Availability	Replacement power supply, fan, and Thunderbolt cable available from Sonnet
Warranty	2 years limited warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - SON-GPU-750WEX-TB3 Sonnet

How do I install a graphics card in the Sonnet SON-GPU-750WEX-TB3?

Open the chassis by removing the side panel screws. Insert the GPU into the PCIe slot, secure it, and connect the power cables from the internal 750W PSU. Close the panel and connect via Thunderbolt 3 to your computer.

What power supply does the SON-GPU-750WEX-TB3 use?

It includes a built-in 750W power supply specifically designed to power high-end graphics cards.

Can I use this enclosure with a Mac?

Yes, it is compatible with macOS 10.14 or later via Thunderbolt 3 connection. Ensure your Mac has a Thunderbolt 3 port.

What is the maximum GPU length supported?

The enclosure supports full-length, double-width GPUs up to 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) long.

How do I clean the fan or maintain the enclosure?

Periodically unplug the unit and use compressed air to remove dust from the fan and vents. Avoid using wet cloths.

Does this enclosure support dual GPUs?

No, it supports a single double-width GPU only. For dual GPUs, consider a larger enclosure.

What is the warranty period for Sonnet SON-GPU-750WEX-TB3?

Sonnet offers a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Can I charge my laptop through the Thunderbolt 3 connection?

The enclosure does not provide power delivery to the host; it relies on its own power supply for the GPU and fan.

How do I update the firmware of the enclosure?

Download the latest firmware from Sonnet's website. Connect the enclosure, run the updater, and follow on-screen instructions. Do not disconnect during update.

What types of connectivity does the front panel offer?

The front panel includes a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port for connection to your computer and a USB 3.2 port for accessories.

USER MANUAL SON-GPU-750WEX-TB3 Sonnet

Support Note: This document was up to date at the time of

printing. However, changes to hardware or software may have

occurred since then. Please check the Sonnet website for the latest documentation.

1. Go to https://www.sonnettech.com/support/kb/kb.php
2. Navigate to and click the Breakaway Box 750/750ex link.
3. Click the Manual link.
4. Click the eGPU Breakaway Box 750 and 750ex Quick Start Guide

[English] link and then check the Document Version information. If

the version listed is later than this document (revision D), click the

Download Now button for the latest version.

Introduction

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase! This quick start guide primarily covers GPU card installation steps. Basic eGPU use information for users with Intel ^® Mac ^® computers with Thunderbolt ^™ 3 ports is also provided. Detailed eGPU information must be downloaded separately:

macOS External Graphics Guide https://www.sonnettech.com/support/downloads/manuals/macos_egpu_info.pdf

Windows External Graphics Guide https://www.sonnettech.com/support/downloads/manuals/windows_egpu_info.pdf

Compatibility Information and System Requirements

Visit the eGPU Breakaway Box product page at www.sonnettech.com/product/egpu-breakaway-box/ for the latest information.

Description

1 - Power Indicator LED

This lights up when eGPU Breakaway Box is connected to a power source and the power switch turned on, the Thunderbolt cable between the chassis and your computer is plugged in, and the computer powered on.

2 - PCIe Card Bracket Mounting Screws/Locking Plate These secure the installed PCIe card in place.

3 - PCIe Slot Covers

Remove these when installing the card. If a single-width card is installed, reinstall one to cover the opening in the chassis.

4 - Power Switch

5 - Power Input Socket

Connect the included AC power cable here.

6 - Thunderbolt Port

Connect the included (or other certified) Thunderbolt cable between this port and your computer's Thunderbolt port.

7 - Gigabit Ethernet Port (only on 750ex model)

Plug in a Cat 5, 5e, or 6 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable with RJ45 connectors. The left LED flashes yellow to indicate activity, while the right LED lights up orange to indicate a 1000BASE-T (Gigabit) link or green for a 100BASE-TX link, and remains off for 10BASE-T.

8 - USB-A Ports (only on 750ex model)

Connect USB devices to these ports.

9 - Main Fan

This provides cooling for the installed PCIe card and the chassis' supporting Thunderbolt circuitry. It operates at a whisper when the card is running cool, and automatically speeds up in steps as the temperature rises. Do not block the fans or the vent holes on the chassis to prevent overheating.

10 - Power Supply

The power supply has its own fan that operates independently from the main fan.

11 - PCIe Card Slot

Card Installation Steps

Support Note: The product depicted in these illustrations is the eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex. The card installations steps eGPU Breakaway Box 750 are identical.

1. Remove eGPU Breakaway Box from its packaging, and then set it on a flat, level surface.

2. Remove and set aside the three thumbscrews securing the top cover to the inner assembly (Figure 1).

3. Slide the top cover toward you until it stops (Figure 2).

4. Remove and set aside the cover (Figure 2).

5. Remove and set aside the two screws securing the PCIe card bracket locking plate (Figure 3).

6. Remove and set aside the thumbscrew securing the PCIe card bracket locking plate, and then remove the plate and the port access cover (Figure 3).

Support Note: To avoid damaging components due to static electricity discharge, wear an antistatic wrist strap while g inside eGPU Breakaway Box.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Card Installation Steps

NING: When handling computer products, take care to prevent components from being damaged by static electricity; working in carpeted areas. Handle PCIe cards only by their edges void touching connector traces and component pins. Also, avoid the chassis' circuit boards and any of its components.

1. Remove the GPU card from its packaging.

2. Depending on the size of your card, insert the GPU card into the inner assembly through the top or side (Figure 4). Please note that in some instances, it may be necessary to temporarily remove the main fan in order to insert the card into the inner assembly.

3. Line up the card's slot connector with the PCIe slot, and then gently but firmly press the card straight into the slot (Figure 5).

4. Connect the auxiliary power connectors to the card.

portNote: eGPU Breakaway Box includes two sets of auxiliary power connectors (one 6-pin connector plus one

2-pin connector in each pair). To create an 8-pin connector, slide the two connectors together as shown; note the small nubs on the 2-pin connector that align the connectors to each other (Figure 6). Insert the assembled 8-pin connector into the card.

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Card Installation Steps

1. Secure the card using the previously-removed PCIe card bracket locking plate, screws, and thumbscrew (Figure 7).

1. Lower the top cover over the inner assembly's top brackets as shown, and then slide the cover all the way forward until it stops (Figure 8).

1. Secure the top cover to the inner assembly with the three thumbscrews you removed previously (Figure 9).

2. Connect the included (or other certified) Thunderbolt cable, between the Thunderbolt port on the Breakaway Box and a Thunderbolt port on your computer. Note that cables or computer ports marked with a generic USB icon (♦ or USB Charging Port icon () are NOT compatible.

3. Connect the included power cord between a wall outlet or power strip and the Box's power socket. Flip the power switch to the on position. Note that the Box's power indicator will not light until the computer is turned on.

Figure 9

Basic Use Information

eGPU Support—Windows

- For the latest information and detailed instructions on setting up your Windows computer to support eGPU Breakaway Box, please download the Sonnet Windows External Graphics Guide: https://www.sonnettech.com/support/downloads/manuals/windows_egpu_info.pdf

eGPU Support—macOS

- M series Mac computers do not support eGPUs. However, you may use eGPU Breakaway Box with an M series Mac computer with Thunderbolt-compatible non-GPU PCIe cards.

Support Note: For more detailed information, please

download Sonnet's macOS External Graphics Guide:

https://www.sonnettech.com/support/downloads/manuals/macos_egpu_info.pdf

• If you're using a 2016 or 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro ⁸ , connect the eGPU Breakaway Box to one of the left-hand ports for maximum data throughput.
• The drivers that support the eGPU Breakaway Box are installed as part of macOS. As a result, the Breakaway Box is ready to use when connected to your computer.
• With the eGPU Breakaway Box connected to your Mac (and both turned on), the Breakaway Box will be ready to use. If you are using macOS 10.14.6+, an eGPU icon will appear in the menu bar.

Support Note: eGPU support in macOS High Sierra 10.13.6

and later is designed to accelerate Metal, OpenGL, and OpenCL

applications that benefit from a powerful eGPU. Not all apps support eGPU acceleration; check with the application's developer to learn more.

• Starting with macOS Mojave (10.14), you can accelerate applications on a built-in display. We recommend using the latest macOS release for the best eGPU experience.
• If you have an external display connected to your eGPU Breakaway Box, you can choose it as the primary display for all apps. Since applications default to the GPU associated with the primary display, this option works with a variety of applications. If you disconnect the Breakaway Box, your Mac defaults back to the internal graphics processor that drives the built-in display. When the Breakaway Box is reconnected, the external display will automatically be set as the primary display.
• Before unplugging the Breakaway Box from your computer, click the eGPU icon in the menu bar, and then select Disconnect.
• If you have a Mac mini with FileVault turned on, it may be necessary to connect your primary display directly to the Mac mini during startup, and then, after you log in and see the macOS Desktop, you can unplug the display from Mac mini and connect it to your eGPU. For more information, go to https://www.sonnettech.com/support/kb/kb.php, and then navigate to and click the Breakaway Box 750/750ex link; read FAQ ID 1084.

Gigabit Ethernet Port Configuration Information—750ex Only, All Users

With eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex connected to your computer and network infrastructure, configure the eGPU's network settings.

Windows Users: Use Windows Device Manager, Network Adapters category. The eGPU's Ethernet port will be identified as Intel i210AT Gigabit Network Connection.

Mac Users: Use System Preferences' Network preferences panel. The eGPU's Ethernet port will be identified as Thunderbolt Ethernet Slot x.

General Information and Known Issues

Keeping the Installed Card Cool

With its optimized airflow design and temperature-controlled main fan providing cooling at all times, eGPU Breakaway Box provides adequate cooling for the installed card. Do not block any of the vents! Otherwise, the card and Breakaway Box's components may overheat.

Power Indicator LED Operation

The Breakaway Box power indicator LED only turns on when the computer to which the Box is connected is on, and turns off when the computer is sleeping or powered off.

Not All Supported Graphics Cards Work Under Every OS

Windows supports both AMD- and NVIDIA-based GPUs, while macOS supports only AMD-based GPUs. Please note that some compatible graphics cards may require a later operating system version than the one installed on your computer.

macOS May Crash When an eGPU is Hot Disconnected

At the time of this guide's writing, macOS 14 (Sonoma) and macOS 15 (Sequoia) will crash when an eGPU is hot disconnected. It works fine if you connect or disconnect it when the computer is shut down. Sonnet has filed a bug report with Apple.

Not All Computers' Thunderbolt Performance is Equal

While eGPU Breakaway Box features a 40Gbps Thunderbolt interface, some computers equipped with Thunderbolt 3 use an x2 PCIe (2-lane) implementation of Thunderbolt 3 technology in some or all of their ports that limits PCIe performance to 20Gbps. For more information, check your computer's user's guide or computer manufacturer's web site.

GPU Card Power Requirements

Visit the Sonnet eGPU Breakaway Box 750/750ex product page at www.sonnettech.com/product/egpu-breakaway-box/ for a list of supported GPU cards and their power requirements.

Replacing a Card After Initial Installation

If you decide to swap the card after the initial setup, shut down the computer, and then disconnect the power cord and Thunderbolt cable from the Breakaway Box before replacing the card.

PCIe CARDS ARE NOT HOT-PLUGGABLE!

Never install a PCIe card into Breakaway Box while it is connected to a computer or power outlet! If you do, you risk injury, and damage to the card, chassis, and computer.

Using eGPU Breakaway Box to Charge Your Laptop Computer

- Compatible laptop computers may be charged via the eGPU Breakaway Box Thunderbolt port (Power Delivery charging), which provides up to 85W of power.

- Windows laptops with AC power adapters rated at greater than 85W may display a Power Manager alert when the dock (but not the computer's power adapter) is initially connected to the computer. This is normal.

Using eGPU Breakaway Box to Charge Your Laptop Computer (continued)

- Laptops including AC power adapters rated greater than 85W will accept up to 85W power from eGPU Breakaway Box, but may slowly discharge; connecting bus-powered storage to a laptop will draw additional power that may affect the charging (discharging) rate. When sleeping, any connected computer that supports Thunderbolt charging will be charged to 100% .

How to Identify Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) Cables

Look for the Thunderbolt icon ( AND the number 3 on the connector housings to identify these cables. Except for 0.8-meter Apple Thunderbolt 3 cables, cables with USB-C connectors that only have the Thunderbolt icon without the number 3 support 20Gbps speeds, and are not recommended for GPU or other PCIe cards with high bandwidth requirements.

Thunderbolt 4 Cable Compatibility

You may use Thunderbolt 4 cables with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 computers and peripherals without any compromise in performance or functionality.

Operating System (OS) Updates May Break Compatibility

Specific device drivers that work under one OS version may not work under a later version. Before updating your computer to the latest OS, we recommend that you contact your PCIe card's manufacturer or Sonnet to verify that the existing drivers work. Note that other software updates for the computer may also break compatibility.

Boot Camp Support Under macOS

Neither Apple, nor Sonnet, nor NVIDIA, nor AMD supports eGPUs with Boot Camp.

macOS eGPU Usage Limitations

eGPUs are not supported under macOS when your Mac is in macOS Recovery, or when installing system updates.

Need More Information?

Please visit www.sonnettech.com/support/kb/kb.php, navigate to and then click on the Breakaway Box 750/750ex link for important information, useful tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Additional Information

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please read this section carefully before proceeding. These precautions explain the correct and safe use of this device, thereby helping to prevent injury to you or others, and also help you to minimize the risk of damaging the device.

Warnings

Always follow the basic warnings listed here to avoid the risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, fire, and other hazards. These warnings include, but are not limited to:

• Should you need to ship the eGPU Breakaway Box, Sonnet recommends that you remove the installed card and ship it separately. Because GPU card lengths vary, the Breakaway Box could not offer support for the back end of cards. Some cards have stiffeners, but many do not, and are at risk when shipped inside the Box.
• Do not attempt to modify the enclosure. If this device appears to be malfunctioning, contact your reseller or local distributor.
• Do not drop the chassis; dropping or mishandling chassis may result in a malfunction leaving the product inoperable.
• Do not insert your fingers or foreign objects inside the slot(s).
• Do not expose the device to rain, use it near water or containers that contain liquids which might spill into any openings, or in damp or wet conditions.
• If unusual smells, sounds, or smoke come from the device, or if liquids enter it, unplug it from the electrical outlet immediately.
• Follow the instructions in this manual carefully; contact your reseller or local distributor for additional advice not covered in this User's Guide.

FCC Compliance

eGPU Breakaway Box 750 and eGPU Breakaway Box 750ex comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference, AND this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Contacting Customer Service

The Sonnet Web site located at https://www.sonnettech.com/ has the most current support information and technical updates. Before you call Customer Service, please check our Web site for the latest updates and online support files, and check this Quick Start Guide for helpful information.

Email support requests generally receive the fastest responses, and are usually processed within a 24-hour period during normal business hours, excluding holidays. When you contact Customer Service, have the following information available so the customer service staff can better assist you:

• Product name
• Computer model
  • GPU or other PCIe card model
• Operating system version you're using
• Software/firmware versions
• A System Report (macOS) or a Microsoft System Information MSINFO32 (Windows) report (Windows), along with a description of the issue(s) you are encountering with your device

If further assistance is needed, please contact Sonnet Customer Service at:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

(Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Time, excluding holidays)

Japan Customers

Contact Sonnet Customer Service Japan at:

E-mail: [e-mail]