The xMac mini Server transforms a Mac mini into a full-fledged expandable rackmount server, mounting the computer inside a specially designed 1U rackmount enclosure that contains two PCIe 2.0 slots that connect to the computer through its Thunderbolt port. The expansion system features a 100W power supply and employs variable-speed fans to cool the cards and computer. This system enables users to plug in two PCIe adapter cards — one half-length/low profile and one full-length/full-height — to slots connected to the Mac mini via an included Thunderbolt cable, while enabling the daisy-chain connection of additional Thunderbolt peripherals to the xMac mini Server's second Thunderbolt port. The Mac mini's Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and HDMI interfaces are extended to panel-mounted connectors on the back of the unit. With these features, the Mac mini is able to use expansion cards normally usable only in the Mac Pro, and is suited as a stand-in for the now-discontinued Xserve for a smaller, lighter, and more compact footprint. This makes it ideal for use in cases such as a back office RAID Server, a metadata controller or mobile rack frequently used in mobile pro audio, or on-location shoots for cinema and other media projects.