Selecting a PCI chassis for use with our products will require consideration of several technical aspects to ensure optimal performance. The choice of PCI chassis can significantly impact the smooth operation video playback and ingest, particularly when handling Alpha signals and managing multiple displays or inputs.. This guide outlines key factors to consider, including PCI lanes, bandwidth requirements, Thunderbolt connectivity, and specific considerations for Alpha signals.

1. Understanding PCI Lanes and Bandwidth Requirements

PCI Express (PCIe) Lanes: PCIe lanes represent the data paths between the motherboard and the PCIe device. The number of lanes (x1, x4, x8, x16) dictates the data transfer rate. Different PCIe cards require varying numbers of lanes based on their functionality and performance needs.

• x1 Lanes: Suitable for low-bandwidth requirements, such as audio cards.
• x4/x8 Lanes: Typically used for mid-range bandwidth needs, including network cards or some video capture cards.
• x16 Lanes: Necessary for high-bandwidth applications, such as graphics cards and high-performance video capture cards.

Bandwidth Considerations: Ensure the total bandwidth capacity of the PCI chassis can handle the sum of all installed cards. For example, high-end graphics cards and multiple video capture cards necessitate a chassis supporting more lanes with higher bandwidth.

2. Thunderbolt Bandwidth and Connectivity

Many modern PCI chassis connect to the host computer via Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 support data transfer rates up to 40 Gbps, though it's important to note that this bandwidth is not uniformly available for all types of data. For instance, only up to 22 Gbps is typically available for video data, while the rest can be used for other peripherals and data types. Thunderbolt 2 supports up to 20 Gbps, with similar limitations for video data.

• Thunderbolt 3/4: These are ideal for setups requiring high data transfer rates, especially when using multiple PCIe cards simultaneously. They offer sufficient bandwidth for most video production needs, including handling multiple 4K streams, keeping in mind the specific bandwidth allocation for video.
• Thunderbolt 2: Suitable for less demanding configurations but may become a bottleneck if handling multiple high-bandwidth cards, particularly when high video data transfer rates are required.

3. Selecting the Right PCI Chassis

Consider the following when selecting a PCI chassis:

• Number of PCI Slots: Determine the number of PCIe slots needed for the setup. Plan for potential future expansions.
• Lane Configuration: Ensure the chassis supports the necessary lane configuration (x1, x4, x8, x16) for all installed cards.
• Power Supply: Check the power supply specifications to ensure it can handle the power requirements of all installed cards, especially power-hungry graphics or video capture cards.
• Cooling and Ventilation: Adequate cooling is essential to prevent overheating, particularly when using multiple high-performance cards.

4. Recommended PCI Chassis

• Sonnet Echo Express SE III or IIIe: Offers three full-length PCIe slots and supports Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. It can accommodate cards with different lane requirements and provides sufficient bandwidth for most ProPresenter/PVP setups
• Akitio Node Duo: Features dual PCIe slots and Thunderbolt 3 support. Suitable for compact setups, it offers good flexibility and performance for video production applications.
• StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Expansion Chassis: This card offers 1 x16 PCI lane, and is suitable for simple setups with a few SDI outs.

Recommendation Chart