The Powerfully Simple Way to Use PCIe Cards with Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or
USB4 Computers While Adding More Thunderbolt 5 Ports
Modern notebooks,
small form factor computers, and “all in one” desktop computers are
slender marvels of engineering, but they have a major shortcoming. The
lack of internal space to install PCIe cards for added functionality.
The OWC Mercury Helios 5S opens a world of pro grade, full-size
workstation capabilities to those machines via a single
Thunderbolt connection.
Adding a high-speed storage, networking, audio DSP, 8K video capture, or specialty adapter card is a quick, no tools required process. Plus, with three Thunderbolt 5 ports, the Mercury Helios 5S doubles as a space-saving connectivity hub for additional device or display connectivity. Now you and your customers can truly think outside the bulky desktop box when it comes to PCIe-based workflows thanks to the proven leader in Thunderbolt technology with the most extensive range of Thunderbolt solutions globally.
Key Features
• Expands Small Machines: Use video capture, high-speed fiber/Ethernet, NVMe RAID, audio I/O, and other cards to unlock the potential of MacBooks, Mac Studio, Mac mini, and other space confined computers lacking a PCIe slot
• Internal Class Speed: Up to 6000MB/s available for simultaneous read/write
• Pro Level Card Ready: (1) PCle 4.0 x4 (x16 mechanical slot) for half-length, full-height, single or double-width cards
• Expanded Connectivity: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) 80Gb/s ports each with 15W power delivery for more device, display, and drive possibilities
• Widely Compatible: Use with Thunderbolt 5/4, USB4 Macs and PCs, and Thunderbolt 3 Macs
• Whisper Quiet: Aircraft grade aluminum housing with internal heat sink and high-efficiency cooling fan provides cool, nearly silent operation
• Easy Card Installs: Captive thumb screws so no tools required
• Complete and Secure: Includes Thunderbolt 5 80Gb/s cable and power cord retainer
• Worry-free: 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Tech Specs
Includes
• OWC Mercury Helios 5S
• 0.7M (28”) Thunderbolt 5 cable
• 90W External Power Supply
• 1.8M (6ft) Power Cable (3-Prong IEC C5)
• Quick Start Guide
• Assembly Manual & User Guide
• 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
Specifications
Expansion Slots
• PCIe 4.0 interface (x4) with x16 physical slot
Supported PCIe Cards
Supported PCIe Cards
• Mechanical: x16 slot and enclosure support cards up to half-length, full-height, and double-width
• Bandwidth: PCIe 4.0 x4. Cards that require a minimum of x8 or more PCIe lanes are not supported
• GPUs not supported
• If the card requires a driver it must be Thunderbolt-aware
• Cards that require more than 75W are not supported
Device Ports
Device Ports
• (1) Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) uplink port up to 80Gb/s bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for video intensive applications with Thunderbolt Bandwidth Boost
• (3) Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) 80Gb/s bidirectional bandwidth
Power Delivery
• (3) Thunderbolt 5 ports each with 15W power delivery
Chipset / Controller
• Thunderbolt: Barlow Ridge JHL9480
Display Support*
Thunderbolt 5 displays or other displays that support USB-C connections and DisplayPort 2.1
• Up to three 8K @ 60Hz with DSC,
• or two 8K @ 120Hz with DSC,
• or three 4K @ 144Hz with DSC
Power Supply
• External UL-listed universal autoswitching power supply
AC Input
• 100-240V, 50-60 Hz, 1.5A DC Output
• 19V/4.74A
Wattage
• 90W
Security Slot
• Yes
Housing
• Color: Black
• Material: Aluminum
Power / Activity LEDs
• Power: Green observable inside chassis
• Link: Blue externally visible
Certifications
• CE, FCC, UKCA, ICES, RCM, VCCI
RoHS Compliant
• Yes
Reach Cerification
• Yes
System Requirements
Host Interface Requirements
• Thunderbolt 5
• Thunderbolt 4
• Thunderbolt 3 (Mac Only)
• USB4
Mac OS Compatibility
• macOS 14.x and later
PC OS Compatibility
• Windows 11
