Overview
Unlock the Full Potential of Your PCIe Cards
The OWC Mercury Helios 3S is a high-performance PCIe expansion solution that brings desktop-grade power and flexibility to Thunderbolt 3-equipped computers. Whether you're working on creative projects, managing large datasets or pushing the limits of professional audio and video workflows, this external enclosure enables you to use a wide range of PCIe cards without the constraints of your system’s internal space.
Professional Connectivity Without Compromise
With dual Thunderbolt 3 ports delivering up to 40Gb/s transfer speeds, the Mercury Helios 3S ensures smooth, high-bandwidth performance across all supported applications. From high-resolution video capture to fast data storage or 10GbE networking, this expansion chassis keeps your workflows responsive and reliable, even under heavy load.
Transform How You Work with Greater Flexibility
Designed for versatility, the Helios 3S features a single PCIe x16 slot that accommodates half-length, full-height cards — including single or double-width models. Switching between cards is effortless, requiring no tools and minimal downtime. Whether you're capturing 4K footage, enhancing audio production with DSP acceleration, or upgrading your network interface, the Helios 3S adapts to your needs quickly and easily.
Expand Your Capabilities
In compact setups like a Mac mini or iMac, the Helios 3S allows you to extend your system’s functionality without internal modification. It supports a wide variety of pro-grade PCIe cards from brands including Blackmagic Design, Universal Audio, Avid, Intel, and more. From SSDs and video capture cards to 10GbE adapters and audio interfaces, you can tailor your setup to meet the demands of your work.
Enhanced Productivity in a Streamlined Design
The integrated DisplayPort 1.4 enables you to connect displays up to 8K resolution, perfect for creative professionals who need expansive visual space. While you work, your notebook stays powered with 85W charging over Thunderbolt, helping to reduce cable clutter and keep your desk tidy. You can even daisy-chain up to five additional Thunderbolt devices for a seamless, scalable setup.
Simple Setup, Instant Results
The Mercury Helios 3S requires no additional drivers or configuration. Simply connect it to your Thunderbolt 3 port using the included cable, install your PCIe card of choice, and you’re ready to go. In your studio, office, or if you’re creating a remote setup, this tool-free design lets you get up and running in minutes.
- Turn your Thunderbolt equipped Mac or PC into a fully-featured workstation with pro-grade PCIe expansion
- Seamlessly integrate video capture, audio processing, high-speed networking, or SSD storage into your workflow with just one device
- Maintain ultra-responsive performance across demanding tasks with 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth and DisplayPort 1.4 support
- Hot-swap PCIe cards in minutes with a tool-free, user-friendly design that lets you adapt your setup on the fly
- Power your notebook while you work thanks to 85W of charging over a single Thunderbolt 3 cable
- Experience studio-grade results with support for industry-leading PCIe cards from brands like Universal Audio, Blackmagic Design, and Avid
- Future-proof your setup by daisy-chaining up to five additional Thunderbolt devices with no loss in performance
- No drivers, no delays – just plug in and start working with full support for half-length, full-height, single or double-width PCIe cards
Video
OWC Mercury Helios 3S is a Thunderbolt 3 external PCIe slot expansion solution for Macs and PCs that maximises PCIe card investment and use flexibility. With phenomenal throughput speeds and the ability to swap cards in minutes, it adds video production, audio processing, data storage, and other pro-level capabilities to your machine.
Compatibility
Compatible with the devices listed below.
MacBook Air
MacBook Pro
Mac Pro
iMac
Mac mini
Mac Studio
Specifications
- Expansion Slots
-
- PCIe 3.0 interface (x4) with x16 physical slot
- Device Ports
-
- 1 x host port - Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) up to 40Gb/s (5000MB/s)
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port
- 1 x DisplayPort port
- Power Delivery
-
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 port with 85W power delivery
- 1 x Thunderbolt 3 port with 15W power delivery
- UASP Support
-
- UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) is supported
- Chipset / Controller
-
- Thunderbolt 3: Titan Ridge (JHL7440)
- Host Interface Requirements
-
- Thunderbolt (USB-C) port (backward compatible with Thunderbolt 2/Thunderbolt)
- Mac OS Compatibility
-
- macOS 10.13 High Sierra
- macOS 10.14 Mojave
- macOS 10.15 Catalina
- macOS 11.x Big Sur
- macOS 12.x Monterey
- macOS 13.x Ventura
- macOS 14.x Sonoma
- macOS 15.x Sequoia
- PC OS Compatibility
-
- Windows 10 64-bit Edition
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows 11
- Supported PCIe Cards
-
- Mechanical: x16 slot and enclosure support cards up to half-length, full-height, and double-width
- Bandwidth: PCIe 3.0 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
- External Power Adapter
-
- Yes
- AC Input
-
- 100-240V, 50-60 Hz, 2.2A
- DC Output
-
- +12V, 12.5A
- Certifications
-
- CE, FCC, VCCI, RCM, BSMI
- REACH Certification
-
- Yes
- RoHS Compliant
-
- Yes
- TAA Compliance
-
- Yes
- Dimensions
-
- H: 82 x L: 233 x W: 143 mm
- Weight
-
- 1600 g
What's in the box?
- 1 x OWC Mercury Helios 3S
- 1 x Thunderbolt Cable
- 1 x External Power Supply
- 1 x Power Cable
- 1 x Quick Start Guide
Warranty
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Part Number
- OWCHELIOS3S