Areca ARC-4686T3
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Areca ARC-4686T3
Thunderbolt 3 To Tri-Mode Host Adapter With Dual Mini-SAS HD SFF-8644
The ARC-4686T3 is a Thunderbolt™ 3 to Tri-Mode Host Adapter designed to connect a high-performance external RAID controller subsystem over Thunderbolt™ 3.
With dual 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 ports, the adapter supports Dual-Protocol (PCIe and DisplayPort) and daisy chaining device support.
Built around the ARC-1686-8X Tri-Mode Host Adapter, it targets demanding I/O and data throughput needs for 4K workflows.
- 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports.
- 2 x tri-mode SFF-8644 ports.
- 2 x Mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 external connectors.
- OS support: macOS 10.12 or later, Windows 8/10 or later.
£ please call for the price
Category: Thunderbolt Adapters
Brand: Areca Technology
Areca ARC-4686T3 Product Overview
Areca ARC-4686T3 is a Thunderbolt™ 3 to Tri-Mode Host Adapter that enables a Thunderbolt™ 3 host to connect to tri-mode external storage connectivity via dual Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) ports. It is positioned for high-performance 4K workflows where strong I/O and data throughput are required, while also benefiting from Thunderbolt™ 3 convenience and expansion.
Dual 40Gbps Thunderbolt 3 ports provide a Dual-Protocol (PCIe and DisplayPort) host connection with daisy chaining device support, making it suitable for professional setups that need flexible connectivity while keeping a compact “Mini Box” footprint.
Thunderbolt 3 Host Connectivity
The host interface is provided via 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports, described as “Dual 40Gbps Thunderbolt ports - Dual-Protocol (PCIe and DisplayPort) - Daisy chaining device support”. This allows integration into Thunderbolt-centric workstations and workflows that rely on external expansion.
Tri-Mode External Port Configuration
For external connectivity, ARC-4686T3 offers 2 x tri-mode SFF-8644 ports, implemented as 2 x Mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 external connectors. This layout is intended to connect a high-performance external RAID controller subsystem.
Controller Inside
The unit is specified with “ARC-1686-8X Tri-Mode Host Adapter” as the controller inside, aligning it with Areca’s tri-mode host adapter family used in the Thunderbolt™ 3 to PCIe expansion solution lineup.
Form Factor, Cooling, And Power
ARC-4686T3 is listed in a “Mini Box” form factor and includes “1 x 2700rpm” cooling fan. Power is specified as “100-240V AC/65W”.
Platform Support
OS support is stated as “macOS 10.12 or later, Windows 8/10 or later”, supporting both common creative workstation environments and Windows-based production systems.
Areca ARC-4686T3 Key Features
- Thunderbolt™ 3 to Tri-Mode Host Adapter design for external storage connectivity.
- 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports for host interface.
- Host connection supports “Dual 40Gbps Thunderbolt ports - Dual-Protocol (PCIe and DisplayPort) - Daisy chaining device support”.
- 2 x tri-mode SFF-8644 ports for external connectivity.
- 2 x Mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 external connectors.
- Controller inside: ARC-1686-8X Tri-Mode Host Adapter.
- Mini Box form factor.
- Cooling fan: 1 x 2700rpm.
- Power Supply/In/out: 100-240V AC/65W.
- Physical Dimensions (H x W x D): 4.97 x 2.13 x 6.35 in (150 x 64.4 x 191.7 mm).
- Weight: 2.64 lbs / 1.2 Kg.
- OS Support: macOS 10.12 or later, Windows 8/10 or later.
Areca ARC-4686T3 Technical Specifications
| SKU | areca_arc-4686t3 |
| Series | ARC-4050T3 series (Thunderbolt™ 3 Adapters) |
| Product Type | Thunderbolt 3 to Tri-Mode Host Adapter |
| Form Factor | Mini Box |
| Host Interface | 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports |
| Host Connection | Dual 40Gbps Thunderbolt ports - Dual-Protocol (PCIe and DisplayPort) - Daisy chaining device support |
| Management Interface | Thunderbolt port |
| External Ports | 2 x tri-mode SFF-8644 ports |
| External Connectors | 2 x Mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 |
| Controller Inside | ARC-1686-8X Tri-Mode Host Adapter |
| Ports | 8 x external |
| Data Transfer Rates | Up to 12 Gb/s per port |
| Cooling Fan | 1 x 2700rpm |
| Power Supply/In/out | 100-240V AC/65W |
| Physical Dimensions (H x W x D) | 4.97 x 2.13 x 6.35 in (150 x 64.4 x 191.7 mm) |
| Weight | 2.64 lbs / 1.2 Kg |
| OS Support | macOS 10.12 or later, Windows 8/10 or later |
Areca ARC-4686T3 Product Downloads
Areca Technology Delivery Information
In general, next working day delivery services (UK Mainland) are available on Areca equipment orders placed before 2pm (subject to stock availability).
We kindly advise you let us preconfigure each Areca RAID (as RAID5, RAID6 etc), so they arrive properly setup, ready to “plug’n’play”.
This is a free service, and takes 1-2 days prior to shipping.
Non-timed deliveries should be delivered between the hours of 9am and 6pm.
Orders placed after 2pm on Fridays and on weekends will be processed as normal the following Monday.
Orders placed on Bank Holidays will be processed the next working day.
If urgent, please call one of our helpful account managers so they may double check everything for you, enabling you to place your order with confidence.
Please note: these product details are for guide purposes only, and may contain errors.
We always recommend double-checking the product specs and features on the the manufacturer website, or contact us if unsure before ordering.