OWC ThunderBay 4 48TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (4 x 12TB, RAID 5 Enterprise Edition)

BH #OWTB3SRE480S • MFR #OWCTB3SRE48.0S
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OWC ThunderBay 4 48TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (4 x 12TB, RAID 5 Enterprise Edition)
Key Features
  • 4 x 12TB 3.5" 7200 rpm Enterprise HDDs
  • 4 x 3.5" SATA III 6 Gb/s Drive Bays
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 3 | 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
  • Supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 10, and JBOD
This ThunderBay 4 48TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array from OWC / Other World Computing is pre-configured with four 12TB Toshiba MG09ACA Enterprise-grade drives pre-configured in RAID 5 via included SoftRAID XT software, which provides a balance of performance and data redundancy. With two Thunderbolt 3 ports featuring transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s, it's suitable for a wide variety of workflows, such as video and photo editing, audio production, and much more. If needed, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity also supports daisy-chaining with up to six devices as well as DisplayPort equipped displays. Using the SoftRAID software, you can reconfigure these drives from RAID 5 to alternate configurations including RAID 0, 1, 4, 10, and JBOD. When configured in RAID 0, the ThunderBay 8 features read speeds of up to 1047 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1047 MB/s.
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OWC ThunderBay 4 External HDD Overview

This ThunderBay 4 48TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array from OWC / Other World Computing is pre-configured with four 12TB Toshiba MG09ACA Enterprise-grade drives pre-configured in RAID 5 via included SoftRAID XT software, which provides a balance of performance and data redundancy. With two Thunderbolt 3 ports featuring transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s, it's suitable for a wide variety of workflows, such as video and photo editing, audio production, and much more. If needed, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity also supports daisy-chaining with up to six devices as well as DisplayPort equipped displays. Using the SoftRAID software, you can reconfigure these drives from RAID 5 to alternate configurations including RAID 0, 1, 4, 10, and JBOD. When configured in RAID 0, the ThunderBay 8 features read speeds of up to 1047 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1047 MB/s.

Note:
SoftRAID XT works with macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 10 (64-bit) or later. SoftRAID is licensed per computer and while the serial number will work with both Mac and Windows, it can only be active on one computer at a time. Additional seats can be purchased. RAID 4/1+0 (10) are currently Mac only at this time. M1 Macs require macOS 11.3 or later.
Cool, Fast, and Empowering
Each populated ThunderBay 4 solution undergoes OWC's multi-hour drive burn-in performance certification procedure prior to shipping. This ensures your ThunderBay 4 arrives operating properly and ready for demanding use. And OWC Enterprise Drive solutions are feature Enterprise class drives with robust technologies that provide maximum drive endurance, data reliability, and extended warranties.
Time-Tested Cooling
Built on OWC's time-tested enclosure cooling technology, the ThunderBay 4 utilizes an open flow-thru vented design with an oversized 92mm, low-turbulence, noise-quieting fan to keep the drives running cool and reliably.
Vibration Dampened
The ThunderBay 4s' drive-isolating design reduces sonic resonance and is aided by oversized, rugged, vibration-absorbing, non-skid feet.
Multi-Drive
Daisy-chain up to six ThunderBays for massive storage capabilities and increased performance, or connect multiple ThunderBays to multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports to achieve exponential speed capabilities.
Gain a 4K Perspective
With a dedicated DisplayPort 1.2, ThunderBay 4 empowers you to add the fresh, crisp perspective of a 4K display to your workflow. Whether in your home office or on a mobile studio job, seeing your work in full detail is just one connection away. Use it to free up your laptop port so you can dock in and out quick.
The Supply Chain That Always Delivers
With two Thunderbolt ports, the ThunderBay 4 lets you daisy-chain up to five additional Thunderbolt devices and displays while keeping Thunderbolt ports on your laptop or desktop free for other uses. You can learn more about how to connect multiple Thunderbolt devices to your computer with this easy-to-flow infographic.
SoftRAID: RAID Made Easy
Harness the full capability of your OWC drive array with the included SoftRAID XT, the most powerful, intuitive RAID management software on the market for macOS and Windows. SoftRAID's RAID creation and management technology has been finely tuned to perfection with over 20 years of development to provide rock solid protection of your data and optimize drive performance.

SoftRAID XT provides a combination of speed, protection, and compatibility:

  • Advanced: Create RAID 0/1/4/5/1+0 (10) arrays
  • Protected: SoftRAID Monitor constantly watches your disks and alerts you if problems are detected
  • Validated: Volume validation ensures sectors can be read and parity is correct
  • Certified: Checks disks before use to ensure they are safe for data storage
  • Vigilant: Error prediction helps protect against unexpected failure
  • Universal: Move SoftRAID arrays seamlessly between Mac and PC2 with built-in OWC MacDrive technology

Please note that this is a 3-year license.

Beyond Hardware RAID
SoftRAID provides a level of storage performance that you simply can't get with hardware RAID. SoftRAID gives you increased power and control over your RAID drives and disks that hardware RAID can't deliver and doesn't lock you into technology that you can't upgrade or expand.
Workflow and Storage Solutions for Pros
Whether you're finishing and mastering, creating proxies, or working with state-of-the-art VFX and AR, you need dependable tech that keeps pace with your demands. OWC workflow and storage solutions cover every angle, delivering blazing speed, capacity for all five levels of RAID, and bonus features like the freedom to daisy-chain and hot-swap.
Thunderbolt Made Easy
OWC makes it easy to choose the right gear. Their Thunderbolt-certified products offer the same performance and functionality whether they are Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4. And if you're rocking a beloved Thunderbolt 2 machine, they offer an adapter so you can plug into their universe of solutions. No hassles, no confusion. That's the OWC Difference.
UPC: 810586030991

OWC ThunderBay 4 External HDD Specs

Key Specs
Storage Capacity
48 TB
Included Drives
4x 12 TB SATA III 3.5" HDD 7200 RPM
RAID
Yes: Supported RAID Modes: 0 / 1 / 4 / 5 / 10 / JBOD (Preconfigured in RAID 5)
Number of Bays
4x 2.5"/3.5" SATA III
Inputs/Outputs
2x USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s)
1x DisplayPort 1.2
Computing
Bridge Chipset
ASMedia ASM1062
Intel DSL6540
Drives
Storage Capacity
48 TB
Included Drives
4x 12 TB SATA III 3.5" HDD 7200 RPM
RAID
Yes: Supported RAID Modes: 0 / 1 / 4 / 5 / 10 / JBOD (Preconfigured in RAID 5)
Transfer Rates
1083 MB/s (Read in RAID 0)
1164 MB/s (Write in RAID 0)
General
Number of Bays
4x 2.5"/3.5" SATA III
Inputs/Outputs
2x USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s)
1x DisplayPort 1.2
Media Card Slots
No
PCI Expansion
No
Software
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.14 or Later
Windows 10 to 11 (64-Bit Only)
Windows Server 2022
Security
Encryption
No
Security Features
Kensington Security Slot
Electrical
Input Power
100 to 230 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Physical
Operating Conditions
50 to 95°F / 10 to 35°C at 8 to 90% Humidity
Storage Conditions
-40 to 149°F / -40 to 65°C at 5 to 95% Humidity
Cooling
1x 92 mm Fan
Material of Construction
Aluminum
Dimensions
9.7 x 6.97 x 5.31" / 245 x 177 x 135 mm
Weight
8.6 lb / 3.9 kg (without Drives)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
18 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.6 x 14 x 11"

OWC ThunderBay 4 External HDD Reviews

Easy setup

By RICHARD
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-29

Easily set up on my MacBook Air. Flawless performance

Have 4 of these OWC ThunderBay Raid Drives

By Breckenridge Co
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2025-01-21

As far as the ThunderBay external hard drives from Other World Computer are concerned they are great and of good quality. Where the problem is is in the raid software that comes with them. SoftRaid does not work with Apple OS Sequoia on a late 4M MacBook Pro. My humble opinion is that Apple has screwed up their OS so bad that OWC (a good company) can't keep up with Apple's gross incompetence.

See any errors on this page?

Can this be configured as RAID 10 using Apple's ...

Can this be configured as RAID 10 using Apple's DiskUtility?
Asked by: Jon
Yes, the OWC ThunderBay 4 48TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (4 x 12TB, RAID 5 Enterprise Edition) can support RAID 10.
Answered by: Alex D
Date published: 2025-04-07

If I currently have Thunderbolt 2 connections on ...

If I currently have Thunderbolt 2 connections on my macbook pro, but am planning to upgrade to one with thunderbolt 3, is there an adapter I can buy now that will allow me to use this drive with thunderbolt 2 until I upgrade my macbook?
Asked by: Tim
The Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter will work.
Answered by: OWC Andy
Date published: 2020-05-13

I only have USB 3.1 port. Can i use usb C to usb ...

I only have USB 3.1 port. Can i use usb C to usb 3.1 Cable or adapter for connect ? And if one of them has problem, can I keep my data? Or it will lose ?
Asked by: Liam
I'm sorry, but it will not run via USB-C or 3.1 with an adapter. This requires a native Thunderbolt connection.
Answered by: OWC Andy
Date published: 2020-07-06

can you switch raid from 5 to 0 after it's nearly ...

can you switch raid from 5 to 0 after it's nearly full to use the extra storage once in Raid 0? Switch RAIDS without formatting?
Asked by: mark
No, reformatting would be required.
Answered by: OWC Andy
Date published: 2021-08-03

Is it password protected?

Is it password protected?
Asked by: Drew
The OWC ThunderBay 4 24TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID 5 Array (4 x 6TB) BH #OWTB3SRT240S does not ship with password protection software but you could use third party utilities to password protect it.
Answered by: Miguel M
Date published: 2021-08-20

Does it come with the drives?

Does it come with the drives?
Asked by: Diane
Per the description, the listing you are referring to: "This particular ThunderBay 4 model comes with four 6TBTB 3.5" 7200 rpm drives for a total of 24TB storage capacity."
Answered by: Gregorio M.
Date published: 2021-05-14

I work on a PC running Mac Drive 10. I use mac ...

I work on a PC running Mac Drive 10. I use mac drives all the time on this PC. Will I be able to operate this RAID if the Software for PCs is still in it's Beta stage?
Asked by: Robert
Yes
Answered by: patrick
Date published: 2020-12-31

Is it possible to create partitions on these ...

Is it possible to create partitions on these drives? For example, for Mac, set up a partition for a time machine backup.
Asked by: Stephen
Yes, setting up partitions is possible.
Answered by: Geoffrey
Date published: 2022-11-29
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