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OWC 8TB ThunderBlade Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (4 x 2TB)

BH #OWTB3TBV4T08 • MFR #OWCTB3TBV4T08
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OWC 8TB ThunderBlade Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (4 x 2TB)
Key Features
  • 4 x 2TB NVMe SSDs
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Host Connection
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Daisy Chain Port
  • Supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 5 & 10
Bring portable RAID storage to your workflow with the 8TB ThunderBlade Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array from OWC. Boasting four M.2 NVMe drive bays housing four 2TB SSDs, this RAID array provides 8TB of total storage. Connect to host via Thunderbolt 3 to take advantage of read and write speeds up to 2800 and 2450 MB/s, respectively. An additional Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C port can be used to daisy chain additional Thunderbolt 3 devices.
More Details
Temporarily Out of Stock
Expected availability: Jun 24, 2025
Free Expedited Shipping
Shipping Restrictions
Sales and Export of this item to China, Hong Kong, Russia, and Venezuela are prohibited.
Ask an Expert
800.606.6969

OWC ThunderBlade External SSD Overview

Bring portable RAID storage to your workflow with the 8TB ThunderBlade Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array from OWC. Boasting four M.2 NVMe drive bays housing four 2TB SSDs, this RAID array provides 8TB of total storage. Connect to host via Thunderbolt 3 to take advantage of read and write speeds up to 2800 and 2450 MB/s, respectively. An additional Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C port can be used to daisy chain additional Thunderbolt 3 devices.

Preconfigured in RAID 0, this array also supports RAID 1, 4, 5, and 10. A plug-and-play design and ballistic hard-shell carrying case allow for easy deployment, while the included AC adapter ensures ample power. This RAID array is preformatted for use with Mac and is compatible with macOS 10.13 and later; compatibility extends to Windows 10 and later and Windows Server 2016 using SoftRAID for Windows. Please note, RAID 4 and 10 are available for Mac only at this time.

Note:
For best performance and to avoid compatibility issues, please make sure your system is running macOS 13.5 or later.
OS Requirements
The OWC 8TB ThunderBlade Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array is compatible with macOS 10.13 and later and Windows 10 or later. Please note, an available Thunderbolt 3 interface is required. Additionally, RAID 4 and RAID 10 are only available on Mac at this time. This drive is preformatted for use with Mac and can be used with a PC using SoftRAID for Windows.
SoftRAID XT
SoftRAID XT is an intuitive RAID utility providing multiple RAID options. Select the RAID level that fits your needs. If you need maximum volume capacity, optimum drive performance, data protection, or a combination of attributes, SoftRAID has you covered. With features like drive validation, verification, and failure prediction, SoftRAID includes features you don't get with hardware RAID. It's like having a datacenter on your desktop! From home users looking to protect photos and documents to professionals needing to protect and quickly access projects, SoftRAID has you covered.

Configure your array in RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 10. Use SoftRAID Monitor to constantly watch your disks and issue an alert if problems are detected. Additionally, volume validation ensures sectors can be read and parity is correct. SoftRAID XT checks disks before use to ensure they are safe for data storage and error prediction helps protect against unexpected failure. A universal design allows you to move SoftRAID arrays seamlessly between Macs and PCs with built-in OWC MacDrive technology.

Please note that this is a 3-year license.

Your Digital Life Protected
Don't put backing up and protecting your data at the bottom of your to-do list; use the included 1-Year Acronis subscription to bring a full year of backups and antivirus protection to your workflow. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office safeguards you from today's data threats, from accidents to failures to attacks. With easy intuitive backups and AI-enhanced antimalware technology, this software protects your photos, files, applications, and systems, as well as the devices they are on. Quickly restore your files or entire system at any time and use just two clicks to start a full disk image backup. Plus, back up locally, to the cloud, or both.
UPC: 810586031851

OWC ThunderBlade External SSD Specs

Key Specs
Storage Capacity
8 TB
Included Drives
4x 2 TB SSD
RAID
Yes, Supported RAID Modes: 5 / 0 / 1 (Preconfigured in RAID 0)
Inputs/Outputs
1x USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s)
Computing
Bridge Chipset
Intel DSL6540
Drives
Storage Capacity
8 TB
Included Drives
4x 2 TB SSD
RAID
Yes, Supported RAID Modes: 5 / 0 / 1 (Preconfigured in RAID 0)
Transfer Rates
2800 MB/s (Read)
2450 MB/s (Write)
General
Inputs/Outputs
1x USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s)
Media Card Slots
No
Software
OS Compatibility
macOS 10.13 or Later
Windows 10 or Later
Windows Server 2016 to 2022
Default OS Support
macOS
Security
Encryption
No
Security Features
No
Electrical
Input Power
15 VDC at 4.8 A
100 to 240 VAC, 60 / 50 Hz at 2 A
PSU
1 x 72 W
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
Certifications
CE, FCC, RoHS
Cooling
No
Material of Construction
Aluminum
Cable Length
1.6' / 0.5 m
Dimensions
7.6 x 4.9 x 1.1" / 192 x 124 x 29 mm
Weight
1.5 lb / 676.0 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.8 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.1 x 12.4 x 6.7"

OWC ThunderBlade External SSD Reviews

A most expensive paperweight

By Donald
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-20

This drive is too complicated for its own good. I spent days with tech support to get it recognized on my MacBook Pro, then copied data to it. Later, the trial to the RAID software expired and an offer was made to buy the software to again view the drive--maddening. Once a product key was entered, I could again see files in Finder but Lightroom and other apps cannot see the drive and report it as unplugged. Tech support has advised if it is viewable in Finder that is the end of their obligation, even though their own software reports it as unmounted. Now too much time has passed that the device is not returnable to B&H. A very expensive paperweight!

Fast and Easy

By Nick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-19

Item came packaged better than any drive I have ever received. It is built well and easy to set up. From there, performance is as expected, fast and reliable.

See any errors on this page?

Can this work on bus power over Thunderbolt 3?

Can this work on bus power over Thunderbolt 3?
Asked by: Trevor
No. It still needs to have a breakout power adapter to operate.
Answered by: Zach
Date published: 2021-01-19

Does this drive work with Big Sur Mac OS 11.7.4?

Does this drive work with Big Sur Mac OS 11.7.4?
Asked by: Sue
Yes, this OWC 8TB ThunderBlade Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (4 x 2TB) is compatible with MacOS 11.7.4. https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TB3TBV4T08/#specs
Answered by: Sagi C
Date published: 2023-02-23

Is it at all possible to use this with Linux?

Is it at all possible to use this with Linux?
Asked by: Steven
There is no simple answer due to the various Linux builds out there. It will all depend on the availability of Thunderbolt drivers available. One thing that I do know, is that unless you have a PC available to reformat the drive within the PC version of SoftRAID, the volume likely will not mount.
Answered by: OWC Andy
Date published: 2021-01-19

Does this device's power brick supply enough ...

Does this device's power brick supply enough power to charge a MacBook Pro (or similar PC) over a Thunderbolt 3 cable?
Asked by: Kiruba
No, there is very little residual power.
Answered by: OWC Andy
Date published: 2021-02-03

Can both Thunderbolt ports be used to access the ...

Can both Thunderbolt ports be used to access the drive from two computers simultaneously?
Asked by: Florian
I don't believe so. It would cause read/write permission errors. Typically you need a primary machine connected to it that manages all the read/write access. I'd recommend networking to your main computer over Thunderbolt 3 and doing it that way.
Answered by: Zach
Date published: 2021-07-23

Definitely a niche question, but does the unit ...

Definitely a niche question, but does the unit power on and off depending if it's plugged in to a computer? I'm unsure if there's a power button somewhere on it that I'm missing. Would be really convenient if unplugging it from a laptop would have it power down.
Asked by: Christopher
Yes, without a data connection to the computer it does shut down. If connected to a computer and the computer is shut down, the enclosure goes into a low power state and the drive is shut down. If the computer is sleeping, the drive will go into a low power mode until the system is woken.
Answered by: OWC Andy
Date published: 2021-07-06

The product specifications say the speed is ...

The product specifications say the speed is 2800MB/s, but I know that the individual speed of the SSD in NVME format is over 2800MB/s. Why is the speed of Thunder Blade using RAID method only 2800MB/s?
Asked by: Kim
To accommodate the 4 blades a switch must be used, this is what limits the speed.
Answered by: OWC Andy
Date published: 2021-02-03

Does this SSD work with APFS? (I know SoftRaid ...

Does this SSD work with APFS? (I know SoftRaid still doesn't.)
Asked by: Glenn
Thanks, Andy. Because APFS is now the default file system for Macs (apart from Time Machine drives), and overall, it’s a more advanced file system with various performance (and security) advantages over the legacy system, not just for boot drives.
Answered by: Glenn
Date published: 2023-01-10
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