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OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure

BH #OWCTB38JBKIT • MFR #OWCTB38JBKIT0
26 reviews
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OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure
Key Features
  • 8 x 2.5"/3.5" SATA Drive Bay
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Port
  • Supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 10, and JBOD
  • Software RAID Controller
Designed as a high-performance personal data center that offers multiple configuration options to suit ever-expanding storage needs, the ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure from OWC / Other World Computing can handle raw, 4K, large format, and VR workflows for photo, film, and video editors. Built with eight SATA drive bays that can handle 2.5" or 3.5" hard drives and SSDs, the ThunderBay 8 delivers sustained data transfer speeds of up to 2586 MB/s and connects to your host Windows or Mac system using a Thunderbolt 3 port, while a second Thunderbolt 3 port can be used to daisy-chain up to six ThunderBay 8 enclosures, or power one 5K/60 Hz display or two 4K/60 Hz displays. Thanks to the SoftRAID software RAID controller, which is sold separately, the ThunderBay 8 can be configured as RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, or 10, each of which offers performance, data redundancy, or a combination of both. For those who do not require a RAID, JBOD is available.
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OWC ThunderBay 8 Overview

From Manufacturer

Designed as a high-performance personal data center that offers multiple configuration options to suit ever-expanding storage needs, the ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure from OWC / Other World Computing can handle raw, 4K, large format, and VR workflows for photo, film, and video editors. Built with eight SATA drive bays that can handle 2.5" or 3.5" hard drives and SSDs, the ThunderBay 8 delivers sustained data transfer speeds of up to 2586 MB/s and connects to your host Windows or Mac system using a Thunderbolt 3 port, while a second Thunderbolt 3 port can be used to daisy-chain up to six ThunderBay 8 enclosures, or power one 5K/60 Hz display or two 4K/60 Hz displays. Thanks to the SoftRAID software RAID controller, which is sold separately, the ThunderBay 8 can be configured as RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, or 10, each of which offers performance, data redundancy, or a combination of both. For those who do not require a RAID, JBOD is available.

SoftRAID works with macOS 10.14 or later and Windows 10 or later. M1 Macs require macOS 11.3. SoftRAID is licensed per computer. The SoftRAID serial number will work with both Mac and Windows but can only be active on one computer at a time. Additional seats can be purchased. Additionally, Thunderbolt 2 Macs are supported using Apple's Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter. The ThunderBay 8 may also be configured as bootable on Mac only.

Pro Storage Built by Creators for Creators
OWC understands your needs as a creative professional, and they understand that every project is unique. That's why they designed the ThunderBay 8 with the speed, capacity, and flexibility to adapt to your evolving needs. Whether you're changing cameras from a Sony FX9 to a Canon C300 or RED KOMODO, ThunderBay 8 has you covered.
How Much Video Footage You Can Store
XAVC Intra 4K Class 300 - 10-bit at 23.976 fps - 100GB per hour
  • RAID 0 - up to 1600 hours
  • RAID 5 - up to 1400 hours

    ProRes 422 HQ 4K at 23.976 fps - 396GB per hour
  • RAID 0 - up to 404 hours
  • RAID 5 - up to 354 hours

    REDCODEC RAW 8K at 8:1 compression and 23.976 fps - 571GB per hour
  • RAID 0 - up to 280 hours
  • RAID 5 - up to 245 hours
    • Work Faster
    Data transfer speeds up to 2586 MB/s for up to 8K multi-stream video editing and AR/VR workflows.
    Work Bigger
    Access, backup, and archive irreplaceable footage, images, and files on either HDD or SSD storage.
    Built for RAID
    Just add your own RAID management software, like OWC SoftRAID, a fast and flexible tool that supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 10 (1+0). Also supports Apple RAID and Windows Disk Manager.
    Expansive
    Daisy-chain up to five additional ThunderBay 8 or other Thunderbolt storage devices via the second Thunderbolt port.
    Mac Ready Across the Board
    ThunderBay 8 checks all the functional boxes to make you a more efficient content creator: lightning-fast data access, massive capacity, centralized file location and it works with Macs (Intel based as well as Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3/M4 machines) and Windows PCs.
    A Powerful RAID Tool
    Available separately, SoftRAID is a fast and flexible application to configure, maintain, and protect your RAID volumes on Mac and PC.
    • High-performance RAID 0/1/4/5/110 (1+0) volumes
    • Predictive Health Monitoring proactively notifies of volume and disk issues well before failure - provided on your computer and remotely
    • Seamless cross-platform sharing with support for Apple-formatted APFS and HFS+ SoftRAID volumes between Mac and Windows at no additional cost
    • And many more unique features
    Daisy-Chain Possibilities
    ThunderBay 8 isn't just about high capacity, high-performance storage. It's about giving you all the options you need to work at your best. Attach a 5K Thunderbolt display or two 4K displays. Place a USB-C device at the end of a daisy chain. With an extra Thunderbolt port, you have the flexibility to add to your daisy-chain and master any task at hand.
    A Data Safe-House
    With a locking front panel and backside security slot, the ThunderBay 8 is like a safe house for precious data. Additionally, implementing a redundant RAID setup, such as RAID 5 on SoftRAID, will protect against data loss from disk failure.
    Professional Grade = Ready to Work
    We understand having confidence in gear reliability is paramount to creative professionals. That's why every ThunderBay 8 undergoes OWC's multi-hour "burn-in" performance certification prior to shipping. This ensures your ThunderBay 8 arrives operating properly and immediately ready for demanding use.
    UPC: 810586037136

    OWC ThunderBay 8 Specs

    Key Specs
    RAID
    Yes: Supported RAID Modes: 0 / 1 / 4 / 5 / JBOD
    Number of Bays
    8x 2.5"/3.5" SATA III (Hot-Swap)
    Inputs/Outputs
    2x USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s)
    Computing
    Bridge Chipset
    JMicron JMS-585B
    Drives
    RAID
    Yes: Supported RAID Modes: 0 / 1 / 4 / 5 / JBOD
    Transfer Rates
    2586 MB/s
    General
    Number of Bays
    8x 2.5"/3.5" SATA III (Hot-Swap)
    Inputs/Outputs
    2x USB-C Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s)
    Media Card Slots
    No
    PCI Expansion
    No
    Software
    OS Compatibility
    Windows 10 or Later (64-Bit Only)
    Windows Server 2022
    macOS 10.14 or Later
    Security
    Encryption
    No
    Security Features
    Kensington Security Slot, Lockable Bay Door
    Electrical
    Input Power
    90 to 264 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz at 1.8 to 3.5 A
    PSU
    1 x 300 W
    Physical
    Operating Conditions
    41 to 95°F / 5 to 35°C at 8 to 90% Humidity
    Storage Conditions
    -40 to 140°F / -40 to 60°C at 5 to 95% Humidity
    Certifications
    BSMI, CE, FCC, RCM, VCCI
    Cooling
    1x 92 mm Fan
    Material of Construction
    Aluminum
    Cable Length
    28" / 71.1 cm
    Dimensions
    10.2 x 9.4 x 7.1" / 25.9 x 23.9 x 18 cm
    Weight
    16.1 lb / 7.3 kg
    Packaging Info
    Package Weight
    21 lb
    Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
    14.7 x 14.4 x 12.7"

    OWC ThunderBay 8 Reviews

    Absolutely Brillant RAID!

    By John
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2026-05-11

    This is my third OWC Thunderbay 8 RAID purchase from B&H, wanting triplicate redundancy of my 120TB photography and video archive. Never a problem, extremely stable, truly a powerful, fast, brilliant RAID!

    Exactly what I need for my one man post production band

    By Shane
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2025-08-18

    I just love this Thunderbay, I was going to get the Thunderbay 4 but decided to go with the 8 bay as it was 200 off when I purchased and 4 HDD drives to start. I love knowing I will be able to add more storage as my business grows. I am on a m1 macbook pro and with the 4 drives in raid 5 I am getting about 800mbps which should increase with additional drives. Sure it's louder than an SSD but it's not distracting even to my adhd brain. I have had it for a few weeks with zero issues, and coupled with the amphetamine app that has the drive alive feature, I have been able to leave it working in the background uploading my archive to backblaze(huge pro vs going with NAS for me since backblaze unlimited storage doesn't allow NAS but DAS is not in breach of service. which saves me 88 dollars a month so far if I had to go with their ala carte cloud storage). Softraid is easy to set up and yes I don't love that it's pay per year after 3 years but if I decide to not keep using the service, I still have access to all my data. I'll cross that bridge in three years.

    See any errors on this page?

    Will it handle 18TB or even 20TB hard drive?

    Will it handle 18TB or even 20TB hard drive?
    Asked by: JASPER
    At this time we have not tested with 20TB drives, 18TB drives have been certified though.
    Answered by: OWC Andy
    Date published: 2024-04-29

    Is it possible to use one bay for m.2 ssd with ...

    Is it possible to use one bay for m.2 ssd with additional adapter like in some other owc models ?
    Asked by: Orhan
    If you can find an appropriate M.2 to SATA adapter.
    Answered by: OWC Andy
    Date published: 2022-03-07

    Which specific drives do I have to install to get ...

    Which specific drives do I have to install to get the stated data transfer speeds of up to 2586 MB/s?
    Asked by: Justin
    To get the fastest speeds with the OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure, you'd need to use 2.5" SATA III SSDs in RAID 0.
    Answered by: Naftoli G
    Date published: 2025-03-11

    Is there any way to set this system up to be ...

    Is there any way to set this system up to be "hot-swappable", meaning adding a larger capacity drive(s) to increase space without re-formatting? Something similar to Synology's SHR or Drobo's BeyondRAID?
    Asked by: jarrod
    So what does OWC mean when they say that this unit has "Eight hot-swappable universal drive bays": https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/thunderbay-8/thunderbolt-3 I want to buy the empty version and start out with 2 drives. So if I wanted to gradually add a drives to the other slots I would have to rebuild the raid image each time a new drive is added? I now the answer is yes (according to the 2 answers). Also, where is the instruction manual for this unit? I can find the ones for the other models, but not this one.
    Answered by: Carlos
    Date published: 2022-07-25

    Will this enclosure handle the OWC 8TB U2 Shuttle ...

    Will this enclosure handle the OWC 8TB U2 Shuttle One?
    Asked by: Reid
    This enclosure does not support the U.2 form factor.
    Answered by: Reuben K
    Date published: 2022-06-26

    Can I run this as RAID 6 with a 3rd party ...

    Can I run this as RAID 6 with a 3rd party software as softraid currently does not support RAID 6 ?
    Asked by: Orhan
    Yes, the OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure will support RAID 6 via another external software.
    Answered by: Zev
    Date published: 2024-04-29

    The serial number on the bottom does not work as ...

    The serial number on the bottom does not work as for SoftRAID license. How do I get the license?
    Asked by: Ami
    The OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure, B&H # OWCTB38JBKIT, does not come with SoftRaid XT. Model OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 Raid Array with SoftRAID XT. B&H # OWTB38SRKIT0, does include SoftRAID XT.
    Answered by: Miguel M
    Date published: 2023-12-21

    Hi, Can you provide specs or link? Thanks

    Hi, Can you provide specs or link? Thanks
    Asked by: Phanith
    Product Specifications Mechanisms Supported Eight (8) 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives Display Support Up to two 4K displays @ 60Hz, or one 5K display @ 60Hz Display Support by Port Thunderbolt 3: Up to 5K @ 60Hz via a native Thunderbolt 3 display or 4K @ 60Hz via a Thunderbolt display or a USB-C display adapter DisplayPort 1.2: Up to 4K @ 60Hz Bootable Mac only Hot Swap Support Yes Chipset Thunderbolt: (1) Intel JHL-6540 SATA Controller: (2) JMicron JMB-585 Certifications CE, FCC, VCCI, RCM, BSMI Data Transfer Rate (Maximum) Thunderbolt 3 : 40 Gb/s (or 5000 MB/s) Plug and Play Yes RAID RAID Capable Yes RAID Levels Supported JBOD RAID Features Software RAID Reliability MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) Varies depending on drive mechanism installed Contact Start Stops Varies depending on drive mechanism installed Compatibility Mac OS Compatibility macOS 10.12 Sierra macOS 10.13 High Sierra macOS 10.14 Mojave macOS 10.15 Catalina macOS 11.1 Big Sur PC OS Compatibility Windows 10 64-bit Edition Other Requirements SoftRAID XT works with macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 10. Intel-based Macs require macOS 10.12 or later. M1 Macs require macOS 11.1 or 11.3 and later. Host Port Requirements Thunderbolt 3 port Driver Required No Power Power Supply Internal UL-listed universal auto-switching power supply AC Input 90-264V, 47-63Hz, 3.5A At 115V, 1.8A At 230V DC Output +12V, 25A Wattage 300 Watts External Power Adapter No Physical Number of Bays 8 Device Ports (2) Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Ports (1) DisplayPort Port Cooling (1) 92mm cooling fan Security Slot Yes Power Button Yes Power/Activity LED Yes Housing Color Black Housing Material Aluminum Dimensions Height: 18.0 cm (7.1 in) Length: 24.0 cm (9.4 in) Width: 26.0 cm (10.2 in) Weight 7.3 kg (16.14 lbs) Environmental Ambient Temperature Operating: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C) Non-Operating: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) Altitude Operating: -304.8 m to 3,048.0 m (-1,000 ft to 10,000 ft) Non-Operating: -304.8 m to 12,192.0 m (-1,000 ft to 40,000 ft) Humidity Operating: 8% to 90% non-condensing Non-Operating: 5% to 95% non-condensing Acoustics Noise Varies depending on drive mechanism installed Notes Intel JHL-6540 chipset supports two 4K displays (4096 x 2160 30bpp @ 60 Hz) or a single 5K display.
    Answered by: OWC Andy
    Date published: 2021-05-03
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