Designed for DITs, productions, editors, and other creative professionals, the 32TB ThunderBlade X8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array from OWC / Other World Computing features a rugged aluminum build with a heat-dissipating chassis and a mobile-ready small footprint, allowing it to used almost anywhere, whether you're on location or in the studio. Built to handle multicam sequences, 8K raw video, and VFX, this ThunderBlade X8 has a storage capacity of 32TB, which comes in an 8 x 4TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 M.2 2242 configuration. It supports software-controlled RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0 (10), each of which provides performance, data redundancy, or a combination of both. Preformatted as RAID 0 for Mac, the ThunderBay X8 can achieve read speeds of up to 2949 MB/s and write speeds of up to 2826 MB/s in RAID 0 or read speeds of 2565 MB/s and write speeds of 2464 MB/s in RAID 5.
While the ThunderBay X8 comes preformatted for Mac, it may be reformatted for use with Windows. It connects to your host system using a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 port, while a second Thunderbolt 3 port lets users create a daisy-chain with up to 5 additional devices, including a 5K/60 Hz display, a 4K/60 Hz display, or a 4K/30 Hz display.
Please note that SoftRAID only works with Windows 11 or macOS 10.14 or later. Also, while SoftRAID serial numbers work on both Windows and Mac, SoftRAID is licensed per computer. In order to use SoftRAID on multiple computers, you will need a unique, valid license per computer. Lastly, RAID 4 and 1+0 (10) are currently only available for Mac.
- DITs needing to offload memory cards on set at maximum transfer speeds while also having the option to choose RAID 5 reliability for peace-of-mind or production requirements.
- DITs and productions needing a fast, highly reliable shuttle drive that can be easily and safely shipped.
- Creative professionals working with cutting edge workflows such as multi-cam sequences, 8K raw video, and VFX looking for the best possible performance from an easy to transport, plug and play external storage solution.
- Remote editors working with cloud-based workflows such as LucidLink which require a high performance cache drive solution to ensure flawless video editing performance.
- Professional video editors desiring a seamless editing experience when working on large projects with all their files centralized for easy access.
- Hold at least 3 copies of all original camera files (OCF) and audio
- Store the OCF and audio copies on at least 2 different types of media
- Keep at least 1 of these backups in a different geographic location from the others
- 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 PC with built-in OWC MacDrive technology
Please note that this is a 3-year license.
- 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
- Windows 11