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. There is also a dedicated DisplayPort 1.2 port that supports a 4K / 60 Hz display. Thanks to the SoftRAID software RAID controller, which is sold separately, the ThunderBay 8 can be configured as RAID 0 for performance, or RAID 1 for 1:1 data redundancy. For those who do not require a RAID, JBOD is available.
SoftRAID works with macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 10 or later. Intel-based Macs require macOS 10.12 or later. M1 Macs require macOS 11.1 or 11.3 and later. 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.
Conquer High Bandwidth Demands
With Thunderbolt 3 offering real-world transfer rates up to 2586 MB/s and the ability to RAID together eight SSDs or HDDs, the ThunderBay 8's rugged, field-tested aluminum design has the under-the-hood horsepower needed to conquer high-bandwidth requirements. You can even configure multiple ThunderBay 8 solutions connected via multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports on your Mac or PC to achieve exponential speed increases. Whatever your set up, when you're racing against a deadline, the ThunderBay 8 puts you in the winner's circle.
Monstrous Capacity
Need even more capacity? Daisy-chain up to six of these capacity behemoths together so you can capture vast amounts of footage from multiple cameras or store vast libraries of production work with a unified and reliable storage solution.
Swap and Identify Drives Easily
The ThunderBay 8 makes it easy to keep large data sets organized for every project, thanks to its eight hot swappable drive bays. Whether you're using 2.5" or 3.5" HDDs and/or SSDs, the drives mount in alphabetically labeled trays for easy identification and are secured by a thumb screw. If you want the freedom to access an extensive collection of drives quickly, you can create a drive "bullpen" with additional separately-sold OWC drive trays.
As Secure As a Bank Vault
With a locking front panel and security slot on the backside, the ThunderBay 8 is like an ironclad vault for your data. Plus, with front panel LEDs indicating the status of each drive, you'll know at a glance if your data is secure.
See More, Do More
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 3.1 device at the end of a daisy chain. With an extra Thunderbolt 3 port, you have the flexibility to add more devices to your workflow and master any task at hand.
More Powerful With SoftRAID (Sold Separately)
Need more power and protection? SoftRAID is a powerful, intuitive software RAID utility. Multiple RAID levels let you select the RAID level that fits you or your project's needs best. If you need maximum volume capacity, optimum drive performance, data protection, or a combination of attributes, SoftRAID has you covered.
Packed 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 is a good solution.
Secure Your Workflow with OWC ClingOn
Greatly reduce, if not eliminate cable strain and accidental disconnects with the OWC ClingOn. These separately-sold, custom cable stabilizers screw into the ThunderBay 8's housing to secure your Thunderbolt 3 and USB Type-C connections and prevent work session interruption and possible data loss.
Your Digital Life, Protected for Free
Your data is irreplaceable, and OWC takes protecting it seriously. That's why this OWC Solution includes Acronis True Image OEM, a combination backup and anti-malware solution that keeps your data protected from accidents, failures, and malware/ransomware attacks.
Easy
Protect everything - photos, files, applications, systems, and the devices they're on in just a few clicks.
Efficient
Create "set and forget" backups to recover and restore files and folders.
Secure
Stop ransomware and cryptojacking from harming your device data and backup.
