OWC ThunderBlade X8 16TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (8 x 2TB)

The OWC ThunderBlade X8 16TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (8 x 2TB) 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. ThunderBlade X8 16TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array 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.

Be Your Best with the Best

Built rugged and silently cool for on-location use, The ThunderBlade X8's mobile-ready small footprint blazes through uncompressed high bandwidth content streams with high speeds and reliability. In fast paced environments where time is money, you'll keep productions ahead of deadline while elevating your professional reputation to the highest level with ThunderBlade X8.

Reliability, Efficiency, and Transportability.

OWC's team is filled with creatives highly experienced in all phases of the video production world. They understand your need for more speed and capacity when it comes to making everything from backups to editing faster. The ThunderBlade X8 was purposefully built to be the a reliable high-performance mobile-ready RAID SSD in the universe for:

• 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.

Daisy-Chain Possibilities

The ThunderBlade X8 gives you all the options you need to work at your best. With an extra Thunderbolt port, you have the flexibility to daisy-chain devices and place a USB-C device at the end of your chain to create a world of possibilities.

RAID 5 Ready

Using RAID 5 in the past meant giving up precious capacity and taking a big hit on performance. OWC's 8 drive ThunderBlade X8 model solves that problem by offering the most amount of useable capacity while still offering fast write speeds up to 2464 MB/s. Now you can streamline ingestion and backup times on set, edit ultra high-res multi-cam sequences, and adhere to mandatory requirements (the 3-2-1 Principle) when producing content for large studios such as Netflix.

• 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

SoftRAID - RAID Made Easy

Harness the full capability of your OWC drive array with the included SoftRAID XT software, a powerful, intuitive RAID management software 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.

Packed with Features

SoftRAID XT provides an unbeatable 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 PC with built-in OWC MacDrive technology

Beyond Hardware RAID

SoftRAID provides a level of storage performance that you can't get with hardware RAID. Software RAID 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.

Really Cool Details

You won't have to worry about heat throttling slowing you down because OWC focuses on the little details that will keep you working at consistent top speed. Besides keeping the ThunderBlade X8 securely in place, the non-skid rubber feet elevate the heat dissipating aluminum housing to create a highly effective silently cool encompassing airflow.

Pre-Tested = Ready to Work

OWC understands having confidence their gear reliability is paramount to creative professionals. That's why every ThunderBlade X8 undergoes their rigorous multi-hour burn-in performance certification prior to shipping and includes a Thunderbolt connection cable. This ensures your ThunderBlade X8 arrives operating properly and immediately ready for demanding use.

Combine & Conquer

While one ThunderBlade X8 is great, two are awesome when daisy chained together for additional speed and capacity gains. Keep them running cool and fast by stacking them vertically with the OWC ThunderBlade X Spacer. This innovative, no tools required aluminum drive spacer keeps your drives secure while enhancing your conquer any challenge image.

Stabilize Thunderbolt and USB-C Cables

Active workspaces expose gear to bumps, shoves, or even the random tail wag from a pet. OWC ClingOn custom cable stabilizers (sold separately) screw into the OWC Dock or OWC Drive housing to reduce—if not completely eliminate—cable strain on Thunderbolt and USB-C connections so you can work with confidence even in the highest traffic environments.

macOS Compatibility

• 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 Compatibility

• Windows 11