OWC Unveils the Thunderbolt 5 ThunderBlade X12 RAID Drive
Other World Computing (OWC) unveiled two new products: the Thunderbolt 5-equipped OWC ThunderBlade X12 RAID system and the OWC USB4 Active Optical Cable. The company also revealed that its previously announced Thunderbolt 5 Hub is now available to consumers.
“Creatives and professionals don’t just need tools — they need breakthroughs,” says Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO of OWC. “The OWC ThunderBlade X12, OWC Active Optical Cable, and OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub aren’t just products; they’re game-changers designed to make seemingly impossible workflows fast, simple, and seamless. Whether you’re pushing the limits of 12K video, building the ultimate workstation, or staying connected across distances that used to appear unthinkable, these solutions are built to help you create, innovate, and dominate.”
The ThunderBlade X12 is made for professional filmmakers who need fast and reliable performance in a portable device.
“The biggest problem this product solves is the need for a RAID solution compatible with RAID 5 that offers large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds to streamline ingestion and backup times on set while also having a small footprint so that can be used as a shuttle drive,” according to OWC.
With speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s, the ThunderBlade X12 provides ample capacity for 4K, 6K, 8K, and even 12K RAW video files, as well as 360-degree VR (spatial) footage. The new storage system, with capacities ranging from 12 to 96 terabytes and RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations, promises plenty of room for many large projects. The device’s robust build also ensures dependable functionality. The ThunderBlade X12 will be available in March at an unknown price.
The OWC Active Optical Cable is the company’s fastest and most powerful Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 long-distance cable. The cable delivers up to 40Gb/s of bandwidth and 240 watts of power over distances of over 15 feet (4.5 meters).
“Featuring universal USB-C connectivity and optical fiber technology, it eliminates the two-meter distance limit of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables so devices can be placed further away for noise reduction, provide more convenient access, be hidden for a more aesthetic work environment, or enable more efficient cable management in professional settings,” OWC tells me.
The new cable enables high-resolution screens up to 8K and DisplayPort via Thunderbolt. Furthermore, it has a braided nylon exterior for longevity and resistance to EMI/RFI interference.
The OWC UBS4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable is now available in two lengths: three meters (9.8 feet) for $94.99 and 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) for $128.99.
