OWC 128TB ThunderBay 8 Thunderbolt (40Gb/s) Enterprise Drive RAID Storage Solution With SoftRAID

OwcSKU: 6849269

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Sale price$5,144.23

Description

OWC 128TB ThunderBay 8 Thunderbolt (40Gb/s) Enterprise Drive RAID Storage Solution With SoftRAID

The OWC 128TB ThunderBay 8 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage Solution is a high-performance external storage system designed for professional creators who demand scalable capacity, robust data protection, and fast data access. Built around an eight-bay enclosure and powered by the power of Thunderbolt 3, this solution delivers enterprise-grade reliability and flexible RAID management through SoftRAID. Ideal for video editors working with multi-terabyte 4K and 8K projects, photographers managing vast RAW libraries, and studios needing dependable daily storage, ThunderBay 8 combines speed, capacity, and reliability in a compact desktop form factor.

  • Blazing Thunderbolt 3 performance enables high-bandwidth workflows. With a 40 Gb/s interface, this storage solution supports rapid transfers, real-time editing, and smooth playback of large media files. The combination of Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and an 8-bay design ensures you can move large datasets quickly while maintaining low latency for demanding tasks such as color grading, VFX, and multi-stream 4K/8K video projects.
  • Eight hot-swappable bays deliver scalable capacity up to 128 TB. Easily upgrade or swap drives without powering down, enabling you to respond to growing storage needs or adjust performance profiles on the fly. Whether you’re archiving finished projects or provisioning live editing scratch space, ThunderBay 8 is designed to adapt to evolving professional requirements.
  • SoftRAID included for flexible, enterprise-grade RAID management. The SoftRAID software license provides advanced RAID configurations, real-time drive health monitoring, cross-platform volume management, and alerting to help protect your data. With SoftRAID, you can tailor redundancy and performance to match your workflow, choosing RAID levels that balance speed, capacity, and fault tolerance.
  • Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for expandability and seamless daisy-chaining. Connect multiple devices—such as additional external drives, docking stations, or displays—without sacrificing bandwidth. ThunderBay 8’s design supports streamlined studio setups, enabling you to create a scalable, clutter-free workstation with fewer cables and more room to work.
  • Enterprise-ready reliability in a desktop enclosure. Built to endure heavy usage in professional environments, ThunderBay 8 emphasizes durable construction, secure drive installation, and consistent performance. It’s a dedicated external storage workhorse designed to handle long sessions, intensive data transfers, and important project data with confidence.

Technical Details of OWC 128TB ThunderBay 8 Thunderbolt (40Gb/s) Enterprise Drive RAID Storage Solution With SoftRAID

  • Capacity: Up to 128 TB total raw capacity when configured with eight drives up to 16 TB each. Real-world available space depends on drive sizes and RAID configuration.
  • Bays: 8 hot-swappable drive bays designed for easy replacement and upgrade without powering down the unit, helping maximize uptime and simplify maintenance.
  • Interface: Thunderbolt 3 external RAID storage with a throughput path designed to leverage the full 40 Gb/s bandwidth for fast data access and smooth media workflows.
  • RAID and software: SoftRAID license included for flexible RAID management, monitored health, parity protection, and reliable volume maintenance across macOS and Windows platforms.
  • Connectivity: 2 x Thunderbolt 3 ports to enable daisy-chaining of peripherals and other Thunderbolt devices, supporting streamlined, expandable workstations.
  • Power: External power supply included to ensure consistent performance and stable operation under load, independent of system power constraints.
  • Compatibility: Works with both macOS and Windows environments, enabling cross-platform workflows and easy integration into mixed-software studios. SoftRAID supports cross-platform volume management for versatile use.
  • Form factor and design: Desktop external RAID storage enclosure designed for professional studios and workstations, balancing rugged durability with accessible serviceability.

how to install OWC 128TB ThunderBay 8

  • Step 1: Prepare or install your drives. ThunderBay 8 supports eight drives in the bays. If you’re starting fresh, insert eight drives of appropriate size and performance for your workload. If you’re upgrading, plan for a phased drive replacement to minimize downtime.
  • Step 2: Insert and secure drives. Slide each drive into its bay until it seats firmly, then secure any locking mechanisms or trays as required by the chassis. The design allows for straightforward hot-swapping, so drives can be replaced or upgraded without powering down the unit.
  • Step 3: Connect to your computer. Use a high-quality Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect ThunderBay 8 to your Mac or Windows workstation. If you plan to daisy-chain other devices, connect the second Thunderbolt 3 port to the next device in the chain.
  • Step 4: Apply power and boot. Connect the external power supply and power on ThunderBay 8. Give the unit a moment to initialize and be recognized by your operating system.
  • Step 5: Install SoftRAID and initialize the array. Install the SoftRAID software package that accompanies the ThunderBay 8. Open SoftRAID, activate the included license if prompted, and create a new RAID volume. Choose your desired RAID level, parity, stripe size, and metadata preferences based on your performance and redundancy needs.
  • Step 6: Format and mount the volume. After configuring the RAID array, format the new volume in your operating system with the preferred file system (for example APFS or HFS+ on macOS, NTFS or exFAT on Windows). Mount the volume and verify read/write performance. Document the RAID configuration for future maintenance and backup planning.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q: What is the maximum storage capacity of the OWC ThunderBay 8? A: It supports up to 128 TB of raw capacity when eight drives are used, with final usable space depending on drive sizes and chosen RAID level. The actual usable capacity is driven by the individual drives you install and the RAID configuration you select.
  • Q: What kind of connectivity does ThunderBay 8 offer? A: It features Thunderbolt 3 interfaces with two ports to enable high-speed data transfer and daisy-chaining of additional devices for expanded workflows. This makes it suitable for multi-device setups in professional studios.
  • Q: Is SoftRAID included, and does it work on both macOS and Windows? A: Yes. A SoftRAID license is included with ThunderBay 8, enabling flexible RAID management, drive health monitoring, and cross-platform support on macOS and Windows.
  • Q: Can drives be swapped without powering down? A: Yes. ThunderBay 8 is designed with hot-swappable drive bays, allowing you to replace or upgrade drives without powering off the enclosure, reducing downtime during maintenance.
  • Q: Do I need a specific drive type or brand? A: ThunderBay 8 accepts standard enterprise-class or consumer drives that meet the enclosure’s specifications. Be mindful of drive height, interface, and warranty terms when selecting drives to ensure compatibility and reliability for demanding workloads.
  • Q: Is the ThunderBay 8 suitable for video editing and high-resolution workflows? A: Absolutely. The combination of eight-drive capacity, Thunderbolt 3 speed, and SoftRAID management makes it a strong choice for editors, colorists, and effects artists who require fast transfers, robust storage, and reliable data protection in a desktop external RAID solution.

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