OWC ThunderBay 4 Overview
Spotlight: The OWC ThunderBay 4 Series
Designed as a workhorse external storage solution, the ThunderBay 4 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure from OWC / Other World Computing can handle multi-stream compressed 4K video and other bandwidth-intensive operations. Built with four SATA drive bays that can handle 2.5" or 3.5" hard drives and SSDs, the ThunderBay 4 delivers sustained data transfer speeds of up to 1550 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 4 enclosures. There is also a dedicated DisplayPort 1.2 port that supports a 4K display. Thanks to the SoftRAID software RAID controller, the ThunderBay 4 can be configured as RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 10, each of which provides data redundancy, performance, or a combination of both. For those who do not require a RAID, JBOD is available.
SoftRAID XT works with macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 10 and 11. Intel-based Macs require macOS 10.12 or later. M1 Macs require macOS 11.1 or 11.3 and later. macOS 11.3 is currently available as a public beta. 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. RAID 4/5/1+0 (10) are currently Mac only at this time.
General Features
Updated Design for Power and Performance
ThunderBay 4, OWC's flagship 4-bay RAID powerhouse is bigger and faster than before. Now with the performance of Thunderbolt 3 up to 1550 MB/s sustained performance, it's a workhorse external storage solution. Not only faster, the ThunderBay 4 is now natively compatible with both 2.5" and 3.5" drives, and with a redesigned chassis, it's even cooler and quieter too.
Edit, Experiment, Create, Design
Designed with performance in mind and engineered to harness the power of Thunderbolt 3, the ThunderBay 4 is an incredibly flexible external solution with the throughput to support multi-stream compressed 4K video and other bandwidth-intensive operations. The ThunderBay 4 is highly configurable to match your performance needs. Choose between traditional hard drives or solid-state drives. Use each drive independently, or in the RAID configuration of your choice for the optimal balance of performance and data redundancy. Get the most out of your storage, take the brakes off your workflow, and do more with a ThunderBay 4.
Certified and Tested
Each ThunderBay 4 solution undergoes OWC's multi-hour drive "burn-in" performance certification procedure prior to shipping. This ensures your ThunderBay 4 arrives operating properly, ready for demanding use.
Time-Tested Cooling
Built on OWC's time-tested enclosure cooling technology, ThunderBay 4 utilizes an open "flow-thru" vented design with an oversized 92mm, low-turbulence, noise-quieting fan to keep the drives running cool and reliably.
Multi-Drive
Daisy-chain up to six ThunderBay 4 enclosures for massive storage capabilities and increased performance, or connect multiple ThunderBay 4 enclosures to multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports to achieve exponential speed capabilities.
Vibration Dampened
The ThunderBay 4's drive-isolating design reduces sonic resonance, and is aided by over-sized, rugged, vibration-absorbing, non-skid feet.
DisplayPort 1.2 Support
Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports let you connect the display of your choice that your computer can support, including 4K displays.
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Cable
The ThunderBay 4 comes with a certified OWC Thunderbolt 3 cable.
More Powerful With SoftRAID
Need more power and protection? Choose a solution that includes OWC's powerful SoftRAID RAID software. 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 simply 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.
Try SoftRAID Free for 14 Days
Start protecting yourself and your data today. Get all of SoftRAID's great disk checking and monitoring features, plus a fast and efficient software RAID.
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UPC: 810586037129
In the Box
- OWC ThunderBay 4 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure
- Thunderbolt 3 Cable
- External Power Cable
- 2 x Security Keys for Front Panel Lock
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
OWC ThunderBay 4 Specs
General
| Number of Bays |
4 x 2.5"/3.5" |
| I/O |
2 x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s))
1 x DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.2) |
| Compatible Drive Interface |
SATA (Unspecified Version) |
| Form Factor |
Desktop |
| RAID Modes |
RAID 0, 1, 10, 4, 5, JBOD |
| Hot-Swap Support |
Yes |
| Transfer Rates |
5000 MB/s |
Software
| OS Compatibility |
Windows 10 or Later
macOS 10.12 or Later |
Security
| Security Features |
Kensington Security Slot, Lockable Bay Door |
Electrical
| AC Input Power |
100 to 230 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz |
| Power Source |
Internal Power Supply |
Environmental
| Operating Temperature |
50 to 95°F / 10 to 35°C |
| Operating Humidity |
8 to 90% |
| Storage Temperature |
-40 to 149°F / -40 to 65°C |
| Storage Humidity |
5 to 95% |
| Certifications |
REACH, as per Manufacturer |
Physical
| Status Monitoring |
LED Indicator |
| Cooling |
1 x 92 mm Fan |
| Material of Construction |
Aluminum |
| Dimensions |
9.6 x 7 x 5.3" / 24.38 x 17.78 x 13.5 cm |
| Weight |
8.6 lb / 3.9 kg |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight |
10.2 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
13 x 10.25 x 8.5" |
OWC ThunderBay 4 Reviews
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