OWC ThunderBay 4 External HDD Overview
Spotlight: The OWC ThunderBay 4 Series
Add RAID 5 storage to your Mac or Windows computer with the ThunderBay 4 8TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID 5 Array from OWC / Other World Computing. As you can guess from its name, the ThunderBay 4 features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, which utilize the USB Type-C connector. There is also a DisplayPort 1.2 port for connecting up to a 4K display.
The ThunderBay 4 has four drive bays, which supports both 2.5" and 3.5" hard drives (2.5" HDDs do not need adapters). This particular ThunderBay 4 model comes with four 2TBTB 3.5" 7200 rpm drives for a total of 8TB storage capacity. The included drives are configured in RAID 5. With RAID 5, you get protection against a single drive failure. Three of the hard drives are used for storage while one hard drive is used for parity. If you want to reformat to RAID 0 or 1, 4, or 1+0, you can use the included SoftRAID software or the Windows Disk Management utility. This RAID array is compatible with macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 10 and later.
Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface that utilizes the reversible USB Type-C connector. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 features a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s when used with compatible devices. The connector also transmits data via USB 3.1 at up to 10 Gb/s, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect up to two 4K displays simultaneously. Additionally, you can daisy chain up to six devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port.
Please note, a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 3 host connection is required.
The ThunderBay 4 comes pre-configured in RAID 5, but also supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 10, and JBOD.
Built on OWC's time-tested enclosure cooling technology, the Thunderbay 4 utilizes an open "flow-thru" vented design with an over-sized 92mm, low turbulence, noise-quieting fan to keep the drives running cool and reliably.
Daisy-chain up to six ThunderBay 4s for more storage capabilities and increased performance, or connect multiple ThunderBay 4s to multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports to achieve higher speed capabilities.
The ThunderBay 4's drive isolating design reduces sonic resonance and is aided by over-sized, rugged, vibration-absorbing, non-skid feet.
The ThunderBay 4 comes with a certified OWC Thunderbolt 3 cable.
Dual Thunderbolt ports let you connect the display of your choice that your computer can support, including 4K displays.
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UPC: 812437029680
In the Box
- OWC ThunderBay 4 8TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID 5 Array (4 x 2TB)
- Thunderbolt 3 Cable
- External Power Cable
- 2 x Security Keys
- SoftRAID
- Limited 3-Year Warranty
OWC ThunderBay 4 External HDD Specs
Drives
| Storage Capacity |
8 TB |
| Included Drives |
4 x 2 TB 3.5" HDD |
| Cache Memory per Drive |
64 MB |
| Initial RAID Configuration |
RAID 5 |
| Interface |
SATA III |
| Rotational Speed |
7200 rpm |
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 III |
| Form Factor |
Desktop |
| RAID |
RAID 0, 1, 10, 4, 5, JBOD |
| Transfer Rates |
568 MB/s (Read)
574 MB/s (Write) |
Software
| OS Compatibility |
Windows 10 or Later
macOS 10.12 or Later
*As of May, 2019: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
Security
| Security Features |
Kensington Security Slot |
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 |
| Storage Temperature |
-40 to 149°F / -40 to 65°C |
Physical
| Status Monitoring |
LED Indicator |
| Cooling |
1 x 92 mm Fan |
| Dimensions |
9.6 x 7 x 5.3" / 243.8 x 177.8 x 134.6 mm |
| Weight |
12.6 lb / 5.7 kg |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight |
14.5 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
15.6 x 14.3 x 10.9" |
OWC ThunderBay 4 External HDD Reviews
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