OWC ThunderBay 8
OWCTB38SRE160 160 TB Thunderbolt 3 8‑Bay RAID Storage Array (8×20 TB Enterprise HDDs)
The OWC ThunderBay 8 (model OWCTB38SRE160) is a professional-grade external storage array pre-loaded with eight enterprise-class 20 TB 7200 RPM SATA III drives, delivering a total of 160 TB raw capacity and ultra-reliable RAID protection. Designed for creative professionals and small teams handling multi-stream 4K/8K video, virtual machine libraries, or large-scale datasets, this desktop Thunderbolt 3 solution achieves up to 2,586 MB/s real-world throughput. Preconfigured in RAID 5 using OWC SoftRAID XT software, it balances performance and data resilience out of the box—all while offering expandability via daisy-chaining and enterprise-class durability.
Features
Built around a robust aluminum chassis with eight hot-swappable drive bays, the ThunderBay 8 supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA SSDs or HDDs. Populated with Toshiba MG10 Series enterprise drives (20 TB, 7200 RPM, 512 MB cache), the system handles high-traffic workflows without compromise. The included SoftRAID XT software empowers users to configure RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 10, or JBOD volumes and monitor drive health proactively, making it ideal for mission-critical production workflows.
Advanced Options
With dual Thunderbolt 3 ports—one for host connection and one for daisy-chaining—the ThunderBay 8 supports expansion up to six chained units (max 960 TB). It also integrates DisplayPort 1.2 output for connecting a 4K or 5K display at the end of the daisy chain. Ideal for macOS and Windows systems, it offers plug-and-play convenience with no additional drivers.
Product Key Features
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160 TB raw capacity via 8×20 TB enterprise SATA HDDs
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Thunderbolt 3 interface with dual ports (host + daisy-chain)
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Real-world speeds up to ~2,586 MB/s depending on RAID volume
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SoftRAID XT bundled: RAID 0/1/4/5/10 (macOS/Windows)
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Hot-swappable bays, front-panel locking, rear Kensington security slot
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Supports up to six ThunderBay 8 units chained—up to 960 TB
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Compatible with both macOS (Apple Silicon & Intel) and Windows
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5‑Year warranty for the solution; 1‑Year warranty for enclosure
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EMI-resistant aluminum design; 92 mm cooling fan for thermal control
Reliability & Performance
The ThunderBay 8 is engineered for reliability under heavy multi-stream usage. Its enterprise-class drives with built-in 512 MB cache support high sustained write and read rates, while SoftRAID XT ensures data integrity through predictive health alerts and volume validation tools. OWC tests each unit with burn-in benchmarking to guarantee performance upon arrival. Front-panel LEDs and enterprise monitoring give immediate insights into drive status. Daisy-chaining capability and Thunderbolt 3 speed ensure smooth integration into demanding 4K/8K or AR/VR post-production pipelines. Its locking panels and durable build deliver physical security, while the chassis maintains optimal thermal environment with a quiet 92 mm fan. The solution’s long warranty reflects OWC confidence in its suitability for high-availability workflows.
Key Features (Bullet List)
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160 TB RAID-ready external storage solution
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Up to 2,586 MB/s throughput via Thunderbolt 3
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Supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 10, JBOD with SoftRAID XT
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Hot-swappable 3.5″ or 2.5″ drive bays
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Daisy-chain up to 6 units (max ~960 TB)
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Secure lockable front and back panels
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Compatible with macOS and Windows hosts
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Preconfigured RAID 5 out of the box
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Enterprise-grade HDDs with predictive health tools
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