OWC ThunderBlade X8 8TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array (8 x 1TB)

OWC ThunderBlade X8 External SSD Overview

Crafted specifically for DITs, production teams, editors, and creative professionals, the 8TB ThunderBlade X8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array from OWC boasts a durable aluminum enclosure with an efficient heat-dissipating chassis and a compact footprint—ideal for both on-location and studio work.

Engineered for multicam workflows, 8K RAW footage, and complex VFX, the ThunderBlade X8 features 8TB via 8 x 1TB NVMe PCIe 3.0 M.2 2242 drives. It supports RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0 (10), preconfigured in RAID 0 for macOS, delivering up to 2949 MB/s read and 2826 MB/s write. In RAID 5, expect 2565 MB/s read and 2464 MB/s write.

Platform Compatibility

Though preformatted for Mac, it can be reformatted for Windows. It features a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 port and a second for daisy chaining up to five devices, including 5K and 4K displays.

SoftRAID Requirements

SoftRAID works with Windows 11 or macOS 10.14+. Licenses are cross-platform, but each machine requires one. RAID 4 and 1+0 (10) are Mac-only currently.

Be Your Best with the Best

Built tough for on-location work, the ThunderBlade X8’s compact, cool-running design meets demanding production timelines and professional output.

Reliability, Efficiency, and Transportability

Perfect for DITs, editors, and VFX pros needing RAID 5 protection, fast shuttle drives, or a high-performance local cache for cloud editing.

Daisy-Chain Possibilities

The second Thunderbolt port supports daisy chaining other devices and can end with a USB-C peripheral—ideal for flexible setups.

RAID 5 Ready

Achieve top speeds and redundancy with RAID 5. Back up and edit ultra high-res footage confidently while supporting the 3-2-1 data strategy.

SoftRAID – RAID Made Easy

SoftRAID XT software provides powerful RAID management, real-time monitoring, and cross-platform compatibility with MacDrive tech.

Packed with Features

Supports RAID 0/1/4/5/1+0 (10), drive failure prediction, volume validation, and ensures drives are ready before use.

Beyond Hardware RAID

SoftRAID avoids legacy hardware limitations by offering flexibility and future expansion in one software-based solution.

Really Cool Details

Rubber feet elevate the chassis for airflow, maintaining silent operation and peak performance even under load.

Pre-Tested = Ready to Work

Each ThunderBlade X8 is burn-in tested and includes a Thunderbolt cable—ready to go straight out of the box.

Combine & Conquer

Stack two ThunderBlade X8 units with the OWC Spacer to increase capacity and keep airflow optimal—no tools needed.

Stabilize Thunderbolt and USB-C Cables

Use ClingOn stabilizers (sold separately) to secure connections in busy workspaces and avoid wear or disconnections.

macOS Compatibility

Compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sierra through macOS 14 Sonoma.

Windows Compatibility

Fully compatible with Windows 11.