OWC launches ThunderBlade X12: A Thunderbolt 5 SSD RAID drive with models up to 96 TB for 8K and 3D/VR filmmakers

Other World Computing has released the ThunderBlade X12 external RAID drive for creators making 8K films and 3D/VR projects.

Popular high-end digital cameras used for filmmaking like the ARRI Alexa 35 can output up to half a terabyte per hour. The X12 supports these creators with models in 12, 24, 48, and 96 TB models by using up to 12 NVMe M.2 SSDs.

OWC states the ThunderBlade can reach up to 6600MB/s peak and 5990MB/s sustained write speeds, enabling rapid transfer of camera recordings. This is enough bandwidth to support backing up files from two ARRI CODEX compact drives, four CFexpress Type B 2.0 cards, or 20 SD UHS-II V90 cards simultaneously.

The internal SSDs can be configured using the OWC SoftRaid application to create RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0 (10) volumes to ensure files are not lost should a SSD fail. The rear of the X12 has two Thunderbolt 5 ports, an on/off switch, a security lock slot, and a 12V power port. The ThunderBlade is packaged with a hard, padded carry case and a Thunderbolt 5 cable.

The OWC ThunderBlade X12 is priced at $2,749.99 for 12 TB, $4,279.99 for 24 TB, $6,999.99 for 48 TB, and $15,499.99 for 96 TB. All are shipping now except the 96 TB model, which is expected to ship in June.

Readers interested in Thunderbolt 5 devices can look at the offerings in the OWC store on Amazon.