Add RAID 5 storage to your Mac or Windows computer with the ThunderBay 4 24TB 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 6TB 3.5" 7200 rpm drives for a total of 24TB 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.

4 x 6TB 7200 rpm SATA III 3.5" HDDs    4 x 3.5"/2.5" SATA III 6 Gb/s Drive Bays    Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) Interface    RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 10, and JBOD    Pre-Configured in RAID 5    Software Controller    Read Speeds up to 591 MB/s    1 x 92mm Cooling Fan    SoftRAID Software Included    Windows and Mac Compatible

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.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is SoftRaid XT also compatible with Windows? If not, what do I need to make it work with Windows? I want to configure this as RAID 5 on a Windows laptop. Thanks.

A: SoftRAID XT can be downloaded for Windows as well. You can use it with the OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 Raid Array with SoftRAID XT.

Q: 2. The serial number on the bottom does not work as for SoftRAID license. How do I get the license?

A: The OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure, B&H # OWCTB38JBKIT, does not come with SoftRaid XT. Model OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 Raid Array with SoftRAID XT. B&H # OWTB38SRKIT0, does include SoftRAID XT.

Q: 3. Is it possible to use one bay for m.2 ssd with additional adapter like in some other owc models ?

A: The OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure supports 8 x 2.5"/3.5" SATA Drive Bays. If its a SATA M.2 it could be possible.

Q: 4. Can this work as a network attached storage device?

A: No, the OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 Raid Array with SoftRAID XT is a DAS; it does not support a network connection.

Q: 5. If I start with 3-4 HDDs set up in RAID 5, will I be able to add HDDs for storage later without having to do anything else?

A: Drives cannot be added to a RAID 5 array without rebuilding the array. If you need to expand the storage pool of the array, the best option is to backup your data and then delete and rebuild the volume with the additional drive(s) included.

Q: 6. Is it possible to expand storage at a later point? For instance, I add a similar HDD to the last bay that was previously empty

A: Adding HDD to a existing RAID depends on the RAID mode. Some can allow for it, some do not.

Q: 7. I have 8 separate external hard drives that I want to take apart and insert into this Thunderbay 8 enclosure. I want to see the drives as separate drives, NOT raid drives. In other words, JBOD. If I do NOT install SoftRAID, is JBOD the default? Will I see my 8 separate drives mounted on my Mac with no further effort required? Thanks.

A: It can be used as a JBOD with out SoftRAID.

Q: 8. Will this unit allow for multiple RAIDS? Meaning, half the drives on RAID and the other half 4 drives a different RAID?

A: Yes, this can be done easily.

Q: 9. If I have a USB 3.1 type a to USB-C cable, and plug this into a USB 3.1 port, is it backwards compatible? I'm asking because I will be upgrading my computer in the not too distant future, but the one I have now tops out with USB 3.1 Type A (the square port) ports.

A: No, the OWC ThunderBay 8 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 RAID Enclosure BH #OWCTB38JBKIT requires that your computer has Thunderbolt 3.

Q: 10. Do all drives have to be the same in speed and size for the Thunderbay 8 to operated in a RAID5 configuration? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

A: It is recommended to use hard drives with the same capacity and speed for raid 5, otherwise the hard drives will all be recognized at the capacity and speed of the smallest drive and you would wasting valuable storage space and performance.