OWC’s ThunderBlade X12 already stands toe-to-toe with the best external SSDs on the market, earning a reputation for speed, reliability, and robust performance. Now, OWC has taken its external RAID solution to the next level, doubling its previous maximum capacity from an impressive 96TB to a groundbreaking 192TB. The massive upgrade aims to satisfy the growing storage demands of filmmakers, video editors, and creative professionals.
To achieve this monumental 192TB capacity, OWC engineered the ThunderBlade X12 with an array of twelve M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSDs, each boasting a massive 16TB of storage. While OWC has not disclosed the exact SSD models used in this high-end setup, it’s clear that the company is likely leveraging enterprise-class drives, given that there aren't any 16TB mainstream M.2 SSDs yet. For example, Exascend's PE4 series is among the very few that can deliver such extraordinary capacity in the compact M.2 2280 form factor. OWC has used its own Aura Pro IV drives for the ThunderBlade X12 in the past, so that's a possibility too.
Out of the box, the ThunderBlade X12 is configured for maximum speed with RAID 0, but its true versatility shines through its support for a full spectrum of RAID levels, from RAID 0 to RAID 10. This flexibility allows users to tailor their storage for optimal performance, enhanced redundancy, or a balanced combination of both, depending on their workflow requirements.
OWC ThunderBlade X12 Specifications
Capacity |
Pricing |
SKU |
|---|---|---|
192TB |
? |
OWCTB5TBL12X192 |
96TB |
$15,499.99 |
OWCTB5TBL12X096 |
48TB |
$7,499.99 |
OWCTB5TBL12X048 |
24TB |
$5,299.99 |
OWCTB5TBL12X024 |
12TB |
$3,299.00 |
OWCTB5TBL12X012 |
The ThunderBlade X12 pushes the boundaries of performance, offering blazing-fast sequential read and write speeds up to 6,500 MB/s. Notably, OWC reports that the 192TB configuration can even achieve peak write speeds of up to 6,600 MB/s—an impressive feat for a storage solution of this scale. Even under sustained workloads, the external RAID solution maintains write speeds around 5,990 MB/s, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted data transfers during demanding tasks.
The ThunderBlade X12 harnesses the power of Intel’s JHL9480 Thunderbolt 5 controller (codenamed Barlow Ridge), enabling next-generation connectivity and blazing transfer speeds. Equipped with two Thunderbolt 5 ports, the X12 delivers data transfer rates up to an astonishing 80 Gb/s. The interface supports a wide range of high-performance setups, allowing users to connect up to two stunning 8K displays at 120 Hz or three crisp 4K displays at an ultra-smooth 144 Hz. For even greater flexibility, the ThunderBlade X12 enables daisy-chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt devices, making it the ultimate hub for creative studios, professional workflows, and power users.
The ThunderBlade X12 is set to make its debut in 2026, though OWC has not yet announced an official release date. Perhaps the biggest question on everyone’s mind is the price tag for the unprecedented 192TB configuration. While OWC hasn’t revealed the cost, a glance at previous models provides some context. The jump from 48TB to 96TB saw prices increase by a little over half, suggesting that the 192TB version could reasonably be expected to land around $30,999.99—assuming market conditions remain stable. However, the ongoing global NAND shortage and rising flash memory costs could push the final price even higher.
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