OWC introduces ThunderBlade X12 and Active Optical Cable at CES 2025

OWC introduces Tech Solutions

In the ever-evolving world of tech, Other World Computing (OWC) is making waves once again. Known for their commitment to high-performance and sustainable technology, OWC has just announced a trio of innovations that are bound to excite creatives and professionals alike. Say hello to the OWC ThunderBlade X12, the OWC USB4 40 Gb/s Active Optical Cable, and the long-awaited OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub. These products are not just upgrades; they’re designed to revolutionize your workflow.

Meet the OWC ThunderBlade X12

For motion picture professionals and digital imaging technicians (DITs), the OWC ThunderBlade X12 is a game-changer. Imagine a portable RAID solution that offers massive storage and lightning-fast speeds—this is what the ThunderBlade X12 brings to the table. It’s particularly designed to tackle the challenges of on-set data management, especially in high-stakes environments where every second counts.

What’s the biggest challenge this device addresses? It’s the need for a RAID solution that not only supports RAID 5 but also delivers exceptional speeds and significant storage capacity. Think about it: when you’re working with 4K, 6K, or even 12K RAW video, you need a reliable system that can keep up. The ThunderBlade X12 is not just a Shuttle drive; it’s a premium editing tool for video editors and VFX artists pushing the boundaries of creativity.

Key Features of the ThunderBlade X12

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Blazing Speeds

: Up to 6,500 MB/s—double the performance of its predecessor!
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Storage Options

: Capacities ranging from 12 TB to a whopping 96 TB with RAID configurations of 0, 1, 5, and 10.
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Premium Build

: Dimmable LED lights and enhanced thermal stability to keep things cool during intense workloads.
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Versatile Use

: Perfect for high-resolution workflows involving 8K RAW, 16K video, or even VR production.

Mark your calendars: the ThunderBlade X12 will be hitting the shelves in March!

The Power of the OWC Active Optical Cable

Next up is the OWC Active Optical Cable, a must-have for anyone needing reliable long-distance connectivity. This cable is not just about speed; it’s about delivering a seamless experience. With up to 40 Gb/s of stable bandwidth and the ability to support 8K video resolution at distances up to 15 feet, this cable is a powerhouse.

What’s the real kicker? It eliminates the traditional 2-meter distance limit of copper-based cables. This means you can place your devices further away—ideal for reducing noise or achieving a cleaner workspace. Plus, who doesn’t want to tidy up their cable management?

Key Features of the Active Optical Cable

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Extended Connectivity

: Place your devices exactly where you want them for a more organized workspace.
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Speedy Transfers

: Enjoy up to 40 Gb/s over longer distances without sacrificing performance.
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Universal Compatibility

: Connect to millions of Thunderbolt and USB devices with ease.
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Durability

: A braided nylon exterior protects the internal fiber optical cable, ensuring consistent signal reliability.

The OWC USB4 40 Gb/s Active Optical Cable is now available in two lengths: 3 meters for $98.99 and 4.5 meters for $129.99.

Introducing the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub

Finally, let’s talk about the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by a lack of Thunderbolt ports, this hub is your new best friend. It takes a single Thunderbolt connection and expands it into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port. Talk about convenience!

With bidirectional data speeds of up to 80 Gb/s—twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4—this hub is designed for those who demand more from their tech. Whether you’re connecting multiple displays or charging your devices, the Thunderbolt 5 Hub has you covered.

Key Features of the Thunderbolt 5 Hub

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Expanded Connectivity

: Add more Thunderbolt 5 ports to your setup, whether it’s a Mac, PC, or iPad Pro.
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Impressive Speeds

: Up to 80 Gb/s of bidirectional data transfer, and 120 Gb/s for high-bandwidth displays.
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100% Compatibility

: Works seamlessly with Thunderbolt 5, 4, 3, USB4, and USB-C devices.
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Power Delivery

: Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge even the most power-hungry Laptops.

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is now available for $189.99.

A Vision for the Future

As Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO of OWC, puts it, “Creatives and professionals don’t just need tools—they need breakthroughs.” The ThunderBlade X12, Active Optical Cable, and Thunderbolt 5 Hub are more than just products; they’re designed to make complex workflows fast, simple, and seamless. Whether you’re pushing the limits of video production or building the ultimate workstation, these solutions are here to help you create, innovate, and dominate.

So, are you ready to elevate your tech game? OWC is here to make it happen!

Technology Explained

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RAID: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology used in the computer industry to increase the performance, reliability, and storage capacity of computer systems. It works by combining multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, allowing them to be accessed as if they were a single drive. This allows for faster data access, as multiple drives can be accessed simultaneously, and for increased reliability, as data can be stored redundantly across multiple drives. RAID is commonly used in servers, workstations, and other high-performance computing systems, as well as in consumer-level storage solutions such as NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices.

Latest Articles about RAID

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Thunderbolt 4: Thunderbolt 4 is a high-speed connection interface that enables data transfer between computers and peripherals. Thunderbolt 4 is the fastest version of Thunderbolt yet, with speeds up to 40 Gbps, and it is also the most versatile, with support for up to four 4K displays, dual 4K video, and up to 100W of power delivery. Thunderbolt 4 is ideal for connecting high-performance peripherals such as external storage drives, docks, and displays. It is also ideal for connecting multiple computers together for high-speed data transfer and collaboration.

Latest Articles about Thunderbolt 4

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Thunderbolt 5: Thunderbolt 5 is the latest iteration of Intel's Thunderbolt technology, which is a high-speed connection interface that enables data transfer between computers and peripherals. Thunderbolt 5 is the fastest version of Thunderbolt yet, with speeds up to 120 Gbps, and it is also the most versatile, with up to 240W of power delivery. Thunderbolt 5 is ideal for connecting high-performance peripherals such as external storage drives, docks, and displays. It is also ideal for connecting multiple computers together for high-speed data transfer and collaboration. Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 devices, so users can connect their existing devices to Thunderbolt 5 ports without any problems.

Latest Articles about Thunderbolt 5

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USB-C: USB-C is a new type of USB connector that is quickly becoming the industry standard for connecting devices to computers. It is a reversible connector, meaning it can be plugged in either way, and it is capable of transferring data at speeds up to 10 Gbps. It is also capable of providing up to 100 watts of power, making it ideal for charging laptops and other devices. USB-C is quickly becoming the go-to connector for connecting peripherals to computers, such as external hard drives, monitors, and printers. It is also being used to connect smartphones and tablets to computers, allowing for faster data transfer and charging. USB-C is quickly becoming the industry standard for connecting devices to computers, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

Latest Articles about USB-C