Other World Computing (OWC) Launches ThunderBlade X12 and Active Optical Cable, and Announces Thunderbolt 5 Hub General Availability

–Other World Computing (OWC®), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced its latest innovations: the OWC ThunderBlade X12, a game-changing professional-grade RAID solution – the next step in OWC’s Thunderbolt 5 solutions; and the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, for long-distance connectivity without compromising speed or reliability. OWC also announced the general availability (GA) of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, redefining workflow efficiency with its unparalleled connectivity.

“The OWC ThunderBlade X12, OWC Active Optical Cable, and OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub aren’t just products; they’re game-changers designed to make seemingly impossible workflows fast, simple, and seamless.”Post this

OWC ThunderBlade X12

The OWC ThunderBlade X12 is the answer to Motion Picture Professionals and DITs looking for a production shuttle RAID capable of offering large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds in a portable solution. To be more specific, the biggest problem this product solves is the need for a RAID solution compatible with RAID 5 that offers large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds to streamline ingestion and backup times on set while also having a small footprint so that can be used as a shuttle drive. Beyond that, it’s also considered a premium editing drive for video editors and VFX artists working with cutting-edge workflows such as multi-cam sequences at 4K and 6K, 8K and 12K RAW video, or stereoscopic 360 VR (Spatial Video). It’s the ultimate shuttle RAID for production use and the premium external editing drive for cutting-edge workflows.

OWC ThunderBlade X12 – Key Features/Functionality:

• Speeds up to 6,500MB/s – double the performance of its predecessor
• Capacities from 12TB to 96TB with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations
• Premium build with dimmable LED lights and enhanced thermal stability
• Ideal for workflows involving 8K RAW, 16K video, or VR production

The OWC ThunderBlade X12will be available in March.

OWC Active Optical Cable

The OWC Active Optical Cable is the fastest, most powerful, and most reliable solution for cost-effective long-distance connectivity of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. It provides up to 40Gb/s of stable bandwidth, up to 240W of power delivery, and up to 8K video resolution at up to 15 feet. Featuring universal USB-C connectivity and optical fiber technology, it eliminates the 2-meter distance limit of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables so devices can be placed further away for noise reduction, provide more convenient access, be hidden for a more aesthetic work environment, or enable more efficient cable management in professional settings.

OWC Active Optical Cable – Key Features/Functionality:

• Longer distance connectivity enables optimal placement of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/3 devices for a highly organized, convenient, quieter, and productive workspace
• Work and play faster with up to 40Gb/s of stable data transfer speed over long-distance
• Connect to millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 USB-C equipped docks, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, external SSDs, RAID storage, and accessories
• Lab-certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts (3M) or 60 watts (4.5M) to charge your devices quickly
• Supports high-resolution displays up to 8K, including DisplayPort over Thunderbolt, Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG Ultrafine, and any display plugged into a Thunderbolt dock or hub
• Braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fiber optical cable for highly durable and consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference

TheOWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable is now available in two lengths:

• 3 meters (9.8 feet) for $98.99
• 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) for $129.99

OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub

Now generally available (GA), the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is the perfect compact connectivity solution to solve the big problem of not having enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. Now you can turn a single cable connection from your machine into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port. With up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, you will redefine your productivity.

OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub – Key Features/Functionality:

• Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC, or iPad Pro to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
• Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
• No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C machine or device with 100% compatibility
• Delivers the best performance of devices with today’s computers and the best speed possible in the future with any Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
• Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus-powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
• Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
• Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
• Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
• Fanless aluminum enclosure for quiet and cool operation

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hubis now generally available for $189.99

“Creatives and professionals don’t just need tools – they need breakthroughs,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO of OWC. “The OWC ThunderBlade X12, OWC Active Optical Cable, and OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub aren’t just products; they’re game-changers designed to make seemingly impossible workflows fast, simple, and seamless.” He continued, “Whether you’re pushing the limits of 12K video, building the ultimate workstation, or staying connected across distances that used to appear unthinkable, these solutions are built to help you create, innovate, and dominate.”

OWC will showcase these groundbreaking products and more at the following media events:

• Pepcom’s Digital Experience! @ CES 2025: Monday, January 6, 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm at Caesars Palace, in the Octavius Ballroom
• ShowStoppers @ CES 2025: Tuesday, January 7, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, in the Grand Ballroom
• Everything Tech Event @ CES 2025: Wednesday, January 8, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Caesars Palace, in Milano 1 & 2

For those attending CES 2025 and/or the associated media events, to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an OWC executive, please contact Nicole Gorman, Gorman Communications, at nicole.gorman@gormancommunications.com.

About Other World Computing (OWC):

Founded in 1988, Other World Computing (OWC®) is a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs. OWC’s professional-grade storage, expansion, media cards, docks, and connectivity, as well as its apps and accessories, are built to last by the people who use it – creatives, businesses, and consumers. For further information, please visit www.owc.com. OWC can also be found on LinkedIn and X.

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