OWC (Other World Computing), which has previously launched many Thunderbolt accessories, announced at CES 2025 the ThunderBlade X5, a new RAID storage device built with Intel Thunderbolt 12 specifications. It also launched an active optical cable compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 specifications, and simultaneously launched a Thunderbolt 5 hub accessory.
ThunderBlade X12是針對影音創作者等使用需求打造，其中能以相容USB4的Thunderbolt 5連接介面，搭配支援RAID 0、RAID 1、RAID 5與RAID 10配置，對應12TB至96TB儲存容量，以及最高可達每秒6500MB的資料傳輸量，讓製作4K、6K、8K或12K RAW格式影片，或是立體360度VR內容的內容創作效率提升。
OWC's new active optical fiber cable is compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 specifications, providing a stable 40Gb/s data transfer bandwidth and up to 240W of power (within a 3-meter length). It can play 15K native resolution video content within a 8-meter distance, breaking the 4-meter limit on the optimal transmission performance of USB2 or Thunderbolt cables built with USB-C.
The Thunderbolt 5 Hub accessory launched this time provides 3 sets of Thunderbolt 5 ports and 1 set of USB-A ports, which can be used for data transmission at a maximum transmission rate of 80Gb/s, and for display output at a transmission rate of 120Gb/s. The maximum power supply can reach 140W, which is compatible with PC or Mac devices and compatible with USB, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort and other connection specifications.
In terms of suggested retail price, the specific price of ThunderBlade X12 has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to enter the market in March this year. The suggested retail price of the active optical fiber cable launched this time is US$3 from 3 meters, and the suggested retail price of Thunderbolt 98.99 Hub is US$5.
