CES 2025: OWC Launches ThunderBlade X12, Active Optical Cable and Thunderbolt 5 Hub

Other World Computing, Inc. (OWC) announced its latest innovations: the ThunderBlade X12, a game-changing professional-grade RAID solution – the next step in the company’s Thunderbolt 5 solutions; and the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, for long-distance connectivity without compromising speed or reliability.

Thunderbolt 5 Hub

The company also announced the availability of the Thunderbolt 5 Hub, redefining workflow efficiency with its connectivity.

ThunderBlade X12

The 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.

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 ThunderBlade X12 will be available in March.

OWC Active Optical Cable

The Active Optical Cable is a fast, and reliable solution for cost-effective long-distance connectivity of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. It provides up to 40Gb 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 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

OWC USB4 40Gb Active Optical Cable is available in 2 lengths:

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

OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub

Available, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is a compact connectivity solution to solve the big problem of not having enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. Now user can turn a single cable connection from your machine into 3 Thunderbolt 5 ports and 1 USB-A port. With up to 80Gb of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb for higher display bandwidth needs, user will redefine its 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 of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb 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 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 Hub is available for $189.99

“Creatives and professionals don’t just need tools – they need breakthroughs,” said Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO, 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.”

The company will showcase these products and more at following media events:

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