OWC (Other World Computing) has expanded the maximum capacity of its ThunderBlade X12 production shuttle RAID SSD to 192TB, doubling the previous limit of 96TB. The update comes roughly a year after the ThunderBlade X12 was introduced as one of the first external RAID solutions built around Thunderbolt 5, and it is aimed primarily at video-centric workflows where storage demands continue to increase rapidly.

The ThunderBlade X12 is a portable RAID system that uses twelve NVMe M.2 SSDs. The capacity increase is achieved by supporting 16TB SSDs in each slot, replacing the earlier 8TB ceiling per drive, thus resulting in a total capacity of 192TB within the same compact chassis. While such capacity exceeds the needs of most still photographers, it aligns more closely with the requirements of high-resolution video production, where multi-camera 6K, 8K, or higher-resolution RAW formats can generate terabytes of data in a short time.

Performance remains the primary focus of the ThunderBlade X12: using Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, the device is rated for peak write speeds of up to 6,600MB/s and sustained write speeds of approximately 5,990MB/s. These figures are intended to support continuous, bandwidth-intensive tasks such as real-time playback and editing of large RAW video files, as well as fast offloading of media on set. OWC states that the ThunderBlade X12 is currently the only shuttle-style RAID solution on the market built around Thunderbolt 5.

The enclosure uses a fanless aluminum chassis for passive heat dissipation, allowing the system to maintain performance under sustained loads without introducing additional noise, and physical design elements include non-slip rubber feet, a locking power connector, and cable retention features intended to reduce the risk of accidental disconnection during use. OWC also ships the unit with a custom-fit ballistic hard-shell case, reinforcing its role as a transportable production drive.