In case your laptop computer wants some quick and comparatively moveable storage capability, Different World Computing introduced a second-generation model of its ThunderBlade system at CES 2024 on Monday.
The brand new ThunderBlade X8 affords 17% extra capability in RAID 4 or RAID 5 than its predecessor and transfers knowledge 17% sooner when linked to Macs utilizing Apple’s M-series processors. The system prices $1,750 for an 8TB mannequin and $2,750 for a 16TB mannequin. A 32GB choice is because of go on sale “quickly.”
I’ve examined the first-generation ThunderBlade system, an SSD array that connects to laptops with a high-speed Thunderbolt connection, and located it dependable and quick, good for picture and video editors who want velocity, capability and reliability. It could shield knowledge with RAID know-how that preserves recordsdata even when any single SSD within the array fails.
It is a premium product, however loads of laptops simply haven’t got sufficient storage capability for critical work, and execs usually are keen to pay additional to keep away from slowdowns whereas ready for recordsdata to load and save. Beefy peripherals like this assist laptops match a number of the energy of desktop computer systems.
The system holds as much as eight 4TB NVMe M.2 2242 SSDs for a uncooked capability as much as 32TB. Its knowledge switch velocity reaches a rip-snorting 2.9 gigabytes per second. As a result of the sooner ThunderBlade makes use of 4 bodily bigger 2280 SSDs which might be out there in 8TB sizes, the outdated and new ThunderBlades every max out at 32GB for now. The ThunderBlade X8 can use seven of eight SSDs for knowledge storage and the eighth for knowledge safety, although, which accounts for its bigger RAID capability and efficiency increase.
Like the sooner ThunderBlade, it must be plugged into the wall for energy. It is not bus-powered, drawing electrical energy from its Thunderbolt 3 connection to the laptop computer, a handy choice out there for lower-performance SSDs. But it surely’s quick, fanless and has a second Thunderbolt port that permits you to join a daisy chain of different Thunderbolt gadgets like screens or further storage techniques.
Additionally new with the ThunderBlade X8 is an influence connection redesigned to be extra rugged and a brand new LED standing mild that is much less obtrusive for folks utilizing the system on a video manufacturing set. It is designed for use on the transfer and ships in a rugged hard-shell case.
