OWC’s new Thunderbolt 5 SSD transfers data at up to 6000 MBps

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Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD
OWC just launched a rugged external SSD with Thunderbolt 5
Photo: Other World Computing

Other World Computing’s Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD is for professionals needing the fastest data transfer rate available. The external solid state drive can move files at up to 6000 MBps or more, making it up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.

Plus, the SSD is rugged and designed to be ready to go wherever needed.

Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD: Wicked fast

Average consumers can put up with SSDs that transfer data at only 10 Gbps. But for professionals, time is money. Anyone working with collections of very large files — like 8K video — needs the fastest option they can get.

The OWC Envoy Ultra SSD supports Thunderbolt 5, the latest version of the standard. This doubles the speed of its predecessor, with a theoretical max of 10,000 MBps, though OWC doesn’t claim its drive can go that fast. The drive is also backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB4.

“Intel’s innovative Thunderbolt 5 technology sets a new standard for performance and simple connectivity, and OWC’s Envoy Ultra SSD is a perfect example of how this technology can be harnessed to meet the needs of today’s most demanding users,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing.

Rough and ready

Beyond ultra-fast file transfers, OWC’s new SSD is no shrinking violet that needs to stay in an office. The accessory-maker promises it’s water-resistant, dust-resistant and crushproof.

It connects to a computer via a single built-in USB-C cable. No additional power cable is necessary, nor is a fan. An aluminum casing sheds heat.

Because it uses USB-C, the SSD is compatible with Mac, iPad, Windows PC and Chromebook. Naturally, not all of these computers support Thunderbolt 5, which makes the drive’s support for older standards important.

Pre-orders start Thursday

The new Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD comes in 2 TB and 4 TB capacities for $399.99 and $599.99 respectively. It can be pre-ordered now, and shipments start in late October.

Buy it from: OWC

OWC already offers a range of other accessories, like Thunderbolt-enabled docks with plenty of ports.

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