r/OWC

Hello! I have a question. I currently have a Thunderbay 4 and need to get fifth drive as a backup. Can I use a non-raid unit, i.e. OWC dual dock or other docks and use it to certify the new drive? I have the full version of Softraid. Or do I need to physically remove all my drives and certify this one spare drive inside the Thunderbay 4 raid unit? Thanks in advance!

I have:

• OWC Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Reader
• One Nextorage A2 SE 512GB CFexpress 4.0 Type A card

This memory card is for use in my Sony A7RV. It's an impressive card and I'm glad I got this reader (from OWC's sales site) rather than amazon since prices were similar and I trust the OWC brand very highly. It should be the most futureproof possible option as it comes with the B to A adapter card which I am using now, but it means I can use this reader if I end up with a CFe type B card in the future. I observed blistering 2200MB/s write speed and 1500MB/s reads with the reader and card.

I just have a pretty specific question. The manual for this reader states:

>The OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Reader contains a switch that enables Innergize support when connected over USB4 | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 3. Toggling the OWC Innergize support switch from "USB4" to the "OWC Innergize support" symbol enables OWC Innergize support.

- The card reader connection converts from "USB4 | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 3" to "USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s)".
- Toggling the switch to enable Innergize support additionally provides macOS 10.13 and later compatibility.
- The switch doesn't need to be toggled to the Innergize symbol if the card reader is connected over USB 3.2 | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0.

This is needlessly cryptic, I just wanted a human to validate for me my interpretation:

1. Innergize is a software that can provide some useful features for OWC branded storage media like see endurance levels, perform "media optimization", perform firmware updates. None of which I intend to or would be able to use
2. enabling innergize prevents fast USB4/TB3/TB4 connectivity mode, locking to USB3.2 Gen 2 10Gb/s mode. The understanding is that the circuitry in place for providing the innergize functionality and capabilities cannot function over PCIe and need USB3 to work.
3. The reason it specifically goes to USB3.2 Gen 2 10Gb/s is that that is supposed to be also supported on USB4/TB host systems but normally the connection would auto negotiate to the faster USB4/TB mode.

I just think the documentation could be a lot more clear with users about how they should be turning that mode off under typical usage, if they want to enjoy full read/write speed with their CFexpress cards. I think only CFexpress Type A 2.0 cards wouldn't be held back by a USB3.2 Gen 2 10Gb/s connection.

Hi , am trying to get some manuals for my Thunderbay 4 , Thunderbolt 2 version but the website vomits back a

{"error":{"status-code":"403","message":"Abnormal Traffic Detected PjFHKavx","request-id":"fbe9fe3bb56e1497c1ec90c331a17b97"}}

Is there an alternative link i can access those files? Thanks

I’ve been looking at getting a DAS for my Mac Mini for photo editing and data storage long term.

I’ve looked at dozens from TerraMaster, IcyBox, QNAP and even StarTech.

But I’m sold by the reliability of OWC, I absolutely love my Express 1M2 80G but I really need some sort of permanent desktop storage.

I’m not interested in a NAS.

So, I’m just curious, will the Thunderbay 4 ever get an upgrade? It’s been 12 years… and I don’t want to invest $500+ into some hardware that’s ancient by now.

If there’s no upgrade in sight, what would you guys recommend?

Thanks!