OWC has started taking preorders for the Envoy Ultra external SSD, which features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. This portable drive boasts impressive transfer speeds of over 6,000 MB/s and works seamlessly with both PCs and Macs. It is powered through the bus, eliminating the need for an external power source. The sturdy aluminum casing is designed to be crushproof, as well as resistant to dust and water.
Thunderbolt Technology Evolution
The Thunderbolt interface, created by Intel and Apple, was introduced as an upgrade to the older Firewire interface. Thunderbolt 5 is backward compatible with USB-C ports that adhere to the USB4 2.0 specification and can handle transfer speeds exceeding 10,000 MB/s. Additionally, the OWC drive is compatible with older USB standards, including Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports, although these will result in slower transfer rates.
Compatibility Considerations
Currently, very few devices and computers support Thunderbolt 5. Therefore, users looking to maximize the transfer speed of the Envoy Ultra drive will need to invest in new computers equipped with Thunderbolt 5 ports, such as the Razer Blade 18 2024 available on Amazon.
The OWC Envoy Ultra is available for preorder in two storage options. The 2TB version is priced at $399.99, while the 4TB version has a price tag of $599.99. Shipments for these models are anticipated to start in late October.
OWC press release, OWC
Announcing the Fastest OWC External SSD and Our First Thunderbolt 5 Drive: Envoy Ultra
