Best Thunderbolt RAIDs for Mac in 2023 (iMac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini)

🗓️ October 11, 2023 By ✍️ Jaysukh patel

If you frequently deal with large files or simply want to know how your data is being copied and saved locally, a RAID array could be a perfect storage solution. A RAID array is a collection of two or more independent hard drives that work together to form a single super hard drive. Thunderbolt 3 RAID solutions are the go-to choice for optimizing storage and data throughput on your Mac. These high-performance, dependable, and versatile storage arrays are designed to fulfill the demanding needs of creative professionals, enterprises, and Mac fans.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the top Thunderbolt 3 RAID for Mac alternatives for Mac users and assist you in finding the ideal fit to improve your storage and workflow efficiency.

1. SanDisk Professional

Specifications:

Pros of using SanDisk Professional:

• It is portable and offers huge storage capacity
• It works fine with laptops and desktops both
• 5 years warranty to fix issues

SanDisk Professional presents a cutting-edge storage solution designed for professionals seeking lightning-fast performance and ultimate data security. It is equipped with Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port to ensure lightning-fast data transfers and connectivity. It features dual 7200RPM Ultrastar hard drives, guaranteeing blazing speeds and reliability. The device supports daisy chaining for up to 5 additional devices for seamless scalability, streamlining your workflow. It arrives ready to go in RAID 0 for maximum performance but is configurable to RAID 1 (mirroring) for data redundancy and flexibility. Plus, with a generous 5-year limited warranty, you can trust for durability and reliability for upcoming years.

2. G-Technology

Specifications:

Pros of using G-Technology:

• Highly flexible and offers dual-drive storage
• It delivers high-speed data transfer to handle heavy workloads
• Sleek and stylish aluminum body

The G-RAID Thunderbolt 3 is a storage powerhouse that has dual 7200RPM Enterprise-class hard drives, ensuring the utmost performance for your heavy workloads and mission-critical data. It supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 and HDMI connectivity, offering unmatched flexibility for all your creative endeavors. You can transfer your HD photos and 4K footage at lightning speed, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. It is made from a sleek aluminum enclosure, which performs with precision and adds a touch of sophistication to your workspace. 

3. TERRAMASTER

Specifications:

Pros of using TERRAMASTER:

• High-speed cache memory
• It has an amazing storage capacity of up to 1 PB with SATA disks and SSDs
• Quiet, compact, and high-performing

The TERRAMASTER D16 Thunderbolt 3 redefines storage solutions for video editors and creative professionals. It includes a dedicated hardware RAID controller and high-speed cache memory to deliver true high-performance RAID protection for stable and speedy data transmission. It supports real-time multi-channel HD and 8K video editing, fully compatible with Macs featuring the M1 security chip. With dual Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, it performs lightning-fast transfer speeds up to 2100 MB/s in RAID 0 and 1800 MB/s in RAID 5, making it perfect for data-intensive tasks. It is compact and quiet, which seamlessly fits on your desktop. Moreover, it supports multi-screen displays and daisy-chaining for up to 6 devices, optimizing your workspace for maximum efficiency. 

4. QNAP

Specifications:

Pros of using QNAP:

• High-quality hardware and multimedia features
• It supports NAS functionality for stunning creativity
• Scalable and high-speed file-sharing

Experience effortless storage with the QNAP 6 Bay Thunderbolt NAS. It is equipped with six pre-installed and pre-configured 8TB Seagate IronWolf drives in RAID 5. You can easily set it up by plug and play, saving you time and worry. The IronWolf drives come with a three-year Rescue Data Recovery Services plan for added peace of mind. It is powered by an Intel Core i3-8100t 4-Core 3.1 GHz Processor with 64-bit architecture and Intel UHD Graphics 630 to deliver high performance and faster workflow. Connectivity options include 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports and 1 10GBase-T RJ45, supporting various speeds. With QNAP’s trusted performance and reliability, this NAS is ideal for professionals seeking efficient and secure storage.

5. LaCie 

Specifications:

Pros of using LaCie:

• Reliable and offers high-performance
• It offers a 5-year protection warranty
• High-speed backup and file ingestion

If you are the one who often deals with laptop work and needs faster transmission, then LaCie is a great option. It has a massive 12TB capacity and speeds of up to 440MB/s to ensure data storage needs. It features convenient SD and CF card slots for direct file ingestion, a USB 3.0 hub for charging devices and quick footage transfer, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining, a USB 3.1 port, and a display port for high-res monitors. You can effortlessly configure RAID 0/1 using the step-by-step wizard for performance or redundancy optimization. With hot-swappable IronWolf Pro enterprise-class drives, this drive ensures ultimate reliability and performance. Plus, the included five-year limited warranty, along with Rescue Data Recovery Services, provides long-term peace of mind and support service in case of future issues. 

6. Glyph Production Technologies

Specifications:

Pros of using Glyph Production Technologies:

• It comes with a Cooling Fan and external power adapter
• It offers high-speed transfer
• Perfect for handling heavy workflows

The Glyph Blackbox PRO RAID Thunderbolt 3 is the pinnacle of high-performance, ultra-reliable hardware RAID. It offers optional card reader/hub combos for efficient media ingest or peripheral connectivity. With dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can daisy-chain up to 5 additional devices, simplifying your workspace. Featuring up to 40TB of fast 7,200 RPM Enterprise-class hard drives, it offers speeds of up to 550 MB/s for important workflows and mission-critical projects. It provides flexibility for speed or redundancy without the hassle of slow software-based RAID setups. The best thing is it is designed for both Mac and Windows users to offer the ultimate storage solution and exceptional performance. 

7. OWC

Specifications:

Pros of using OWC:

• Reliable and highly configurable
• It allows vertical and horizontal orientation
• Compact in size but offers faster output

The OWC Express 4M2 redefines high-performance storage with its compact design and remarkable versatility. Featuring four easily accessible M.2 NVMe SSD slots, this powerhouse is customizable to fit any workflow, whether vertically or horizontally positioned, thanks to its vibration-damping feet. It has the capacity to install up to 8TB and deliver mind-bending speeds of up to 2800MB/s via Thunderbolt 3. You can configure and expand your storage pool effortlessly. If you need speed, flexibility, and world-renowned OWC quality to complete your project with ease and productivity, then OWC is a versatile solution for both Mac and Windows users. 

Conclusion

The world of Thunderbolt RAID systems for iMac offers a diverse range of options, each catering to specific storage and performance needs. Whether you prioritize speed, data redundancy, or a combination of both, a RAID solution can transform your Mac into a storage powerhouse. With these devices, users can effortlessly handle large multimedia projects, safeguard critical data, and streamline their workflow. 

As technology continues to evolve, these Thunderbolt 3 RAID systems remain essential tools for creative professionals and businesses seeking seamless, high-performance storage solutions on their Macs. Keep the above things in mind, make your choice wisely, and elevate your Mac’s storage game.

Which one do you find interesting from the above Raid system for Mac? Do comment your ideas and suggestions in the comment box; we would love to consider your thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

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