OWC Launches 4 TB Capacity of Its Aura Pro X2 SSD

[Nomad76]

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced the general availability (GA) release of a new 4 TB version of its OWC Aura Pro X2 SSD. The expanded storage option ensures Mac users enjoy speeds up to 5.5x faster and up to 32x more storage capacity, making it easier to tackle larger files, projects, and applications.

The new 4 TB version of the OWC Aura Pro X2 SSD is built for Macs running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later. Compatible with a wide range of MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac mini, and Mac Pro models (released from 2013 to 2019), it can deliver read and write speeds over 3200 MB/s (specific performance depends on Mac model).

"We hear it all the time… people love their Macs, but they're running out of space, and it just feels slow. Many think they need to buy a whole new machine just to keep up," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO of Other World Computing (OWC). "With the 4 TB Aura Pro X2, we're giving users the storage capacity and performance they need to keep their trusted Mac running like a pro, without the high cost of replacing it."

The Aura Pro X2 is built on a PCIe 4.0 NVMe foundation and features advanced technologies including:

• SLC caching for accelerated burst performance
• Advanced wear leveling for extended drive lifespan and intelligent garbage collection for advanced free space management
• End-to-end data path protection and TRIM support
• Lower power consumption than factory SSDs

OWC's intuitive DIY upgrade kits include all the necessary tools for installation, as well as transfer enclosures in select kits, to help users seamlessly migrate their data and retain their original drives as external storage. Most upgrades can be completed in about 15 minutes by following a free, step-by-step installation video. No complicated hacks or software workarounds are required, making it easy to give your Mac a significant boost with minimal effort.

Features:

• Up to 4.0 TB capacity - up to 32x the original Mac factory drive
• Up to 3241 MB/s write, 3226 MB/s read performance - up to 5.5x faster than the original Mac factory drive
• Compatible with APFS and macOS 10.13+
• Designed for Late 2013-Mid 2015 MacBook Pro, 2013-2017 MacBook Air, late 2013-2019 iMac 27" and 21.5" models, late 2014 Mac mini, and late 2013 Mac Pro models

The new 4 TB Aura Pro X2 SSD and upgrade kits are available now at macsales.com and through authorized resellers.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[Philaphlous]

This is the first instance ever of me hearing about OWC and I don't really think I live with my head in the sand...Storage is the one area where brand name is really important IMHO... GPU failure is one thing...losing all your precious data is another...

 

[ncrs]

This is the first instance ever of me hearing about OWC and I don't really think I live with my head in the sand...Storage is the one area where brand name is really important IMHO... GPU failure is one thing...losing all your precious data is another...

Are you into the Apple ecosystem? OWC has been focusing on that market for over 30 years now, and isn't really known among PC enthusiasts.

 

[Chaitanya]

Are you into the Apple ecosystem? OWC has been focusing on that market for over 30 years now, and isn't really known among PC enthusiasts.

Recently they have moved into photography space and their memory cards and readers offer excellent value for money and seem to be on par with anything that Sandisk/ProGrade/Lexar/Sony/Nextorage are offering. In general OWC is quite well regarded among photo/video market as well.

 

[Prima.Vera]

Woooooooooooooo, 4TB!! Never to be seen such a big size!! (more than 10 years ago, that is...)

 

[bonehead123]

Up to 3241 MB/s write, 3226 MB/s read performance

Wow, that's sooooo fast...........

n.O.t.....

That's less that 1/2 of what most other Gen 4 drives will produce under normal circumstances in a windows machine, w.t.f. is up with that ? Is the bus/pcie system in the '13-'19 Macs really THAT slow or what ?

Hell, even my little i5-powered, W10pro mini me box averages ~6800/6600 MB/s....and it's over 3 years old already... and if that's the best they can do, well I guess they really got some catchin up to do

This is the first instance ever of me hearing about OWC and I don't really think I live with my head in the sand...Storage is the one area where brand name is really important IMHO... GPU failure is one thing...losing all your precious data is another...

As already stated, they have been the place to go for Mac stuff since the early 80's, and have evolved somewhat into other stuff in recent years.... I can remember when my 1st wife bought her Blue & white G3 machine in the early 80's and back then, they were one of the few places to get parts/upgrades specifically made for apple machines, and boy, were they expensive compared to windows stuff

 

[tommo1982]

It's strange, not to say whether it is TLC or QLC and PCIe link speed.

 

[ypsylon]

Only advantage it's plug and play on the Mac proprietary M.2Apple.

For old Macs with Gen.3 speeds it kind of makes sense. Of course price wise it's still miles better than what Apple offers where they charge 250$ for 512GB of storage and OWC basically is Apple OEM storage at more sensible price point. Unless you absolutely need internal M.2A storage inside old Mac, just get TB3/4 enclosure with SN850X and forget it about this one.

 

[AsRock]

Lower power consumption than factory SSDs

Were did they make theirs if not in a factory ?, funny wording.

 

[bonehead123]

Were did they make theirs if not in a factory ?, funny wording.

I guess you missed that memo....

The one that says that almost everything about those older macs is uber mega f.U.n.N.u.N.y.......

 

[MCJAxolotl7]

Wow, that's sooooo fast...........

n.O.t.....

That's less that 1/2 of what most other Gen 4 drives will produce under normal circumstances in a windows machine, w.t.f. is up with that ? Is the bus/pcie system in the '13-'19 Macs really THAT slow or what ?

Hell, even my little i5-powered, W10pro mini me box averages ~6800/6600 MB/s....and it's over 3 years old already... and if that's the best they can do, well I guess they really got some catchin up to do


As already stated, they have been the place to go for Mac stuff since the early 80's, and have evolved somewhat into other stuff in recent years.... I can remember when my 1st wife bought her Blue & white G3 machine in the early 80's and back then, they were one of the few places to get parts/upgrades specifically made for apple machines, and boy, were they expensive compared to windows stuff

These are Gen 3 at best, Gen 2 at worst. No, they won't meet a Gen 4 drive in perf.