Other World Computing announced today higher data throughput and USB 3.0 compatibility for its multi-interface, four-bay professional-grade Mercury Elite Qx2 RAID storage product for enterprise, professional and prosumer users.
The Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 is now compatible with native USB 3.0 ‘SuperSpeed’ interface technology, in addition to offering FireWire 800 and eSATA connectivity. The improved Elite Pro Qx2 features four hot-swap bays, diverse multiple interface support, and up to 16TB of available storage capacity. It is engineered specifically for applications such as backup, audio/video, photography, data management, and data-intensive applications. Massive data storage and backup capacity, inter-operable interface support, user-selectable RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, span, and independent modes all provide the speed, capacity, and redundancy necessary to meet a wide array of application requirements.
Four Prosumer Models Available:
- 4.0TB 7200RPM OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 (1TB x 4)
- 8.0TB 7200RPM OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 (2TB x 4)
- 12.0TB 7200RPM OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 (3TB x 4)
- 16.0TB 7200RPM OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 (4TB x 4)
The Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 is available in four enterprise-class options that also range from 4TB to 16TB solutions as well as a 0GB option with no drives included. Every Qx2 model includes all connecting cables, locking keys, documentation, and a disk utility software bundle valued at more than $100 (retail). Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 units are backed with an up to five-year warranty. For more information and immediate availability, please visit: OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2.
Comprehensive ‘Burn-in’ Test Ensures Highest Reliability
Unlike most other companies, which assemble and ship their products with little or no testing, each OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 undergoes a multi-hour “burn-in” performance certification procedure prior to shipping. This ensures every Elite Pro Qx2 is operating properly and that the installed drives are ready for demanding use. Burn-in time depends upon the capacity model with the 16.0TB models enduring stress/burn-in testing in excess of 30 hours.
Built for Demanding, Performance-Intensive Applications
The Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 is built for demanding and performance-intensive professional applications such as audio/video editing, HD-video, digital photography, professional music, graphics, and redundant backup. It was engineered for professionals that require high-level data storage performance and reliability. The Elite Pro Qx2 is pre-configured in a Hardware RAID 5 mode to provide optimal performance with data redundancy, and to ensure uninterrupted access to stored data. Its also protects against data loss. In addition, the Elite Pro Qx2 can be easily user configured between RAID 0, 1, 5, or 10, and can be set to non-RAID ‘span’ and independent drive settings. To read how the Qx2 fits into the production workflow of professional users, visit the OWC Pro Corner.
Plug & Play Desktop RAID for Mac & PC
Thanks to a variety of convenient features, adding the Elite Pro Qx2 to any Mac or PC is plug-and-play easy. FireWire 800 (two), USB 3.0, and eSATA interfaces provide compatibility with multiple operating systems and computers. Front panel LEDs allow for at-a-glance system status checks. A removable key lock ensures the installed hard drives and selected RAID mode remain secure. The Elite Pro Qx2 makes it easier than ever to get the most out of your Mac.
Backed By the Best Support in the Industry
The best warranty is one a consumer will never have to use, but should the need occur, OWC is proud to provide a superior level of support and warranty coverage. Each OWC Mercury Elite Pro Qx2 comes with free lifetime, US-based 24/7 technical support, an up to a five-year warranty (which includes a 48-hour repair turnaround time guarantee), and six months of complimentary Level 1 data recovery.
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Will the original models without USB 3 be offered at a lower price?
We can’t talk about the future pricing of products here, but you can bookmark blog.macsales.com and check back often for any updates.
The Prior generation QX2 is all buy sold out – there are a few units left here of the Enterprise class:
http://eshop.macsales.com/search/OWCMEQX2
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separately..
As a note on Thnunderbolt – yes – it is in the roadmap. That said, the current swath of multi-interface support serves the needs for a significant portion of the audience which doesn’t have Thunderbolt yet as well. Our 4-Bay RAID solution with Thunderbolt in in dev, will have a higher cost, and will either be Thunderbolt only or Thunderbolt + USB3 – likely the latter. :)
“.. a significant portion of the audience which doesn’t have Thunderbolt yet as well.”
Note that Thunderbolt started shipping on Macs before USB3.
Technically, more of your Mac customers are Thunderbolt ready than USB3 ready. ;-)
In my case, my 2 laptops and 2 desktops have Thunderbolt. But only 1 desktop has USB3.
USB 3 is nice, but waiting for Thunderbolt.
Why no Thunderbolt connection ?
They are under Intel’s NDA. They’re not allowed to talk about development details.