Following Apple's launch of MacBook Pro models equipped with Thunderbolt 2 ports, PROMISE Technology has announced new Thunderbolt 2 RAID systems for users needing the fastest possible storage.
The company says its Pegasus2 line of RAID arrays allow for simultaneous transfer and display of 3D and 4K video files. It will work with the new MacBook Pro with Retina display, as well as the new Mac Pro when it launches this December.
Pegasus2, the ideal external RAID storage solution, is available in 4-bay, 6-bay and 8-bay enclosures, and maximizes the available line rate of Thunderbolt 2 by providing blistering fast transfer speeds for a growing number of 4K applications. With two Thunderbolt 2 ports, 6 devices can be attached – allowing for daisy chaining of up to 6 Pegasus enclosure units, Apple Thunderbolt Displays, or Mini DisplayPort devices.
As the first and only RAID 5 solution with Thunderbolt 2 technology, Pegasus2 delivers enterprise-level hardware RAID protection in a portable package that can be taken almost anywhere - perfect for photographers, filmmakers, and other multimedia professionals.
PROMISE will be offering the Pegasus2 in 8TB, 12TB, 18TB, 24TB and 32TB capacities through the Apple Online Store and elsewhere, though the systems -- and pricing -- are not yet live on the Apple Store.
The company also announced the SANLink2, aThunderbolt 2 bridge that provides dual 8Gbps Fibre Channel ports for connection to other RAID systems. Both the SANLink2 and the new Pegasus2 line are fully backwards compatible with the Thunderbolt 1 ports in older Apple devices.
Thunderbolt 2 was announced earlier this year by Intel and both the new MacBook Pro and the upcoming Mac Pro will include it. The connection enables two 20Gbps bidirectional channels, allowing 4K video to travel over a single cable and theoretical transfer rates of 800-900MB/s for storage arrays. This is roughly twice as fast as Thunderbolt 1. It is aimed at high-end video editors and users who need the ultimate in expansion capabilities.
Update: PROMISE has now provided MacRumors with pricing details on the forthcoming Pegasus2 RAID storage arrays:
- Pegasus2 R4 (4-bay): 4x2TB $1499
- Pegasus2 R6 (6 bay): 6x2TB $2299, 6x3TB $2999
- Pegasus2 R8 (8-bay): 8x3TB $3599, 8x4TB $4599
Top Rated Comments
You can use the cheaper more ubiquitous USB 3 port instead - you have an option & it is not there for joe blow consumer - it is 'pro' tech, for editors and so on, and will therefore cost more...as all pro tech does!
What does that equate to in "first borns"?
But... but... I use a computer at work to do spreadsheets, so since I make money with my computer doesn't that make me a Pro user? ;)
The people who "need" these kinds of peripherals are willing to pay these prices because it translates into a real return in terms of faster rendering, or loading, etc. The rest of us just want them, like we want a Ferrari, but can't afford it and definitely don't need it.
I can't imagine how anyone would think this product is aimed at "consumers".