First 20Gbps Thunderbolt 2 RAID Arrays Now Shipping Ahead of Mac Pro Release

PROMISE Technology is now shipping its Thunderbolt 2 RAID systems ahead of the new Mac Pro's promised December release. The arrays were first announced back in October but are now available through a number of retail channels.

The Pegasus2 line of RAID arrays allow for simultaneous transfer and display of 3D and 4K video files. They work with the new MacBook Pro with Retina display released in October, as well as the new Mac Pro when it launches later this month.

Pegasus2

"Pegasus2 is truly one-of-a-kind, as there has never before been a storage solution that offered such an incredible combination of performance, mobility, and simplicity," said James Lee, CEO, PROMISE Technology. "We are thrilled that Pegasus2 is the first storage solution available with Thunderbolt 2 -- this further illustrates PROMISE's position as a leader in Thunderbolt technology."

The Pegasus 2 is available in 4-bay, 6-bay, and 8-bay configurations with 8TB, 12TB, 18TB, 24TB and 32TB capacities through the Apple Online Store and elsewhere. Pricing ranges from $1,499 to $4,599, though some retailers are offering modest discounts off PROMISE's MSRP.

- Pegasus2 R4 (4-bay): Diskless $699, 4x2TB $1,499
- Pegasus2 R6 (6 bay): 6x2TB $2,299, 6x3TB $2,999
- Pegasus2 R8 (8-bay): 8x3TB $3,599, 8x4TB $4,599

The new Mac Pro, which will include six Thunderbolt 2 ports, is expected to begin shipping later this month.

Top Rated Comments

SimonTheSoundMa Avatar
124 months ago
If Apple made this, it would come with 5,200 RPM drives.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WestonHarvey1 Avatar
124 months ago
If you don't know why you'd buy this, then you don't need it. If you do need it, you'd realise why it's priced as it is.
This a lazy response that reeks of elitist snobbery and does nothing to answer the question asked.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
beaker7 Avatar
124 months ago
I am not sure why they even need 20Gbps Thunderbolt on these devices. It´s not like you can saturate that with the included drives. You would need enterprise level spindles or SSDs instead.
RAID 0 on the r8 would probably get you about 1200 MB/s on paper. Plus 4K passthrough for displays.

Plus the new one is black to match the Mac Pro which is by far the most important attribute for working professionals.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
keysofanxiety Avatar
124 months ago
And why would I want to pay $4,600 for a 20TB Thunderbolt system when I paid $1,700 for a 20TB Drobo 5D over a year ago……and I can put whatever drives I want in it… :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

If you don't know why you'd buy this, then you don't need it. If you do need it, you'd realise why it's priced as it is.

Luckily I don't need it, so my bank balance survives another day (barely). Hurrah!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BreuerEditor Avatar
124 months ago
And why would I want to pay $4,600 for a 20TB Thunderbolt system when I paid $1,700 for a 20TB Drobo 5D over a year ago……and I can put whatever drives I want in it… :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dulcimer Avatar
124 months ago
Someone please correct my ignorance: what's the point of Thunderbolt 2 being used with hard drives if the drives have read/write speeds significantly slower than the throughput capable of T2?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)