OWC, a leading provider of high-performance storage solutions, has unveiled SoftRAID 8, the most substantial update to its RAID software in fifteen years. This latest iteration represents a significant leap in RAID technology, offering enhanced speed, reliability, and cross-platform functionality for both Mac and Windows users.
SoftRAID 8 introduces a suite of new features and improvements, chief among them is its ability to deliver lightning-fast RAID speeds. The software supports RAID levels 0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0 (10), enabling users to choose the optimal balance between performance and redundancy for their specific needs. With the latest driver technology, SoftRAID 8 can achieve transfer rates up to 26GB/s, making it one of the fastest RAID solutions available on the market.
Predictive failure monitoring is another cornerstone of SoftRAID 8, ensuring data integrity and system reliability. The SoftRAID Monitor tool can predict and diagnose potential disk failures months in advance, providing users with ample time to take preventive measures. This proactive approach to disk health is invaluable for maintaining continuous access to critical data.
SoftRAID 8 has been redesigned to be more efficient, particularly on macOS, where it now uses as little as one-quarter of the system resources compared to its predecessor, SoftRAID 7.6. Apple silicon users will experience up to 50% faster RAID 4 and 5 PCIe write speeds, while Windows users can enjoy up to 175% faster speeds with RAID 5 formatted in NTFS.
The software’s efficiency extends to its support for USB4 on both macOS and Windows, ensuring future compatibility with upcoming USB technologies. Additionally, Windows users now have access to RAID 4 and APFS support, further enhancing the software’s versatility.
SoftRAID 8 is available in two tiers: Standard and Premium. The Standard version is free and offers essential RAID features, such as unrestricted data access, intuitive rebuilds, and OS compatibility updates. The Premium tier, available through a subscription, provides additional capabilities like the fastest RAID volumes creation, proactive failure detection, and access to OWC’s award-winning Pro support.
With this release, OWC continues its tradition of providing cutting-edge, reliable storage solutions. SoftRAID 8’s blend of speed, flexibility, and reliability makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to manage RAID arrays effectively, from multimedia professionals to critical business data handlers.
- Performance Improvements:
- Achieves up to 26,000 MB/s speed, with 4X greater efficiency on macOS.
- Up to 50% faster PCIe RAID 4 and 5 write speeds on Apple silicon machines.
- Windows RAID 5 speeds increased by up to 175%.
- Predictive Failure Monitoring:
- Enhanced health checks for flash arrays, including expanded NVMe SMART monitoring.
- Continues HDD/SDD monitoring within SoftRAID Monitor.
- Windows Enhancements:
- New support for RAID 4 and APFS volumes.
- Extended SMART monitoring over USB.
- Email Notifications:
- Rich email notifications providing health reports.
- Direct escalation path to OWC Support.
- Future-Ready:
- USB4 support on both macOS and Windows, preparing for next-generation USB arrays.
For more information and to purchase SoftRAID 8, visit OWC’s official website.
