OWC is now taking pre-orders for the Express 4M2 Ultra, a new four-slot NVMe SSD enclosure built around Thunderbolt 5. Starting at $399.99, the device targets creators, editors, and power users who need far more speed and flexibility than standard external SSDs.
OWC state that Express 4M2 Ultra can deliver real-world transfer speeds of up to 6,622 MB/s with supported SSDs. That level of throughput is designed for demanding workflows such as 12K RAW editing, 8K multi-camera timelines, batch image processing.
The enclosure supports up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs in 2280 or 2242 formats. Buyers can install their own drives and configure RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, 10, or JBOD depending on whether they want maximum speed, redundancy, or a mix of both. SoftRAID software is available in select bundles.
Thunderbolt 5 provides up to 80Gbps bandwidth, but the unit also works with older systems, including notebooks found in the Thunderbolt 5 laptops segment. OWC lists speeds up to 3,200 MB/s on Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 hardware, while Intel Macs with Thunderbolt 3 can reach up to 2,800 MB/s, making it relevant for users still using devices like the Apple MacBook Air M5. RAID arrays built with PCIe 3.0 SSDs can still hit up to 3,800 MB/s.
Storage capacity reaches up to 32TB in one enclosure with current 8TB drives. Buyers can also link multiple units through the second Thunderbolt 5 port to create larger storage pools, similar to workstation-style setups used with the UGreen Maxidok Thunderbolt 5 Docking Stations. OWC says four connected enclosures can reach 128TB and beyond depending on drive size.
The second Thunderbolt 5 port can also connect up to five more Thunderbolt devices plus one USB peripheral, helping users add displays, docks, or more storage through the same chain, which suits multi-device workflows built around the OWC MacBook Neo accessories lineup.
The chassis is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and includes a smart adaptive fan that activates when needed to keep SSD temperatures under control during sustained workloads. OWC says the cooling system is tuned for quiet operation.
In the box, buyers get a 0.7-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable, 90W external power adapter, and a two-year limited warranty.
Pricing starts at $399.99 for the standard enclosure without SoftRAID. A version bundled with SoftRAID starts at $549.99. OWC says shipping begins in Q3 2026.
OWC Express 4M2 Ultra: Key Specifications
| Product | OWC Express 4M2 Ultra |
| Drive Bays | 4× M.2 NVMe (2242 / 2280) |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 5 |
| Max Speed | Up to 6,622 MB/s |
| RAID Modes | 0, 1, 4, 5, 10, JBOD |
| Capacity | Up to 32TB per unit |
| Expansion | Daisy-chain multiple units |
| Compatibility | TB5, TB4, USB4, TB3 Macs |
| Included Cable | 0.7m Thunderbolt 5 |
| Power Supply | 90W external adapter |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price | $399.99 / $549.99 |
Source: OWC
