The OWC ThunderBay 8 RAID 5 Edition is an 8-bay external drive enclosure designed for high-capacity storage needs. It features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, allowing for daisy-chaining up to six units for a massive 960TB of storage. The enclosure supports both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SSDs/HDDs, making it versatile for various storage solutions.

One of the standout features is its plug-and-play functionality, requiring no additional drivers. The included SoftRAID XT software simplifies RAID setup, though some users noted that the documentation could be more straightforward. The build quality is robust, with metal construction that feels durable and premium.

However, not all experiences have been positive. Some users reported issues with the system becoming unresponsive after several days of use, regardless of the connected computer's operating system. This has led to frustration, especially given the product's high price point.

On the plus side, customer support from OWC has been praised for being responsive and helpful. The enclosure's design allows for quick drive swaps with thumb screw release trays, adding to its convenience.

In summary, while the OWC ThunderBay 8 offers impressive build quality and high-capacity storage options, potential buyers should be aware of possible reliability issues and the need for additional investments in fan upgrades or dust filters to optimize performance and usability.