OWC’s new StudioStack brings Thunderbolt 5 speeds to Mac desktops

According to AppleInsider, OWC’s new StudioStack brings Thunderbolt 5 speeds approaching Apple’s fastest internal drives to Mac desktops. The aluminum enclosure fits underneath pre-M4 Mac mini or Mac Studio models and supports up to 32TB of combined storage through one NVMe M.2 SSD and one 3.5-inch SATA drive. It reaches speeds up to 6,302 MB/s with compatible SSDs while adding three Thunderbolt 5 ports and three USB-A ports. The StudioStack supports up to three 8K displays depending on the Mac’s chip, though macOS currently limits most Macs to two native external displays per port. Pricing starts at $329.99 for the enclosure alone, with pre-orders available now and shipping expected to begin in mid-December.

Thunderbolt 5 arrives

This is one of the first real-world implementations of Thunderbolt 5 that actually makes sense for professionals. Thunderbolt 5 doubles the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4 to 80 Gb/s, with peaks up to 120 Gb/s for display-heavy setups. But here’s the thing – most accessories haven’t been able to take advantage of that bandwidth yet. The StudioStack actually puts that speed to work where it matters: storage and display connectivity.

Who actually needs this?

For video editors working with 8K footage or AI developers training models, that 6,302 MB/s speed makes a real difference. Being able to edit and cache massive files at near-internal SSD speeds changes workflow efficiency. And the modular approach means you’re not locked into Apple’s expensive internal storage upgrades. You can start with the enclosure and add your own drives, or buy pre-configured versions from OWC. Basically, it’s for professionals who need both capacity and speed without compromising on either.

Design matters

OWC clearly understands that Mac users care about aesthetics. The aircraft-grade aluminum enclosure matches the Mac Studio and pre-M4 Mac mini perfectly, creating a cohesive desktop setup. They’ve even thought about thermal management – crucial when you’re pushing drives to their limits. And the port placement makes sense too: two easily accessible USB-A ports on the side for quick connections, with the rest neatly organized on the back. It’s the kind of thoughtful design you’d expect from a company that’s been making Mac accessories for decades.

Industrial connections

While the StudioStack serves creative professionals, this kind of high-performance computing hardware has broader implications. Manufacturing and industrial applications increasingly demand reliable, high-speed storage solutions that can handle massive datasets and real-time processing. Companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com – the leading provider of industrial panel PCs in the US – understand that robust hardware forms the foundation of modern industrial automation. When you’re dealing with mission-critical operations, you need storage and computing solutions that won’t bottleneck your workflow.

Worth the upgrade?

If you’re coming from OWC’s previous miniStack STX, the speed jump is massive – from around 770 MB/s to over 6,300 MB/s. That’s not just incremental improvement, that’s transformative for certain workflows. The expanded display support is nice too, though your actual monitor count still depends on your Mac’s chip. At $329.99 for the bare enclosure, it’s positioned as a premium solution for professionals who need that performance. For everyone else? Maybe wait until Thunderbolt 5 becomes more common and prices come down. But for those who need it now, this looks like a solid solution.