OWC Expands Thunderbolt 5 Lineup with StudioStack and Mercury Helios 5S

Other World Computing (OWC) announced the launch of the StudioStack, a fast, and hight-capacity Thunderbolt 5 stackable hybrid storage solution for Mac Studio and Mac mini machines. In addition, the company announced the Mercury Helios 5S, a way to utilize PCIe cards with Thunderbolt 5/4/3 and USB4 notebooks and small form factor computers like the Mac Studio, as well as add more Thunderbolt 5 ports.

StudioStack

StudioStack front and rear

With the StudioStack, users can upgrade their Mac Studio and Mac mini devices with the fastest and highest capacity stackable hybrid storage solution on the planet – all wrapped up in an aircraft-grade aluminum that nestles perfectly underneath your setup.

Key Features:

• Internal Class Speed: Up to 6,302MB/s real-world performance
• Capacity: Up to 8TB NVMe SSD and up to 24TB HDD storage space
• Expanded Connectivity: 3 Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) 80Gb/s and 3 USB-A 10Gb/s ports for more device, display, and drive possibilities
• Widely Compatible: Use with Thunderbolt 5/4, USB4 Macs and PCs, and Thunderbolt 3 Macs
• Highly Reliable: Aircraft-grade aluminum offers rugged protection of installed SSDs plus effective heat dissipation to keep everything cool for consistent top speed
• Near Silent Operation: Engineered with a smart, adaptive fan that activates only when needed, making it ideal for uninterrupted creative focus
• Future Flexible: Both DIY ‘build your own’ and ready-to-run solutions are easily future upgradeable with a faster, higher capacity 2280 NVMe M.2 SSD and a higher capacity SATA 3.5″ HDD or 2.5″ SSD
• Complete: Includes Thunderbolt 5 80Gb/s cable

Mercury Helios 5S

Modern notebooks, small form factor computers, and ‘all-in-one’ desktop computers are slender marvels of engineering, but they have a significant shortcoming: a lack of internal space to install PCIe cards for added functionality. The Mercury Helios 5S opens a world of pro-grade, full-size workstation capabilities to those machines via a single Thunderbolt or USB4 connection.

Key Features:

• Expands Small Machines: Use video capture, high-speed fiber/Ethernet, NVMe RAID, audio I/O, and other cards to unlock the potential of MacBooks, Mac Studio, Mac mini, and other space-confined computers lacking a PCIe slot
• Internal Class Speed: Up to 6,000MB/s bandwidth available for simultaneous read/write
• Pro Level Card Ready: 1 PCIe 4.0 x4 (x16 mechanical slot) for half-length, full-height, single or double-width cards
• Expanded Connectivity: 3 Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) 80Gb/s ports, each with 15W power delivery for more device, display, and drive possibilities
• Widely Compatible: Use with Thunderbolt 5/4, USB4 Macs and PCs, and Thunderbolt 3 Macs
• Whisper Quiet: Aircraft-grade aluminum housing and high-efficiency cooling fan provide cool, nearly silent operation
• Easy Card Installs: Captive thumb screws, so no tools required
• Complete and Secure: Includes Thunderbolt 5 (80Gb/s) cable and power cord retainer

“OWC continues to set the pace for Thunderbolt innovation,” said Larry O’Connor, founder and CEO, OWC. “With StudioStack and Mercury Helios 5S, we’re giving creatives, business professionals, and even hobbyists the tools to not only push performance further, but also expand what’s possible in how they imagine, invent, collaborate, and bring their ideas to life.” He continued, “These new solutions join OWC’s already robust lineup of the most innovative and trusted Thunderbolt 5 offerings – cementing OWC’s position as the go-to source for high-speed, high-reliability expansion and connectivity.”

Availability:

• StudioStack is available for pre-order now at a starting price of $329.99, with shipping planned for mid-December.
• Mercury Helios 5S is generally available (GA) for $329.99.

The StudioStack and Mercury Helios 5S have be showcased live and in-person, together with other key company’s Thunderbolt 5, storage, and connectivity solutions in OWC Booth #8218 during Inter Bee 2025, that took place November 19 – 21, at Makuhari Messe (Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan).