Other World Computing has introduced several new products for CES 2019, including the Mercury Helios FX 650 eGPU, several new USB-C and Thunderbolt storage devices, and a new USB-C cable stabilization system called ‘ClingOn.’
The Mercury Helios FX 650 eGPU is a graphics card enclosure that connects via Thunderbolt 3 to similarly equipped Mac and MacBook models, as well as certain PCs with the connection. The chassis has a larger power supply than previous models and is upgradeable, allowing users to install their preferred graphics card and replace it in the future.
Offering HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI connections to displays, the plug-and-play adapter is also capable of providing power to its Thunderbolt 3-connected host, with its 100W power delivery able to power and recharge a MacBook Pro.
Supporting the graphics card inside the enclosure is a large, variable-speed, temperature-controlled fan that remains silent when the enclosure’s interior is cool but speeds up to help cool down the card when it is under load. The enclosure is also made from recyclable materials, making its disposal in the future more environmentally friendly.
The Mercury Helios FX 650 eGPU is now available for purchase, starting at $399 for the enclosure and rising to $549 when packaged with a Radeon RX 580 graphics card and a Thunderbolt 3 cable.
The OWC Mercury Elite Pro mini USB-C range is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and offers both a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive and SSD options. It is constructed from impact-resistant aluminum and uses a fanless design that dissipates heat to operate quietly, with bus power permitting the use of few cables.
The portable drives feature transfer rates of up to 540MB/s and USB 3.1 Type-C and eSATA connections, depending on the user’s requirements.
Starting at $74.98 for the enclosure alone, the hard drive-equipped versions range in price from $124.98 for 500 gigabytes to $219.99 for 4 terabytes. The SSD models range in price from $169.99 for a 500-gigabyte capacity model to $499.99 for a 2-terabyte capacity model.
The Envoy Pro EX series is a Thunderbolt 3-based storage system designed for mobile creative professionals. Utilizing both the speed of Thunderbolt 3 and M.2 NVMe SSDs, the portable drives offer transfer rates of up to 2,500,000 MB/s.
In addition to meeting MIL-STD-810g without additional protection for drop tests, the 2019 models feature a durable and shock-resistant rubber sleeve for increased protection against shocks and impacts.
There are two variations of the Envoy Pro EX, with the base model offering 500 gigabytes, 1 terabyte, and 2 terabyte capacities for $279, $329, and $729, respectively. Also available are Video Edition models, priced at $679 for the 1 terabyte version and $999 for the 2 terabyte model.
The OWC ClingOn cable stabilizer is a port accessory that aids in keeping drives connected to a Mac or other devices. Attached around the port with a strong adhesive, the ClingOn uses its soft foam interior to create a snug fit between the connector and the port, minimizing any wiggling and pulling that could cause the cable to slip out or otherwise cause the connection to external drives to be lost.
OWC will begin shipping the ClingOn in mid-January for $9.95 or $18.95 for a two-pack.
