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HPE C7977AA Data Cartridge - LTO-7 Rewritable - 6 TB Native / 15 TB Compressed - 3149.6 ft Tape Length - 1 Pack
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This cartridge utilizes LTO-7 tape technology, which provides a native capacity of 6 TB and compressed capacity of 15 TB. The 3149.6 ft tape length ensures optimal media utilization, while the rewritable format supports multiple write cycles without degradation.
The cartridge's physical design includes precise tape guidance mechanisms and durable housing to protect against dust, moisture, and handling damage. With an approximate weight of 9.88 oz, it maintains a standard LTO form factor compatible with LTO-7 tape drives from HPE and other manufacturers.
Relevant factors for this section include Tape Technology, Compressed Storage Capacity, Native Storage Capacity, Weight (Approximate). When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This HPE data cartridge offers several advantages for backup and archive operations, combining high capacity with proven reliability in enterprise environments.
High-Capacity Storage
Delivers 6 TB native and 15 TB compressed capacity, accommodating extensive backup sets and archive collections in a single cartridge.
- Supports data transfer rates up to 400 MB/s
- Optimized for LTO-7 drive compatibility
Long-Term Data Integrity
Engineered to resist physical and electronic damage, ensuring data remains accessible for years or decades without media decay or corruption.
- Durable construction protects against environmental factors
- Stable magnetic formulation maintains data integrity
Rewritable Flexibility
The rewritable media format allows repeated data overwrites, making the cartridge suitable for regular backup cycles and temporary archive storage.
- Supports multiple write/erase cycles
- Compatible with standard LTO-7 erase procedures
Deployment / Use Cases
The HPE C7977AA Data Cartridge is designed for specific backup and archive scenarios where capacity, reliability, and media longevity are essential considerations.
Ideal for entry-level servers requiring 15 TB compressed storage capacity for regular backup operations, this cartridge provides a cost-effective solution for small to medium business environments. It also serves well for specific archive applications where 6 TB native capacity meets retention requirements without compression overhead.
Relevant factors for this section include Tape Technology, Compressed Storage Capacity, Native Storage Capacity, Weight (Approximate). When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Enterprise Backup
Suitable for daily or weekly backup routines in business environments, providing reliable storage for critical system images, databases, and file servers.
Long-Term Archiving
Effective for regulatory compliance archives, historical data preservation, and cold storage applications where data must remain accessible for extended periods.
Physical Profile
The cartridge features a standard LTO form factor with precise dimensions for reliable loading and ejection in compatible tape drives. The 9.88 oz weight reflects robust construction with internal components designed for smooth tape movement and minimal wear. The housing provides protection against dust and handling impacts while maintaining compatibility with automated tape library systems.
The physical profile is practical for deployment planning because the dimensions and weight are clearly defined: 9.88 oz (280 g). This helps confirm rack, shelf, desk, or cabinet fit before installation.
- Weight
- 9.88 oz (280 g)
- Length
- 3149.6 ft (960 m)
Highlights
- LTO-7 tape technology with 6 TB native and 15 TB compressed capacity
- 3149.6 ft tape length for maximum storage efficiency
- Rewritable media format supports multiple write cycles
- Resilient construction protects against physical and electronic damage
- Ideal for entry-level servers requiring 15 TB compressed backup capacity
- Suitable for long-term archive applications with 6 TB native storage
- Single-pack configuration for individual deployment
- Compatible with HPE and industry-standard LTO-7 tape drives
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
| Manufacturer Part Number | C7977AA |
| Brand Name | HPE |
| Product Name | Data Cartridge |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Data Cartridge |
| Technical Information | |
| Tape Technology | LTO-7 |
| Compressed Storage Capacity | 15 TB |
| Native Storage Capacity | 6 TB |
| Tape Length | 3149.6 ft (960 m) |
| Media Formats | Rewritable |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight (Approximate) | 9.88 oz (280 g) |
FAQ
What is the difference between native and compressed capacity?
Native capacity refers to the physical storage space on the tape without data compression, which is 6 TB for this cartridge. Compressed capacity represents the potential storage when data is compressed before writing, reaching up to 15 TB depending on the compressibility of your data. Most backup software can utilize compression to maximize storage efficiency.
Is this cartridge compatible with non-HPE LTO-7 drives?
Yes, this HPE data cartridge follows the standard LTO-7 specification and is compatible with LTO-7 tape drives from various manufacturers. The cartridge uses standard LTO media and physical dimensions, ensuring interoperability with drives that support LTO-7 technology and rewritable media formats.
How many times can I rewrite data on this cartridge?
As a rewritable LTO-7 cartridge, it supports multiple write and erase cycles throughout its operational life. The exact number depends on usage patterns and environmental conditions, but LTO media is designed for hundreds of passes in typical enterprise backup scenarios when used with compatible drives and proper handling procedures.
What is the tape length and why does it matter?
The tape length is 3149.6 ft (960 meters), which determines the physical recording surface available for data storage. Longer tape allows for more data tracks and higher capacity utilization. This extended length helps maximize the 6 TB native capacity while maintaining reliable tape movement and tension control within the cartridge.
Is this suitable for long-term data archiving?
Yes, this cartridge is engineered for long-term data integrity with construction that resists physical and electronic damage. The stable magnetic formulation and protective housing help prevent media decay and corruption, making it suitable for archive applications where data must remain accessible for years or decades without degradation.
What backup applications work best with this cartridge?
This cartridge works effectively with enterprise backup software that supports LTO-7 drives, including solutions from HPE, Veritas, Veeam, Commvault, and others. It's particularly suitable for entry-level server backups requiring up to 15 TB compressed capacity, as well as specific archive applications where the 6 TB native capacity meets storage requirements without compression.