HPE Q2078A LTO-8 Ultrium Data Cartridge - 12 TB Native / 30 TB Compressed - 3149.6 ft Tape - Rewritable - Green
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This data cartridge implements the LTO-8 specification, which supports a native transfer rate of up to 360 MB/s and compressed transfer rates up to 900 MB/s when used with compatible drives. The 12 TB native capacity represents a significant increase over previous LTO generations, while the 30 TB compressed capacity leverages 2.5:1 compression ratios for efficient storage utilization.
The rewritable media format allows repeated read/write cycles, supporting both backup and restore operations. The cartridge's physical design ensures compatibility with LTO-8 drives and libraries, while the precise tape path mechanics maintain data integrity across thousands of load/unload cycles.
Relevant factors for this section include Tape Technology, Compressed Storage Capacity, Native Storage Capacity, Product Color. 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
The HPE LTO-8 cartridge combines high capacity with proven reliability for data protection scenarios. Its compact form factor houses substantial storage potential, making it an economical choice for organizations managing large data volumes.
High-Density Storage
Delivers 12 TB native and 30 TB compressed capacity in a standard LTO cartridge format, maximizing storage density within existing tape infrastructure.
- 12 TB native capacity for uncompressed data
- 30 TB compressed capacity with 2.5:1 compression
- Extended 3149.6 ft tape length for maximum recording space
Reliable Media Technology
Utilizes LTO-8 tape technology with advanced error correction and media formulation for data integrity across extended retention periods.
- LTO-8 specification compliance
- Rewritable media for repeated use
- HPE quality assurance and testing
Deployment / Use Cases
This data cartridge serves as the media component in tape-based backup and archival systems. It works with LTO-8 tape drives and libraries to create complete data protection solutions for various business scenarios.
Primary deployment environments include data centers performing scheduled backups, organizations implementing tiered storage architectures, and businesses requiring long-term data retention for compliance purposes. The cartridge's high capacity makes it particularly suitable for full system backups, database archives, and media asset preservation where large data volumes must be stored cost-effectively.
Enterprise Backup
Integrates with backup software and tape libraries to protect critical business data, offering both high capacity and reliable restore capabilities for disaster recovery scenarios.
Long-Term Archival
Provides economical storage for data that must be retained for regulatory compliance, historical reference, or business continuity planning, with LTO technology supporting decades of shelf life.
Physical Profile
The cartridge measures 1.80" in height, 4.45" in width, and 4.37" in depth, conforming to the standard LTO form factor for compatibility with drives and libraries. Weighing approximately 10.08 ounces, it maintains a balanced design for reliable mechanical operation in automated tape handling systems. The green color provides visual differentiation from other LTO generations and helps with inventory management in multi-cartridge environments.
- Width
- 4.45" (113.03 mm)
- Depth
- 4.37" (111 mm)
- Height
- 1.80" (45.72 mm)
- Weight
- 10.08 oz (285.76 g)
- Length
- 3149.6 ft (960 m)
Highlights
- LTO-8 tape technology for reliable backup and archival storage
- 12 TB native storage capacity for uncompressed data retention
- 30 TB compressed storage capacity with 2.5:1 compression ratio
- 3149.6 ft (960 m) tape length for maximum recording space
- Rewritable media format supporting repeated read/write cycles
- Compact physical dimensions: 1.80" H × 4.45" W × 4.37" D
- Green cartridge color for visual identification
- Approximate weight of 10.08 oz for balanced mechanical operation
- Compatibility with HPE LTO-8 tape drives and libraries
- Enterprise-grade media formulation for data integrity
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
| Manufacturer Part Number | Q2078A |
| Brand Name | HPE |
| Product Name | LTO-8 Ultrium 30TB RW Data Cartridge |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 |
| Product Type | Data Cartridge |
| Technical Information | |
| Tape Technology | LTO-8 |
| Compressed Storage Capacity | 30 TB |
| Native Storage Capacity | 12 TB |
| Tape Length | 3149.6 ft (960 m) |
| Media Formats | Rewritable |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Product Color | Green |
| Height | 1.80" (45.72 mm) |
| Width | 4.45" (113.03 mm) |
| Depth | 4.37" (111 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 10.08 oz (285.76 g) |
FAQ
What is the difference between native and compressed capacity on this LTO-8 cartridge?
The HPE Q2078A cartridge offers 12 TB of native capacity for storing uncompressed data. When used with compression-enabled LTO-8 drives, it can store up to 30 TB of compressed data using a 2.5:1 compression ratio. This allows organizations to maximize storage efficiency when backing up compressible data types like documents, databases, and certain media files.
Is this cartridge compatible with all LTO-8 tape drives?
Yes, this HPE LTO-8 Ultrium data cartridge follows the LTO-8 specification and is compatible with any LTO-8 tape drive from various manufacturers. It is specifically tested and qualified for use with HPE tape drives and libraries, but will work with other brands' LTO-8 drives that comply with the LTO Consortium standards for media compatibility.
How does the tape length of 3149.6 feet affect storage capacity?
The 3149.6-foot tape length directly enables the cartridge's high storage capacities. Longer tape allows more data to be recorded linearly along the media, contributing to both the 12 TB native and 30 TB compressed capacities. This extended length is a key factor in LTO-8's increased capacity compared to previous generations while maintaining the same physical cartridge dimensions.
What does 'rewritable' mean for this data cartridge?
Rewritable indicates that the cartridge media can be written to, read from, erased, and rewritten multiple times. Unlike write-once media, this HPE LTO-8 cartridge supports repeated use in backup cycles where data is regularly updated. The media is designed for thousands of read/write passes while maintaining data integrity, making it suitable for recurring backup schedules rather than just permanent archival.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of this cartridge?
The cartridge measures 1.80 inches in height, 4.45 inches in width, and 4.37 inches in depth, conforming to the standard LTO form factor. It weighs approximately 10.08 ounces. These dimensions ensure compatibility with LTO-8 drives and automated tape libraries, while the balanced weight supports reliable mechanical handling during load/unload operations in both manual and robotic systems.
How should this LTO-8 cartridge be stored when not in use?
For optimal longevity, store the cartridge in a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity levels, typically between 16-25°C (60-77°F) and 20-50% relative humidity. Keep cartridges in their protective cases when not in drives, store them upright to prevent tape pack issues, and avoid exposure to magnetic fields, dust, and direct sunlight. Proper storage helps maintain data integrity for the cartridge's rated shelf life of up to 30 years.
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