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LTO Tape Drives for HPE MSL Tape Libraries: Save Up To 80%

  • Writer: server-parts.eu server-parts.eu
    server-parts.eu server-parts.eu
  • Jan 8
  • 5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

The price of HPE LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 tape drives can strain IT budgets, especially for businesses using HPE StoreEver MSL tape libraries (such as the MSL2024, MSL4048, MSL3040, or MSL6480).


HPE LTO Tape Drives: Save Up To 80%

5 Year Warranty - No Upfront Payment Required - Test First, Pay Later


This article provides effective cost-saving strategies designed to HPE StoreEver MSL tape library users, covering drive options, compatibility considerations, and crucial part numbers to help you make informed purchase decisions.


Refurbished LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 tape drives compatible with HPE MSL2024, MSL4048, and MSL6480 tape libraries, including SAS and Fibre Channel upgrade kits for cost-effective data backup solutions. Server-parts.eu. refurbished. used.


How To Save On HPE LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 Tape Drives


Consider Refurbished HPE LTO Tape Drives

Refurbished HPE LTO-7, LTO-8, or LTO-9 tape drives deliver the same performance as new units at a much lower price – often up to 80% cheaper. These drives are thoroughly tested to ensure reliability and compatibility with HPE MSL tape libraries. Many reputable vendors back refurbished drives with warranties of up to 5 years, so you can be confident in their quality while saving money. Always choose suppliers that provide detailed test reports and a solid return policy for their refurbished tape drives.



Save with Smart Timing on HPE LTO Tape Drives

HPE LTO tape drive prices tend to drop when a new generation is released. As newer models like HPE LTO-10 tape drives are introduced, prices for older generations (LTO-7, LTO-8) fall significantly. Monitor market trends and time your purchases to take advantage of this depreciation. By buying slightly older generation drives after a new release, you can get sufficient performance at a much lower price.



Buy Bulk HPE LTO Tape Drives for Discounts

Buying multiple drives at once can lead to volume discounts. Purchasing HPE Leto tape drives in bulk often unlocks significant savings on a per-unit basis. In addition, ordering several drives together can reduce the shipping cost per unit, increasing your overall savings.



Explore Excess Inventory and Overstocks on HPE LTO Tape Drives

Check for excess inventory or overstock drives. These are units that are lightly used or surplus, often sold by resellers at steep discounts. They typically have minimal wear and perform like new. For example, a HPE LTO-9 half-height SAS tape drive (model R6Q75A) can sometimes be found at about 80% below retail prices, despite offering the same capacity and speed as a new drive.


Trade-In Programs on HPE LTO Tape Drives

See if any suppliers or manufacturers offer trade-in programs for HPE LTO tape drives. Trading in your older HPE LTO tape drives can provide credit toward newer models, reducing the overall upgrade cost. This approach not only saves money but also ensures responsible disposal or recycling of the old equipment.



Plan for Backward Compatibility on HPE LTO Tape Drives

Take advantage of HPE LTO tape drive’s built-in backward compatibility. Newer generation drives can usually work with media from earlier generations (typically a HPE LTO tape drive can read tapes from two generations prior and write to HPE LTO tape drives from one generation prior). For instance, a HPE LTO-9 tape drive can write to HPE LTO-8 tape drive cartridges and read HPE LTO-7 tape drive cartridges. This means you can deploy newer HPE LTO tape drives without immediately replacing your existing HPE MSL tape library of older media, avoiding a costly large-scale migration while maintaining flexibility.



Use Flexible Payment Options on HPE LTO Tape Drives

If cash flow is a concern, look for suppliers that offer flexible payment plans. Some vendors allow you to buy HPE LTO tape drives with no upfront payment, letting you install and test the HPE LTO tape drives first. You only pay for the hardware once you’re satisfied it works in your environment, ensuring you only spend money on HPE LTO tape drives that meet your requirements.



Get Half-Height HPE LTO Tape Drives When Possible

Buy half-height HPE LTO tape drive models if your HPE MSL tape library supports them. HPE MSL tape libraries are mostly compatible with half-height HPE LTO tape drives, which are typically 20–30% cheaper than full-height versions. For example, the HPE LTO-9 half-height SAS tape drive (R6Q75A) offers 18 TB native capacity and 300 MB/s native transfer speed, yet it is more budget-friendly for most organizations compared to a HPE LTO full-height drive. In practice, all the HPE MSL tape library models mentioned (MSL2024, MSL3040, MSL6480, etc.) use HPE LTO half-height tape drives; HPE LTO full-height tape drives are generally not required for these libraries.



Monitor Vendor Promotions and Incentives on HPE LTO Tape Drives

Keep an eye out for special promotions on storage hardware. Many vendors run limited-time sales or offer discounts on HPE LTO tape drives and media. Subscribing to supplier newsletters or reaching out to vendors directly can help you stay informed about deals, ensuring you’re not overpaying when a promotion is available.



Collaborate with Trusted Partners on HPE LTO Tape Drives

Work with reputable vendors who specialize in HPE MSL tape storage. Trusted suppliers can help you source high-quality refurbished or excess inventory HPE LTO tape drives that are compatible with your HPE MSL tape library. They can also assist with compatibility checks for your specific HPE MSL tape library model, reducing the risk of purchasing the wrong HPE LTO tape drive or encountering integration issues.



HPE MSL Tape Library Compatible LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 Tape Drives


When upgrading or replacing drives in your HPE MSL tape library, it’s essential to use the correct HPE part numbers to ensure compatibility. Below are the HPE LTO tape drive upgrade kit part numbers for the SAS and Fibre Channel versions of each HPE LTO tape drive generation, along with their corresponding HPE spare part numbers (used for service replacements):


  • HPE LTO-7 Tape Drives (Half-Height, Internal):

    • SAS interface – Option kit N7P37A (spare part 834168-001)

    • Fibre Channel interface – Option kit N7P36A (spare part 834167-001)


  • HPE LTO-8 Tape Drives (Half-Height, Internal):

    • SAS interface – Option kit Q6Q68A (spare part 882185-001)

    • Fibre Channel interface – Option kit Q6Q67A (spare part 882184-001)


  • HPE LTO-9 Tape Drives (Half-Height, Internal):

    • SAS interface – Option kit R6Q75A (spare part P37366-001)

    • Fibre Channel interface – Option kit R6Q74A (spare part P37365-001)


Each part number refers to a specific HPE LTO tape drive kit for MSL tape libraries. Choose the right type (SAS or FC) and generation to ensure proper integration, and verify compatibility with your HPE MSL tape library model before purchase.


If you add an HPE LTO-8 or LTO-9 tape drive to an older HPE MSL2024 or MSL4048 tape library, update the firmware first. HPE versions 6.70 (for LTO-8) and 7.70 or later (for LTO-9) enable support for these drives. Always install the latest firmware before adding new hardware.

HPE LTO Tape Drives: Save Up To 80%

5 Year Warranty - No Upfront Payment Required - Test First, Pay Later



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