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How to Save Money on LTO Tape Drives for Dell PowerVault Tape Libraries

LTO tape drives are essential for reliable data backup and archiving, especially for Dell PowerVault tape libraries like the TL1000, TL2000, and ML3. With frequent upgrades to newer versions like LTO-9, these drives offer improved performance but can be expensive


Save up to 80% on Dell PowerVault LTO-8 and LTO-9!

This article shares practical tips to save money on LTO tape drives while ensuring compatibility with your existing systems.


Dell PowerVault tape libraries with LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 drives, showcasing TL1000, TL2000, TL4000, ML3, and ML3E models for scalable data backup and long-term archiving solutions with cost-saving options like refurbished drives and bulk discounts.

 

Understanding LTO Tape Drives for Dell PowerVault


LTO tape drives are the core of Dell PowerVault tape libraries, responsible for reading, writing, and managing data stored on magnetic tape cartridges. Each generation of LTO brings improved capacity, speed, and compression capabilities:


  • LTO-6 Tape Drives:

    • Native capacity of 2.5 TB, compressed capacity of 6.25 TB, with a transfer rate of 160 MB/s.

    • Part numbers:

      • LTO-6 Half-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - TKC16

      • LTO-6 Half-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - J9P18

      • LTO-6 Full-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - 04GPJV

      • LTO-6 Full-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - 7P02M


 

  • LTO-7 Tape Drives:

    • Native capacity of 6 TB, compressed capacity of 15 TB, with a transfer rate of 300 MB/s.

    • Part numbers:

      • LTO-7 Half-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - 04M2FN

      • LTO-7 Half-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - 1V377

      • LTO-7 Full-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - 0PYJYC

      • LTO-7 Full-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - 3YDX6


 

  • LTO-8 Tape Drives:

    • Native capacity of 12 TB, compressed capacity of 30 TB, with a transfer rate of 360 MB/s.

    • Part numbers:

      • LTO-8 Half-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - D9K5V

      • LTO-8 Half-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - RF9XF

      • LTO-8 Full-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - Not Available

      • LTO-8 Full-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - 00VJ952


 

  • LTO-9 Tape Drives:

    • Native capacity of 18 TB, compressed capacity of 45 TB, with a transfer rate of 400 MB/s.

    • Part numbers:

      • LTO-9 Half-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - 0CY63X

      • LTO-9 Half-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - 0MHX13

      • LTO-9 Full-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - Not Available

      • LTO-9 Full-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - Not Available


Dell PowerVault libraries, such as TL1000, TL2000, TL4000, ML3, and ML3E, support these drives with 6 Gb/s SAS or 8 Gb/s Fibre Channel (FC) interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with enterprise IT systems.


LTO tape drives are essential for Dell PowerVault libraries, providing secure and scalable backup. Opting for refurbished drives, using backward compatibility, and choosing the right LTO generation can help IT managers cut costs while maintaining performance. Whether for a TL1000 or scaling with ML3 and ML3E, smart planning makes LTO drives a cost-effective solution.

 

How to Save Money on LTO Tape Drives for Dell PowerVault


1. Opt for Refurbished or Certified Pre-Owned Drives

Purchasing refurbished LTO drives can save you up to 80% compared to brand-new units. Look for drives that have been tested, certified, and come with a warranty from reputable vendors. For example:


  • LTO-8 Half-Height SAS LTO Tape Drive - D9K5V

  • LTO-7 Half-Height Fibre Channel LTO Tape Drive - 1V377


 

2. Match the LTO Generation to Your Needs

While the latest LTO-9 Tape Drives offer impressive capacity and speed, they may be unnecessary for businesses with moderate data volumes. Consider LTO-7 Tape Drives or LTO-8 Tape Drives if your storage needs are lower, as these models are more affordable and still offer excellent performance.


 

3. Utilize LTO Backward Compatibility

LTO drives are backward-compatible, meaning you can read tapes from the previous two generations and write to tapes from the previous generation. This feature allows you to extend the life of older tapes while upgrading your drives strategically.


 

4. Leverage Bulk Discounts for Enterprises

Many vendors offer bulk discounts for organizations purchasing multiple LTO drives or tape cartridges. Contact suppliers for enterprise pricing, especially if you're equipping multiple Dell PowerVault libraries.


 

5. Compare SAS vs. Fibre Channel Drives

SAS drives are typically less expensive than Fibre Channel drives and work well for direct server connections. If your environment doesn’t require a SAN (Storage Area Network), opting for SAS drives can reduce costs.


 

6. Explore Vendor Trade-In Programs

Dell and other vendors often offer trade-in programs where you can exchange old tape drives or libraries for credit toward newer models. This is a cost-effective way to upgrade to LTO-8 Tape Drives or LTO-9 Tape Drives while minimizing expenses.


 

7. Buy in Bulk for Tape Media

In addition to saving on drives, you can reduce costs by purchasing LTO tape cartridges in bulk. For example, LTO-9 Tape Cartridges (PN: C7979A) offer 18 TB of native storage and often come with volume discounts from suppliers.


 

Save up to 80% on Dell PowerVault LTO-8 and LTO-9!


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