Tape cartridges

The TS4300 supports multiple generations of LTO media.

Tape media is available in the following types:
  • Data cartridge
  • WORM (Write Once, Read Many) cartridge
  • Cleaning cartridge

All generations contain 1/2-inch, dual-coat, magnetic tape.

Table 1. Media drive compatibility
Tape Cartridge LTO-10 Drive LTO-9 Drive LTO-8 Drive LTO-7 Drive LTO-6 Drive
Ultrium 10 Read/write
Ultrium 9 Read/write
Ultrium 8 Read/write Read/write
Ultrium M8 Read/write
Ultrium 7 Read/write Read/write
Ultrium 6 Read/write Read/write
Table 2. Media Information
LTO Generation Native Data Capacity Application Design Capacity Bar code Label1 Load/Unload Cycles Recording Format2 Color
Ultrium 10

40 TB (36.37 TiB)

100 TB (90.94 TiB) at 2.5:1 compression

 38.4 TB

xxxxxxPA

Reads and Writes data on 15,104 tracks, 32 tracks at a time. Black
Ultrium 10

30 TB (27.29 TiB)

75 TB (68.21 TiB)at 2.5:1 compression

 29 TB

xxxxxxLA

WORM: xxxxxxLH

 Reads and Writes data on 15,104 tracks, 32 tracks at a time. Black
Ultrium 93 18 TB (45 TB at 2.5:1 compression) 17.4 TB xxxxxxL9

WORM: xxxxxxLZ

 20,000 Reads and writes data on 8960 tracks, 32 tracks at a time. Teal WORM: Teal and Silvery gray
Ultrium 8 12 TB (30 TB at 2.5:1 compression) 11.6 TB xxxxxxL8

WORM: xxxxxxLY

 20,000 Reads and writes data on 6656 tracks, 32 tracks at a time. Burgundy WORM: Burgundy and Silvery gray
Ultrium M84 9 TB (22.5 TB at 2.5:1 compression) 8.37 TB xxxxxxM8 20,000 Reads and writes data on 3584 tracks, 32 tracks at a time. Purple
Ultrium 7 6 TB (15 TB at 2.5:1 compression) NA xxxxxxL7

WORM: xxxxxxLX

 20,000 Reads and writes data on 3584 tracks, 32 tracks at a time. Purple WORM: Purple and Silvery gray
Ultrium 6 2.5 TB (6.25 TB at 2.5:1 compression) NA xxxxxxL6

WORM: xxxxxxLW

 20,000 Reads and writes data on 2176 tracks, 16 tracks at a time. Black WORM: Black and Silvery gray

1You can order tape cartridges with the bar code labels included, or you can order custom labels.

2When tape is processed in the cartridges, Ultrium™ tape drives use a linear, serpentine recording format.

3Cartridge initialization time may vary. For more information, see Media optimization.

4LTO type M8 cartridge

For additional information, see LTO media.