Product Description
IBM 8043-3573 Ultrium LTO-3 SCSI LVD FH Tape Drive for TS3100
The IBM 3573-8043 is the LTO-3 Ultrium Full Height (FH) SCSI LVD tape drive designed specifically for installation in the IBM TS3100 (3573-L2U) and TS3200 (3573-L4U) tape libraries. This internal drive sled/module provides reliable, high-capacity tape storage with backward compatibility to earlier LTO generations, making it suitable for data backup, archiving, and long-term retention needs.
This LTO-3 FH SCSI drive delivers native data transfer rates up to 80 MB/s (often listed around 75-80 MB/s in practice), supporting 400 GB native / 800 GB compressed capacity per cartridge (assuming 2:1 compression). It uses Ultra160 LVD SCSI interface for connectivity within compatible library environments. The drive includes features like speed matching, channel calibration, and WORM support on compatible media for enhanced data integrity and security.
Key Features
- Full Height (FH) form factor optimized for TS3100/TS3200 library sled installation.
- Ultra160 LVD SCSI interface for reliable, low-voltage differential connectivity.
- Native 400 GB capacity per LTO-3 cartridge (up to 800 GB compressed).
- Data transfer rate up to 80 MB/s native.
- Backward read compatibility with LTO-2 and LTO-1 cartridges; write compatibility with LTO-3 media.
- Supports hardware encryption where applicable on LTO-3 media.
- Designed for automated library operation with minimal manual intervention.
- Includes caddy/tray for easy insertion into the 3573 tape library chassis.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Model / Part Number | IBM 3573-8043 (also 8043-3573, FRU 23R4693, 23R7260, 95P5218) |
| Generation | LTO Ultrium 3 (LTO-3) |
| Form Factor | Full Height (FH) |
| Interface | Ultra160 LVD SCSI (Low Voltage Differential) |
| Native Capacity | 400 GB per cartridge |
| Compressed Capacity | 800 GB per cartridge (2:1 typical) |
| Native Transfer Rate | Up to 80 MB/s (75-80 MB/s typical) |
| Compressed Transfer Rate | Up to 160 MB/s (assuming 2:1) |
| Buffer Size | 128 MB read/write cache |
| Media Compatibility | LTO-3 (write/read), LTO-2 (read), LTO-1 (read) |
| Interface Speed | Ultra160 (160 MB/s max SCSI) |
| Installation | Internal sled/module for TS3100/TS3200 libraries |
| Power Requirements | Provided by library chassis |
| Dimensions (approx.) | Matches library sled (FH design) |
Benefits
This drive offers a proven, cost-effective solution for organizations using or maintaining older LTO-3 configurations in IBM tape libraries. Its high native capacity and transfer speeds enable efficient handling of large datasets, while backward compatibility protects investments in existing media. The FH design ensures robust performance in library environments, with features like automated cartridge handling reducing errors and downtime. It supports secure, long-term archiving with WORM functionality and maintains data accessibility for compliance and disaster recovery purposes.
Compatibility
The IBM 3573-8043 LTO-3 FH SCSI LVD tape drive is specifically engineered for compatibility with:
- IBM TS3100 Tape Library (3573-L2U)
- IBM TS3200 Tape Library (3573-L4U) It installs as a full-height drive sled in these libraries (which support a mix of FH and HH drives depending on configuration). It works with LTO-3 Ultrium cartridges and provides read compatibility for LTO-2 and LTO-1 media. The Ultra160 LVD SCSI interface integrates seamlessly within the library's internal SCSI backbone. Compatible with standard backup software environments that support IBM LTO drives, including those for open systems servers attached via the library's host interfaces.
Warranty: 60 days from DataTechComputer.com.
