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Key Features
Compatibility
Product Description
HPE LTO-8 Ultrium tape media represents the proven, established midpoint in the current LTO roadmap — high enough capacity to handle serious archival workloads, widely supported by modern tape libraries, and available at a mature price point that reflects its position as a current-generation standard. At 12TB native (30TB compressed at 2.5:1), HPE LTO-8 delivers more than double the capacity of LTO-7 in the same physical cartridge form factor, making it a straightforward upgrade path for organisations already running LTO-7 infrastructure. LTO-8 drives read and write both LTO-8 and LTO-7 media, so a migration does not require replacing existing cartridge stock in one go.
The HPE LTO-8 cartridge uses Barium Ferrite (BaFe) magnetic particle technology, which provides superior magnetic stability and recording density compared to older metal particle (MP) formulations. The built-in LTO-CM (Cartridge Memory) chip logs full media history — load counts, error rates, write statistics — enabling intelligent media management in tape libraries and reducing the risk of undetected media degradation. HPE's Limited Lifetime Warranty underlines the enterprise-grade durability of this media. With a 30-year archival life under recommended storage conditions, LTO-8 provides reliable, cost-effective long-term data retention for data centres, broadcast archives, compliance archives, and research institutions.
Key Features
- 12TB native capacity | 30TB compressed (2.5:1 ratio)
- LTO-8 format — compatible with LTO-8 drives | readable and writable on LTO-9 drives
- Barium Ferrite (BaFe) magnetic particle formulation
- Built-in LTO-CM cartridge memory chip for library management
- 30-year archival life under recommended storage conditions
- Rewritable — not WORM
- HPE Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Colour: Dark Green
- RoHS compliant
If you are operating LTO-9 tape drives, LTO-8 cartridges remain fully supported for both read and write operations, providing a cost-effective option for capacity expansion without moving to LTO-9 pricing across your entire media pool. If you are running LTO-8 drives, this is the native cartridge — a direct performance match. The distinctive dark green shell makes LTO-8 cartridges easy to identify and sort alongside other LTO generations in a mixed tape library environment.
What's in the Box
- HPE LTO-8 Ultrium 30TB RW Data Cartridge (1 cartridge)
Product Q&A
Q: Which tape drives are compatible with this cartridge?
A: The HPE LTO-8 cartridge is designed for LTO-8 tape drives. Per the LTO standard, LTO-9 drives will also read and write LTO-8 media (one generation of backward read/write compatibility). LTO-8 cartridges are not compatible with LTO-7 or earlier drives — an LTO-7 drive cannot access LTO-8 media. Always confirm your drive generation before ordering.
Q: What is the difference between 12TB native and 30TB compressed capacity?
A: Native capacity (12TB) is the raw, uncompressed data the tape can store. Compressed capacity (30TB) assumes a 2.5:1 compression ratio — the standard LTO benchmark. In practice, data that is already compressed (video files, encrypted backups, ZIP archives) will see little or no additional compression. Native capacity is the reliable figure for capacity planning.
Q: Can I use LTO-8 cartridges in my existing LTO-7 tape library?
A: Only if your library's drives are LTO-8 generation or newer. LTO backward compatibility means an LTO-8 drive can read and write LTO-7 media, but an LTO-7 drive cannot read or write LTO-8 media. If your library uses LTO-7 drives, you would need to upgrade those drives before using LTO-8 cartridges. Check your drive firmware version as well — firmware updates are sometimes required for new media compatibility.
Q: How should LTO tapes be stored for maximum archival life?
A: For long-term archival (up to 30 years), store cartridges at 16°C to 25°C and 20% to 50% relative humidity, away from direct sunlight and magnetic fields. For working storage, operating conditions are 10°C to 45°C at 10% to 80% non-condensing humidity. Allow tapes to acclimatise to operating temperature before inserting them into a drive.
Q: Is this cartridge WORM?
A: No. This is a standard rewritable LTO-8 cartridge. WORM variants exist in the LTO range for compliance and legal retention requirements but are sold as a separate product. Contact us if you need WORM media for your archive workflow.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | Q2078A |
| Media Format | LTO Ultrium 8 (LTO-8) |
| Native Capacity | 12.0 TB |
| Compressed Capacity | 30.0 TB (2.5:1) |
| Read/Write Speed | Up to 300 MB/s (compressed) |
| Magnetic Particle | Barium Ferrite (BaFe) |
| Cartridge Memory | LTO-CM chip |
| Rewritable | Yes |
| WORM | No |
| Archival Life | 30 years |
| Colour | Dark Green |
| Warranty | HPE Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| RoHS | Compliant |
Compatibility
| Drive Generation | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| LTO-8 drives | Read and Write ✓ |
| LTO-9 drives | Read and Write ✓ (backward compatible) |
| LTO-7 and earlier | Not compatible |
Shipping, Returns & VAT
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- Express Options: Faster methods available at checkout
- Free Shipping to Ireland: For orders over £100.00
- International Delivery: Times vary by destination; shipped via FedEx or DHL
- 30-Day Returns: Return within 30 days from order date
- UK, Ireland and EU Customers: Free return label provided
- Full Return Policy: Read Here
- Full Shipping Details: Read Here
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Orders are dispatched from Northern Ireland, allowing us to serve customers across the United Kingdom and the European Union without unexpected import charges.
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