IBM 3590 Magstar Tape Drive Models

The IBM 3590 Magstar Tape Subsystem is part of a portfolio of integrated storage solutions that deliver high capacity, high performance and excellent dependability for stand alone and automated systems. The IBM 3590 delivers direct attachment to open systems supporting native FC connections. The Magstar 3590 has a native drive data rate up to 14 MB/sec, and sustained data rates reach up to 34 MB/sec (with Ultra SCSI attachment) using the LZ1 compression algorithm.

Using the native FC connection, the Magstar 3590 can reach a maximum instantaneous data rate of 100 MB/sec and sustained data rates of 42 MB/sec. IBM Magstar models B11, E11 and H11 (loader) are rack-mounted tape drives with an Automatic Cartridge Facility (ACF).

IBM 3590 B11/E11/H11 can be converted to a B1A/E1A/H11 for use in a fully automated library system. Models B11, E11, and H11 are for standalone “mini” library configurations in racks and frames. Models B1A, E1A and H1A are intended to be used in Enterprise Tape Library 3494 and IBM TotalStorage Silo Compatible Tape Drive Frame.

Upgrading a Model B to a Model E can double the capacity on existing cartridges and increase performance potential by up to 50%. Upgrading a Model E to a Model H can result in a 50% increase in capacity on existing cartridges with the same performance.

IBM 3590-B11 Highlights of the IBM 3590 Model B11 include:

LZ1 Compression: Standard
Recording Technique: Standard
Number Tracks: 128
10-Cartridge Magazine: Standard
Cartridge Capacity: 10GB
Extended Cartridge Capacity: 20GB
Total Capacity: 600GB
Native drive data rate: 9MB/sec
Max sustained data rate w/ Ultra SCSI: 27 MB/sec

IBM 3590-B1A Highlights of the IBM 3590 Model B1A include:

LZ1 Compression: Standard
Recording Technique: Standard
Number Tracks: 128
10-Cartridge Magazine: n/a
Cartridge Capacity: 10GB
Extended Cartridge Capacity: 20GB
Total Capacity: n/a
Native drive data rate: 9MB/sec
Max sustained data rate w/ Ultra SCSI: 27 MB/sec

IBM 3590-E11 Highlights of the IBM 3590 Model E11 include:

LZ1 Compression: Standard
Recording Technique: Standard
Number Tracks: 256
10-Cartridge Magazine: Standard
Cartridge Capacity: 20GB
Extended Cartridge Capacity: 40GB
Total Capacity: To 1.2 TB
Native drive data rate: 14MB/sec
Max sustained data rate w/ Ultra SCSI: 34 MB/sec

IBM 3590-E1A Highlights of the IBM 3590 Model E1A include:

LZ1 Compression: Standard
Recording Technique: Standard
Number Tracks: 256
10-Cartridge Magazine: n/a
Cartridge Capacity: 20GB
Extended Cartridge Capacity: 40GB
Total Capacity: Depends on library model
Native drive data rate: 14MB/sec
Max sustained data rate w/ Ultra SCSI: 34 MB/sec

For pricing on new or used IBM 3590 Magstar tape drives, upgrades or parts, please contact Vibrant sales at sales@vibrant.com or call 888-443-8606 or 952-653-1700.