Removable drive combines the speed of a hard disk with the portability of optical media for quick, easy, affordable backups.

Removable disk drive vs. other storage
The benefits of using a high-capacity, removable disk drive and accompanying cartridge like the Dell PowerVault™ RD1000 are evident when compared to alternative backup media. Rugged, removable disk media offers increased portability and durability over standard USB-based hard drive storage. The PowerVault RD1000 cartridges are built to withstand a fall from nearly one meter so they are very durable, plus the removable disk cartridges are small and lightweight and can be stored off-site for better disaster recovery protection. The PowerVault RD1000 provides easy expandability — when you reach capacity with one removable disk cartridge, just insert in a new one. There's no need to buy additional hardware.The PowerVault RD1000 features a protective disk drive cartridge that is available in 320GB,* 500GB,* 750GB* and 1TB* capacities. The RD removable disk cartridges are all interchangeable and preformatted. Archiving a collection of PowerVault RD1000 disk cartridges takes considerably less room than a similar amount of DVDs or CDs — it would take 36 standard DVDs to hold the volume of a single 320GB removable disk cartridge — all while saving shelf space.
| Compare PowerVault RD1000 to alternative storage options: | |||||||
| Storage Product | PowerVault RD1000 Removable Disk Backup | Competitor Removable Disk Backup | Removable Disk Drive Storage | External Hard Drive | DLTVS160 Tape Drive | DAT72 Tape Drive | Travan 40 Tape Drive |
| Description | Removable Disk Drive | Removable Disk Drive | Removable Hard Disk Drive | External HD Drive | Tape Drive | Tape Drive | Tape Drive |
| Acquisition Cost* | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
| Additional Media Cost per 160GB* | ØØ | ØØØ | ØØ | NA | Ø | Ø | ØØ |
| Capacities Available | 320GB*, 500GB*, 750GB*, 1TB* | 40GB*, 80GB*, 120GB*, 160GB* | 35GB*, 70GB* | 80GB* | 80GB* | 36GB* | 40GB* |
| Transfer Rate | 30 MB/s | 30 MB/s | 30 MB/s | 41 MB/s | 8 MB/s | 3.6 MB/s | 4 MB/s |
| Removable Media? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Form Factors | Internal, External or Rack Mount | Internal, External or Rack Mount | Internal, External or Rack Mount | External only | Internal, External or Rack Mount | Internal, External or Rack Mount | Internal, External or Rack Mount |
| Available Interface | SATA and USB | SATA and USB | SATA, SCSI, USB, Firewire, ATAPI | USB and Firewire | SCSI only | USB and SATA | USB and ATAPI |
Acquisition Cost = Under $249![]() = $250-$449![]() ![]() = $450-$649![]() ![]() ![]() = $650-$849![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() = Over $850 | Media Cost per 80 GB Ø = Under $50 ØØ = $51-150 ØØØ = Above $150 |
*Price references as of March 5th, 2007. Acquisition Cost for an equivalent 80G solution.

Hard Drive Speed and Reliability
The PowerVault RD1000 removable disk cartridge contains a SATA II hard drive, the same technology that Dell uses across the PowerVault™ disk storage line, the PowerEdge™ server line, and the Dell Precision™ Workstations external drive. SATA II hard drive technology is a reliable, industry-standard for storage, and an ideal long-term and durable media. Files transfer to the PowerVault RD1000 at about the same time it would take to save to your regular PC drive, up to 30MB/sec - much faster than backing up to standard tape, and without the hassle of swapping out media due to capacity constraints.
Tough and compact form
The PowerVault RD1000 functions lying flat or on its edge. Its compact profile takes up very little space on a desk or close to your server, allowing a backup solution that doesn't require rethinking your office arrangement. The removable disk cartridge is designed for durability and easily fits into a briefcase, backpack or even a coat pocket. The PowerVault RD1000's simple plug-and-play USB connection allows you to back up more than one system, or move it from home to office as you need. Each removable disk drive cartridge weighs about as much as a cell phone and is only slightly larger.Media
- RD1000 Media Technical Specifications:
1.5TB Media
Capacity (Native): 1.5TB
Capacity (Compressed): 3TB
Average sustained transfer rate: Internal SATA 30 MB/s / External USB 25 MB/s
Burst transfer rate: Internal SATA 1.5 Gbps / External USB 480 Mbps
Average access time (msec): 15
Function: Removable disk drive
Logical block size: 512 bytes
Support file system: ext2, ext3, FAT32 and NTFS (Default)
Unrecoverable error rate: 1 error per 10^14 bits read
MTBF Internal USB Device: 550,000 hours
1TB Media
Capacity (Native): 1TB
Capacity (Compressed): 2TB
Average sustained transfer rate: Internal SATA 30 MB/s / External USB 25 MB/s
Burst transfer rate: Internal SATA 1.5 Gbps / External USB 480 Mbps
Average access time (msec): 15
Function: Removable disk drive
Logical block size: 512 bytes
Support file system: ext2, ext3, FAT32 and NTFS (Default)
Unrecoverable error rate: 1 error per 10^14 bits read
MTBF Internal USB Device: 550,000 hours
750GB Media
Capacity (Native): 750GB
Capacity (Compressed): 1.5TB
Average sustained transfer rate: Internal SATA 30 MB/s / External USB 25 MB/s
Burst transfer rate: Internal SATA 1.5 GB/s / External USB 480 MB/s
Average access time (msec): 15
Function: Removable disk drive
Logical block size: 512 bytes
Support file system: ext2, ext3, FAT32 and NTFS (Default)
Unrecoverable error rate: 1 error per 10^14 bits read
MTBF Internal USB Device: 550,000 hours
500GB Media
Capacity (Native): 500GB
Capacity (Compressed): 1TB
Average sustained transfer rate: Internal SATA 30 MB/s / External USB 25 MB/s
Burst transfer rate: Internal SATA 1.5 GB/s / External USB 480 MB/s
Average access time (msec): 15
Function: Removable disk drive
Logical block size: 512 bytes
Support file system: ext2, ext3, FAT32 and NTFS (Default)
Unrecoverable error rate: 1 error per 10^14 bits read
MTBF Internal USB Device: 550,000 hours
320GB Media
Capacity (Native): 320GB
Capacity (Compressed): 640GB
Average sustained transfer rate: Internal SATA 30 MB/s / External USB 25 MB/s
Burst transfer rate: Internal SATA 1.5 GB/s / External USB 480 MB/s
Average access time (msec): 15
Function: Removable disk drive
Logical block size: 512 bytes
Support file system: ext2, ext3, FAT32 and NTFS (Default)
Unrecoverable error rate: 1 error per 10^14 bits read
MTBF Internal USB Device: 550,000 hours
Performance
- Characteristic: Storage capacity varies by individual cartridge capacity
Average sustained transfer rate: USB 25 MB/s
Burst transfer rate: 480 MB/s
Typical transfer rate: 80MB/s
Maximum burst transfer rate: 230 MB/s
Max theoretical transfer rate: 375 MB/s
Average access time (msec): 15
Function: Removable disk drive
Command set:
Packet command feature set, per ATA/ATAPI-7
SCSI primary commands (SPC-2)
SCSI block commands (SBC-2)
Logical block size: 512 bytes
Supported file system: ext2, ext3, FAT32 and NTFS (Default)
Capacity and transfer rate will vary depending on the RD1000 cartridge type used.
Reliability
- Unrecoverable error rate: 1 error per 10^14 bits read
MTBF Internal USB Device: 550,000 hours
Cartridge Drop Test: RD1000 cartridges have been qualified to withstand a drop of 1M to a tile over concrete floor. In most cases the RD1000 cartridges can withstand drops of up to 1.5M.
Server Compatibility
- Dell and x86 IBM and HP Servers
Please refer to compatibility matrix for complete listing
Chassis
- RD1000 Internal Devices
Form Factor: 5.25 inch internal
Height: 41.4 mm (1.63 inch)
Width: 146.0 mm (5.75 inch)
Depth: 171.9 mm (6.77 inch) including bezel
Weight: 635 g (1.40 lbs)
PowerVault 114X
Form Factor: 2U Rack Mount
Height: 86.9 mm (3.42 inch)
Width: 482.5 mm (19.00 inch)
Depth: 480.7 mm (18.93 inch) including bezel
Weight: 8.3 Kg (18.4 lbs)
Interfact Type: USB 3.0
RD1000 Media
Form Factor: Removable Cartridge
Height: 23.68 mm (0.93 inch)
Width: 86.6 mm (3.4 inch)
Depth: 119.18 mm (4.69 inch)
Weight: 173 g (0.38 lbs)
Power
- Internal RD1000 Devices
Voltage Tolerance: +5VDC ±5%, +12VDC ±10%
Amperage Rating: 1.8A, 0.005A
PowerVault 114X
Voltage Tolerance: 100-240VAC
Amperage Rating: 1.9-0.8A
Having the right backup solution is key to protecting your critical information. So is having the right support. Dell ProSupport is a portfolio of globally-consistent, customer-driven support services that provide businesses of all sizes with flexible, reliable and easier support solutions.
Dell ProSupport starts with the Dell ProSupport for IT service model designed for IT professionals like you. Dell ProSupport for IT provides:
- 7x24 Direct access to Dell Expert Centers
- Fast-track dispatch for Dell-certified technicians
- Escalation management through Dell’s Global Command Centers
| SPEED OF RESPONSE | PROTECTION | PREMIUM PROACTIVE |
| Mission Critical - Perfect for server and storage environments where avoiding unplanned downtime and reducing recovery time through priority response are a must. The package includes priority 4-hour onsite* service or optional 2-hour response with 6-hour hardware repair, Dell’s proven Critical Situation process, and emergency dispatch. | Keep Your Hard Drive* - Enables you to control your sensitive data by retaining your hard drive and helps you comply with current data privacy regulations to help mitigate risks associated with regulatory or civil liabilities. | Enterprise-Wide Contract – Provides enhanced proactive capabilities through:
Proactive Maintenance - Maximizes the availability and stability of your infrastructure proactively. The package includes a detailed system assessment and implementation of driver or firmware updates and upgrades for your server or storage systems. Remote Advisory Options - Provides telephone and Internet access to technical expertise for specialized applications and solutions such as Microsoft Exchange, Virtualization, and more. |
| Basic Hardware Warranty |
Basic Support
Ideal for non-essential application environments. This service offers business-hour, phone-based support* for hardware-only issues with Next Business Day On-Site Service following completion of phone-based troubleshooting.
| Additional Service Offerings |
Backup and Recovery
To sustain the continued operation of your storage solution, you should engineer availability, security and reliability into every process from the outset. Dell can provide backup and recovery solutions that help ensure adequate procedures are in place to minimize or avoid data loss.
Storage Consolidation
Our storage experts analyze existing infrastructure, operational practices and technical readiness to develop a roadmap for conducting a storage consolidation. They will also develop a detailed consolidation deployment plan as well as a validated and refined solution design.
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