PowerVault

[Master-None]

Hey all!

Our Dell PowerVault TL2000 is a wonderful creature that has served us well, however it's currently packing an LTO-4 tape drive and between the size of our datastore and our retention policies, we're looking at swapping out offsite tapes like... every week. So we were wondering what LTO-5 or LTO-6 tape drives are available, compatible, and better yet, recommended for use with the Dell PowerVault TL2000. Furthermore, is there a drive installation document anywhere on Dell's website? Is it recommended/best practice to update to the latest firmware before performing a drive swap?

I'm aware that our tape library is out of support. It suits us as is, and we have a cold spare, so - we'll replace it as needed.

Thanks!

[Origin3k]

We have upgrade a couple of TL2000 with LTO4 to LTO6 drives years ago. Bought from dell.

Yes you should upgrade FW for library to the latest other it might be possible that your old version doesnt support LTO6 for example. The FW for the drives are separate.

Its just a a drive swap(we have 2 drives per TL2000). Our backup software struggels because of the new identifier of the drives and it took some time to get it working again.

[Master-None]

@Origin3k I appreciate your response! Wondering if I can get any official word from any of the Dell reps in here...

[DellEMCSupport]

Hi,

It shouldn’t be a problem, just like Origin3k said. https://dell.to/3g2iYna

[Master-None]

It is less this and more that I would like to know the official Dell part numbers for an LTO-6 drive for the TL2000 before we go out and order one.

So far, I'm finding either a Dell 183KW or TKC16 that seem to work with it, but I can find no supporting documentation or confirmation from Dell representatives that confirm this. We're looking to place our order pretty quickly here.

[DELL-Joey C · Accepted solution]

Hi @Master-None,

183KW or TKC16 is compatible with TL2000. 

[Master-None]

Is there any specific difference between those two models? It looks like they're both SAS.

[Dell -Charles R]

Hello Master-None,

TKC16 appears to be a replacement drive for 183KW. Either one will work.

183KW - ASSY,DR,BAY,SAS,LTO6,TL2/4K

LTO-6, Half Height, Drive Bay, TL2000/4000, SAS, Assembly

TKC16 - ASSY,DR,BAY,SAS,LTO6,TL2/4K

SAS Drive Bay Assembly, LTO6(IBM), Half Height, TL2/4K (To Replace 183KW)

[Master-None]

Do you guys, by any chance, have the official Dell part numbers for and LTO-7 tape drive for the PowerVault TL2000?

[DELL-Joey C]

Hi @Master-None,

That would be the DPN# below, please note the connectivity protocol.

8M5F0  LTO-7, Half Height, Drive Bay, TL2000/4000, FC, Assembly
M3HCC LTO-7, Half Height, Drive Bay, TL2000/4000, SAS, Assembly