Use the correct media

For best performance we recommend HP branded media. Order online at:

www.hp.com/go/storagemedia/ultrium.

Data cartridges

HP StorageWorks Ultrium tape drives use Ultrium tape cartridges. These are single-reel cartridges that match your drive's format and are optimized for high capacity, throughput and reliability. Compatible media can be recognized by the Ultrium logo, which is the same as the logo on the front of your drive. Do not use other format cartridges in your tape drive and do not use Ultrium cartridges in other format tape drives.

For optimum performance always use a data cartridge that matches the specification of your tape drive, (see Table 2). A lower specification will have a lower transfer speed and may not support write activities; a higher specification will not support read or write. We recommend:

•Ultrium 800 GB RW* (C7973A) and Ultrium 800 GB* WORM tape cartridges for use with Ultrium 960 tape drives.

•Ultrium 400 GB* tape cartridges (C7972A) for use with Ultrium 460 tape drives.

•Ultrium 200 GB* tape cartridges (C7971A) for use with Ultrium 230 tape drives.

* All values assume 2:1 compression.

	Ultrium 960 drives	Ultrium 460 drives	Ultrium 230 drives
Type of cartridge
Ultrium 800 GB*	Write and Read	No	No

Ultrium WORM 800 GB*	Write Once, Read	No	No
	Many
Ultrium 400 GB*	Write and Read	Write and Read	No

Ultrium 200 GB*	Read only	Write and Read	Write and Read

table 2: Ultrium data cartridge and HP StorageWorks Ultrium tape drive compatibility

WORM data cartridges

The HP Ultrium StorageWorks 960 tape drive includes support for both rewriteable and WORM data cartridges. Write-Once, Read-Many (WORM) data cartridges provide for an enhanced level of data security against accidental or malicious alteration of data on the tape cartridge. The WORM data cartridge can be appended to maximize the full capacity of the tape cartridge, but the user will be unable to erase or overwrite data on the cartridge. WORM data cartridges are clearly identified by their distinctive, two-tone cartridge color.

To check whether your backup or archive software application supports WORM cartridges, refer to the following web site: www.hp.com/go/connect.

For information on how your HP Ultrium StorageWorks 960 tape drive and WORM cartridge can help your business meet Information Lifecycle Management and regulatory compliance requirements, please refer to the HP Business Support Center at: www.hp.com.