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bigdosman

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Can I use LTO2 Tapes in an LTO3 Tape Backup

We currently have an Certance/Quantum LTO2 Full height backup tape drive. it is the 200GB native 400gb Compressed backup drive. We are looking to upgrade to a Quantum LTO3 Drive 400gb/800gb because it is faster. Can we use the lto2 tapes in the lto3 drive and get lto3 backup speeds? or do we need LTO3 Tapes to get the LTO3 Speed.

Thanks in advance,
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You'll be able to tell if you've been reaching the maximum speeds capable of the LTO 2 by whether it streamed or not - if you heard it repositioning a lot, then either i) the tape was bad, or ii) you couldn't even supply the data fast enough for the LTO 2 drive, let alone an LTO 3.

Having said that, LTO 3 drives are variable speed, so even if you can't supply the data at a throughput fast enough for them to stream at full speed, they'll stream at reduced speed, which is still faster than the LTO 2's start-stop-reverse-stop-start cycle.

Tapes will last longer, too : )
I have this compatibility chart tucked away for just this sort of occasion...

(must get out more often)




lto-compatability.gif
It would be fairer to willettmeister, Mr-Madcowz and myself if the points were evenly split.