Product Comparison
Compare Q Series libraries by outcome, scale path, and operations model.
Start with use-case fit, then validate slot, drive, and throughput requirements with your ingest and restore targets.
Decision flow
- 1. Select use-case outcome and recovery model.
- 2. Map growth and ingest windows to class and drive count.
- 3. Validate governance controls (LTFS, WORM, encryption-ready).
- 4. Confirm migration and lifecycle plan.
Use-case fit
Match archive outcomes to the right library class.
Cyber Recovery Vault
Add an offline recovery layer beyond network reach to support ransomware recovery planning.
Recommended: Q24, Q40, Q80
AI/HPC Cold Tier
Retain training datasets, simulation output, and reproducibility archives without keeping all data on always-on storage.
Recommended: Q40, Q80, Q1000+
Media Preservation
Preserve camera masters, mezzanine files, and restoration assets with predictable archive operations.
Recommended: Q24, Q40, Q80
Regulatory Retention
Support governance policies that require multi-year retention, auditability, and controlled access.
Recommended: Q8, Q24, Q40
- Up to 144TB native capacity in a compact 1U footprint.
- Remote Management Interface with local front-panel controls.
- Field-replaceable components for quick serviceability.
Q24 Compact
2U mid-range capacity with LTO flexibility.
- Scales to 432TB native with LTO-9 drives.
- Supports LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 drive options.
- Designed for backup, recovery, and long-term archive.
Q40 Mid-Enterprise
Expandable 3U modules for growing teams.
- Scales from 40 to 640 cartridge slots.
- Up to 48 tape drives with modular expansion.
- Built for data protection and disaster recovery.
Q80 Enterprise
High-density modular system for global archives.
- 80 to 560 cartridge slots with expansion modules.
- Up to 42 tape drives in a single library.
- Remote management, encryption, and firmware tools.
Q1000+Powered by Orion
Rack-scale enterprise library — now available.
- 44.6 PB native per 48U rack with LTO-10 drives.
- Multi-rack scaling path for exabyte-class retention programs.
- Now available for configuration and sizing.
Drive assemblies
Modular drive options for throughput planning.
- LTO-7, LTO-8, LTO-9, and LTO-10 drive generations
- FC or SAS interface options
- Half-height and full-height assemblies depending on model
- Modular upgrades to expand performance or capacity
Outcome CTA
Model PB to EB growth and ingest windows.
Share growth assumptions, ingest windows, and restore SLA targets. We will map a recommended class and drive-count range.
Get a configuration + sizing >Comparison matrix
Q Series specifications
Specs reflect published highlights. Confirm final configuration with current datasheets.
| Specification | Q8 | Q24 | Q40 | Q80 | Q1000+Powered by Orion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interface options | 6 Gb/s SAS (LTO-7, LTO-8), 12 Gb/s SAS (LTO-9), 8 Gb/s FC | 6 Gb/s SAS (LTO-7, LTO-8), 12 Gb/s SAS (LTO-9), 8 Gb/s FC | 6 Gb/s SAS (LTO-7, LTO-8), 12 Gb/s SAS (LTO-9, LTO-10), 8 Gb/s FC, 32 Gb/s (LTO-10) | 6 Gb/s SAS (LTO-7, LTO-8), 12 Gb/s SAS (LTO-9, LTO-10), 8 Gb/s FC, 32 Gb/s (LTO-10) | SAS or FC (LTO-9, LTO-10) |
| Supported LTO generations | LTO-7, LTO-8, LTO-9 | LTO-7, LTO-8, LTO-9 | LTO-7, LTO-8, LTO-9, LTO-10 | LTO-7, LTO-8, LTO-9, LTO-10 | LTO-9, LTO-10 |
| Library height | 1U | 2U | 3U / 48U | 6U / 42U | 42U / 48U |
| Drives per module (std/max) | 1/1 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/6 | Up to 24 FH (48U) / 21 FH (42U) |
| Maximum drives | N/A | N/A | 48 HH or 16 FH + 16 HH | 42 HH or 21 FH | Up to 24 FH (48U) / 21 FH (42U) |
| Active cartridge slots per module | 8 | 24 | 40 | 80 | Up to 1115 (48U) / 974 (42U) |
| Maximum cartridges | N/A | N/A | 640 | 560 | Up to 1115 (48U) / 974 (42U) |
| Base unit capacity (native/compressed) | Up to 144/360 TB | Up to 432/1080 TB | Up to 1.2/3.0 PB | Up to 2.4/6.0 PB | Up to 44.6/111.5 PB (48U) or 38.9/97.4 PB (42U) |
| Max capacity (native/compressed) | N/A | N/A | Up to 19.2/48 PB | Up to 16.8/42.0 PB | Exabyte scale (multi-rack, software dependent) |
| Max data transfer per drive (uncompressed/compressed) | Up to 300/750 MB/s (HH) | Up to 300/750 MB/s (HH) | Up to 300/750 MB/s (HH), up to 400/1000 MB/s (LTO-10 FH) | Up to 300/750 MB/s (HH), up to 400/1000 MB/s (LTO-10 FH) | Not specified |
| Max data transfer rate (full expanded library) | 2.7 TB/h (HH) | 5.4 TB/h (HH) | 129.6 TB/h (HH) or 100.8 TB/h (FH + HH) | 113.4 TB/h | Up to 9.6/24 GB/s (48U) or 8.4/21 GB/s (42U) |
| Configurable mail slots | 1 | 1 | 5 per module | 10 per module | 7 per module |
| Expansion modules | No | No | 15 | 6 | Unlimited racks (software dependent) |
| Power supply | 80 W (max) | 300 W (max) | 230 W (max) | 350 W (max) | < 300 W (peak per rack) |
| Redundant power supply | No | No | Yes (optional) | Yes (standard) | 2N power (base + expansion) |
| Library Partitioning | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Standard remote management | Yes, FastEthernet | Yes, 1GbE | Yes, 1GbE | Yes, 1GbE | Yes, 1GbE |
| LCD operation panel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Standard barcode reader | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption and compression support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LTFS and WORM support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Self-calibrating library | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-Discovery | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years advance replacement service (FRU) | 3 years advance replacement service (FRU) | 3 years advance replacement service (FRU) | 3 years advance replacement service (FRU) | 3 years advance replacement service (FRU) |
| Certifications and safety standards | FCC, ICES, CE, UKCA, GS, VCCI, KC, BSMI, RCM; EC 60950-1, IEC 62368-1, EN62368-1, UL 62368-1 | FCC, ICES, CE, UKCA, GS, VCCI, KC, BSMI, RCM; EC 60950-1, IEC 62368-1, EN62368-1, UL 62368-1 | FCC, ICES, CE, UKCA, GS, VCCI, KC, BSMI, RCM; EC 60950-1, IEC 62368-1, EN62368-1, UL 62368-1 | FCC, ICES, CE, UKCA, GS, VCCI, KC, BSMI, RCM; EC 60950-1, IEC 62368-1, EN62368-1, UL 62368-1 | MS Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS and more |
| Compatibility with OS | MS Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS and more | MS Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS and more | MS Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS and more | MS Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS and more | Most popular backup and archiving applications |
| Software | Most popular backup and archiving applications | Most popular backup and archiving applications | Most popular backup and archiving applications | Most popular backup and archiving applications | Not specified |
Scale proof
Built for growth from compact deployments to rack-scale archives.
LTO-10 media class
30TB native / up to 75TB compressed
Q1000+Powered by Orion density
44.6 PB native per 48U rack
Q series path
Q8 and Q24 through Q40, Q80, and Q1000+Powered by Orion
Expansion model
Start small, expand drive counts and slots as retention grows
Integration proof
Integrates with modern networked archive workflows.
Qualstar deployments support standards-based LTO operations with remote management, automation controls, and Ethernet-oriented integration paths for distributed environments.
- Supports LTFS, WORM-capable workflows, and encryption-ready operations.
- Remote management enables shared operations across sites.
- Bridging-based Ethernet/iSCSI integration supports placement flexibility.