Netstor Thunderbolt 3 desktop enclosure for 2 LTO tape drives

Netstor NS722TB3 2-bay (5.25") LTO tape drive to Thunderbolt 3 desktop solution

The Netstor NS722TB3 turns internal half-height LTO tape drives into a Thunderbolt 3 desktop archiving solution: no HBA card is needed in the computer, so LTO backup becomes available on Thunderbolt 3 macOS and Windows laptops and all-in-ones such as the iMac. Two internal SFF-8482 connectors, carrying both data and power, support up to two LTO drives; current LTO-9, LTO-8 and LTO-7 drives from Quantum, HP, Dell and IBM are supported.

Installing a drive takes a single SFF-8482 cable, and a second drive can be added at any time, even of a different generation (LTO-8, LTO-7 and LTO-6 can be mixed). The rear external mini-SAS port (SFF-8644) adds a SAS connection to the Thunderbolt 3 host for an extra LTO drive, JBOD or RAID storage. A 300 W server-grade power supply and a quiet rear fan complete the unit. LTO drives are optional and not included.

Key features

• Up to two internal 5.25" half-height LTO tape drives
• Two internal SFF-8482 connectors with integrated power
• Supports LTO-9, LTO-8 and LTO-7 drives from Quantum, HP, Dell and IBM; LTO-8, LTO-7 and LTO-6 drives can be mixed
• No HBA card needed in the host computer
• Thunderbolt 3 at 40 Gbps, data rates up to 2750 MB/s
• Extra external mini-SAS port (SFF-8644) for another LTO drive, JBOD or RAID storage
• Dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for host connection and daisy-chain of up to 6 devices
• Server-grade 300 W low-noise power supply and quiet rear cooling fan

Compatibility

• macOS: Mac OS X 10.12.3 or later, on Apple silicon (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra) or Intel Macs
• Windows 10 and Windows 8
• Half-height LTO tape drives (LTO-9, LTO-8, LTO-7 from Quantum, HP, Dell, IBM)

Notes

• LTO tape drives are not included.
• Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 run at the same 40 Gbps: according to Netstor, this Thunderbolt 3 unit can be connected to either a Thunderbolt 3 or a Thunderbolt 4 port on the host computer.

Specifications

• Host interface: dual Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for host connection and daisy-chain, 40 Gbps, compatible with Thunderbolt 4 host ports
• Data transfer rate: 40 Gbps
• Drive bays: 2 x 5.25" for LTO tape drives (drives optional)
• LTO interface: SFF-8482 with integrated power
• Supported LTO drive size: 210 (D) x 134 (W) x 42 (H) mm
• SAS port: one external SFF-8644
• Thunderbolt expansion: up to 6 Thunderbolt devices
• Cooling: one 90 x 90 x 25 mm fan
• Power supply: server-grade 300 W single PSU, low noise, 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions: 334 (D) x 110 (W) x 240 (H) mm
• Environment: operating 5 to 50 °C, storage -20 to 70 °C, operating humidity 10-80% non-condensing, storage humidity 5-95%

In the box

• Enclosure
• Thunderbolt 3 40 Gbps cable, 1 m
• Power cord