HP

HP C7976A - EA LTO-6 Ultrium 6.25TB Data Cartridge

5.0 (1 reviews)

Store up to 6.25TB of compressed data on a single tamperproof LTO-6 Ultrium cartridge built for reliable long-term backup.

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The HP C7976A LTO-6 Ultrium data cartridge delivers up to 6.25TB of compressed storage capacity on a single tape, making it a practical choice for enterprise backup, disaster recovery, and long-term data archiving. Built to meet HP's stringent reliability standards, each cartridge undergoes thorough testing to ensure consistent performance under the demands of automated tape libraries and standalone LTO-6 drives. Enhanced media monitoring provides real-time feedback on cartridge health, helping administrators identify potential issues before they affect data integrity.

A simplified tape path inside the cartridge reduces mechanical wear on the media, contributing to a longer usable lifespan and fewer read/write errors over time. Tamperproof construction makes the C7976A well-suited for industries with strict compliance and data security requirements, including healthcare, finance, and legal sectors. For organizations that rely on tape-based backup strategies, this cartridge delivers the capacity, durability, and security features needed to protect critical data cost-effectively at scale.

Key Features

Faster access time and enhanced media monitoring.

Simplified tape path to reduce wear and tear.

Tamperproof, compliant data storage.

Specifications

Brand
HP
Model
C7976A
Technology
LTO-6 Ultrium
Native Capacity
2.5TB
Compressed Capacity
6.25TB (2.5:1 compression)
Data Security
Tamperproof, compliant storage
Key Features
Faster access time, enhanced media monitoring, simplified tape path

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Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • High 6.25TB compressed capacity handles substantial backup volumes on a single cartridge.
  • Rigorous factory testing helps ensure consistent reliability for critical data.
  • Tamperproof design supports data integrity and regulatory compliance needs.
  • Simplified internal tape path reduces media wear and extends cartridge lifespan.
  • Faster access time compared to earlier LTO generations improves backup and restore efficiency.

👎 Cons

  • Requires a compatible LTO-6 (or newer) tape drive, which represents a significant upfront hardware investment.
  • Native 2.5TB capacity is modest compared to current-generation LTO-9 cartridges.
  • Sequential access means individual file restores are slower than disk-based storage.
  • Compressed capacity of 6.25TB assumes a 2.5:1 ratio that varies depending on data type.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cartridge holds up to 2.5TB of native (uncompressed) data and up to 6.25TB with 2.5:1 hardware compression enabled, which is typical of LTO-6 drives.
LTO-6 cartridges can be read by LTO-7 and LTO-8 drives, and are natively read/write compatible with LTO-6 drives. They are not compatible with LTO-5 or older drives.
HP LTO-6 Ultrium cartridges include built-in security features designed to prevent unauthorized data access and tampering, supporting compliance requirements for regulated industries.
LTO-6 media is designed for an archival storage life of up to 30 years when stored under recommended environmental conditions, making it suitable for long-term retention and compliance archiving.
Yes, LTO Ultrium cartridges feature a physical write-protect switch on the cartridge body that prevents accidental data overwrites.