
HPE LTO-5 Ultrium 3TB RW Data Cartridge – C7975A
Fifth-generation LTO media for backup & archival — 1.5 TB native / 3.0 TB compressed (2:1).
Quick Glance
Key Features
Design
Ultrium Form Factor — HPE LTO-5 cartridges are light blue for easy generation ID and include LTO-CM cartridge memory for media health & inventory control.
Performance
Capacity & Transfer Rates — Capacity: 1.5 TB native, up to 3.0 TB compressed (2:1). · Drive transfer rates (LTO-5 class): up to ~140 MB/s native (~280 MB/s compressed), model-dependent. · LTFS support: LTO-5 introduced Linear Tape File System for drag-and-drop style workflows.
Compatibility & Data Protection
Drive & Library Support — HPE LTO-5 drives read/write LTO-4 media and read LTO-3; use in HPE and standards-based LTO-5 libraries per your vendor matrix. WORM & Encryption — Available as RW (C7975A) and WORM (C7975W) media; LTO since Gen-4 supports AES-256 hardware encryption (drive-based).
Detailed Specifications
Official HPE sources: C7975A store page (capacity/identity); LTO-5 tape drive tech specs (backward compatibility & rates); HPE LTO cartridge data sheet (color IDs, MP base, general media specs); LTFS introduction on LTO-5.
Best For / Customer Benefits
Customer Benefits
- 1.5 TB / 3.0 TB per cartridge for efficient, cost-effective backups.
- LTFS makes tape easier to use in content workflows and archives.
- Fits HPE StoreEver ecosystems and open-standard LTO environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each HPE LTO-5 cartridge (C7975A) provides 1.5 TB native and up to 3.0 TB with a 2:1 compression assumption in compatible LTO-5 drives.
Yes. LTO media follows the open Ultrium standard; HPE LTO-5 cartridges are generally compatible with other vendors’ LTO-5 drives and libraries. LTO-5 drives can also read LTO-3 and read/write LTO-4 media.
Yes — order C7975W for WORM; AES-256 drive-based encryption is supported (introduced in LTO-4).
HPE’s data sheet lists light blue for LTO-5 generation cartridges.
Still not sure? Reach out to us.
We’ll confirm library compatibility and delivery options.

