IBM Extended High-Performance Cartridge Tape Blank data tape Tape Cartridge

The IBM Magstar 3590 Extended High-Performance "K" Model Data Cartridge (SKU / Part Number: 05H3188) is a legacy, enterprise-grade half-inch magnetic tape storage solution. It was specifically engineered to double the tape length and capacity of standard 3590 media, providing high-reliability data logging, backup, and archival retention for enterprise mainframes and mid-range computing systems.

⚡ Capacity & Performance

• Storage Capacity by Drive Model:

  • 3590 B-Model Drives: 20 GB Native / 60 GB Compressed (assumes a standard 3:1 compression ratio)

  • 3590 E-Model Drives: 40 GB Native / 120 GB Compressed

  • 3590 H-Model Drives: 60 GB Native / 180 GB Compressed

• Data Access Acceleration: Integrated midpoint load mechanism allows the tape drive to mount the media from the middle, significantly speeding up file location and data retrieval times.

📏 Tape Physical Specifications

• Tape Technology: Magstar 3590 Extended "K" format

• Tape Width: 0.5 inches (12.65 mm)

• Tape Length: 2,070 feet (631 meters) — double the length of standard 3590 High-Performance cartridges

• Intrinsic Coercivity (Hc): 1,625 Oersteds (± 75 Oe)

• Recording Standard: 3590 serpentine linear recording format

🔒 Reliability & Mechanical Durability

• Media Type: Re-Writable (RW)

• Load/Unload Durability: Minimum of 5,000 successful leader block load and unload operations.

• Drop Resiliency: Shock-absorbent casing engineered to remain functional after a single drop test of up to 39.4 inches (1 meter).

• Reliability Profile: Designed with a self-contained, isolated tape path mechanism inside the shell to safeguard the media against dust, reduce debris buildup, and extend head life during high-speed contact.

📦 Compatibility & Environmental Limits

• Hardware Tape Drive Target: Fully compatible with IBM Magstar 3590 B, E, and H model tape drives.

• Automation Systems Integration: Coexists seamlessly with legacy 3490 footprints and is supported inside the IBM Magstar 3494 Tape Library, StorageTek 4410, and StorageTek 9310 Automated Cartridge Systems (ACS).

• Shipping Weight: 0.55 lbs (approx. 0.25 kg) per cartridge.

• Allowable Transportation Limits (10 days max): -10°F to 120°F (-23°C to 49°C); 5% to 80% RH (with an 80°F / 27°C maximum wet bulb limit and no condensation).