A library that grows a module at a time
The Quantum Scalar i3 is built from identical 3U modules stacked in a standard 19-inch, four-post rack. The first is the control module; the rest are expansion modules of the same size[src]. Sixteen modules fill 48U and hold 800 slots. You pay for the slots you use: capacity-on-demand licensing unlocks them in 25-slot steps, so slots already installed but not yet licensed can be switched on with a licence, without new hardware[src].
What each licence step buys on LTO-9
Drives, not slots, decide the backup window
Where the Scalar i3 stops and the i6 starts
If you expect to need LTO-10 within the library's life, or you want EDLM to scan vaulted tapes in the background, go straight to the Scalar i6. If LTO-9's 18 TB per cartridge covers your growth, the i3's smaller module gives finer steps in rack space.
Scalar i3 technical specifications
| Specification | Scalar i3 |
|---|---|
| Cartridge slots | 25 to 800; capacity-on-demand in 25-slot steps[src] |
| Native capacity | LTO-9: 450–14,400 TB · LTO-8: 300–9,600 TB · LTO-7: 150–4,800 TB[src] |
| Drives | 1 to 24 half-height LTO; LTO-9 HH at 300 MB/s native[src] |
| Form factor | Rackmount 3U; up to sixteen modules (48U); rack-mounted[src] |
| Module dimensions | 13.2 × 44.1 × 92.45 cm (H × W × D)[src] |
| Import/export | One I/E station, configurable in 5-slot steps (up to 240 I/E slots); bulk load by magazine[src] |
| Interfaces | FC or SAS drives; dual 1 GbE management; library control bridged through a drive; optional iSCSI bridge (2 × 10 GbE)[src][src] |
| Inventory | About 1 to 6 minutes, depending on configuration[src] |
| Reliability | MSBF greater than 2 million; MTTR 30 minutes[src] |
| Power | 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz; optional 2N power, 80 PLUS Gold supplies[src] |
| Security | AES-256 drive encryption, Scalar Key Manager or KMIP key managers, MFA, Active Vault, Tape Blocking, Ransom Block[src] |
| Certifications | Includes UKCA (United Kingdom) and CE[src] |
From Quantum's Scalar Tape Libraries datasheet, DS00559A-v15. The iSCSI bridge supports up to four LTO-6-or-later SAS drives per bridge and needs the 440 W power supply in its module[src].
Three things buyers ask before ordering an i3
It needs a deep four-post rack
Plan the LTO-9 ceiling
Ransom Block works here
Get a Scalar i3 sized and quoted
- We work out licensed slots from your retention and growth, on native LTO-9 capacity.
- We size the drive count to your backup window and the speed your backup server can actually feed.
- We check rack depth, power and your backup software before you order.
- We quote the library, drives, media, encryption key management and Quantum support together.
Quantum Scalar i3: common questions
How many tapes does a Quantum Scalar i3 hold?
From 25 to 800 cartridge slots. You start with one 3U module and license slots in 25-slot steps with capacity-on-demand, up to sixteen modules filling 48U of rack. With LTO-9 media that is 450 TB native at the smallest configuration and 14,400 TB (14.4 PB) native when full.
Can the Scalar i3 use LTO-10?
No. Quantum’s datasheet lists LTO-10 capacity as not applicable on the Scalar i3, which takes half-height drives; Quantum’s LTO-10 material describes full-height drives only. The i3’s newest generation is LTO-9 (18 TB native). If you want LTO-10 in a rack-mounted library, the Scalar i6 takes full-height LTO-10 drives.
How many drives can a Scalar i3 take, and how fast are they?
One to 24 half-height LTO drives. Quantum rates half-height LTO-9 in the i3 at 300 MB/s native, against 400 MB/s for full-height LTO-9, so drive count matters more for the backup window on an i3 than on an i6. The worked example on this page shows how the window shrinks as drives are added.
Can we add Scalar i3 modules ourselves?
Yes. Quantum states that any module may be added in under 30 minutes and that all components are customer-installable on the i3 and i6. Unlicensed slots inside the modules you already own are unlocked with a capacity-on-demand licence; growing past them means adding a module.
Does the Scalar i3 support iSCSI?
Yes, through the optional Scalar iSCSI Bridge, which fits the existing iBlade slot in a module and connects SAS drives over two 10 GbE ports. Quantum supports one bridge per module, up to six per library, and up to four drives per bridge, LTO-6 and later SAS drives only. The bridge needs the 440 W power supply in that module.
What does the Scalar i3 not have that the i6 does?
LTO-10 and full-height drives, Extended Data Life Management (EDLM, not available on the i3) and data path failover (also not available on the i3). Both share the same 800-slot ceiling, 24-drive maximum, Ransom Block, iSCSI bridge option and customer-installable modules.
Can Servnet quote a Scalar i3 with drives, media and support?
Yes. We can supply and quote the Scalar i3 with the drive count and licensed slots your backup window and retention need, LTO-9 media, encryption key management and a Quantum support plan, and check your backup software against Quantum’s compatibility guide first.
More Quantum products we supply and quote
Related Servnet guides, tools and hardware
Sources
Every specification on this page comes from Quantum's own product pages, datasheets and tech briefs, listed below with their dates. Where Quantum's web copy and a datasheet differ, we use the datasheet. Figures are confirmed against the current revision when we quote.
- Quantum Scalar i3 · web page, read 29 Oct 2026
- Scalar Tape Libraries datasheet (DS00559A-v15) · PDF dated 21 Oct 2026
- Scalar iSCSI Bridge datasheet (DS00572A) · PDF dated 25 Aug 2025
- Scalar Key Manager datasheet (DS00406A) · PDF dated 22 Sep 2026
Quantum, Scalar, SuperLoader, DXi, ActiveScale and iLayer are trademarks of Quantum Corporation. Linear Tape-Open, LTO and Ultrium are trademarks of HPE, IBM and Quantum. Servnet is an independent UK IT reseller; this page is our own guide to the range.
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