Dell PowerVault ML3
The Dell PowerVault ML3 is a modern 3U modular tape automation library engineered for secure air-gapped data protection, ransomware isolation, and long-term compliance archiving. Featuring 40 cartridge slots and supporting up to three half-height LTO tape drives in its base enclosure, the ML3 scales seamlessly up to 280 cartridge slots and 7 libraries with ML3E expansion units.
Also written as: PowerVault ML3, Dell EMC ML3, ML3 Tape Library
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault Tape |
| Form factor | 3U rack |
| Released | Sep 2018 |
| Tape slots | 40 cartridge slots in 3U base chassis (expandable up to 280 slots with ML3E modules) |
| Drive bays | Up to 3 half-height (HH) or 1 full-height (FH) + 1 HH LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8, or LTO-9 tape drives |
| Native capacity | Up to 720TB native (1.8PB compressed) in base 3U library with LTO-9 media |
| Host interface | 6Gb/12Gb SAS or 8Gb/32Gb Fibre Channel host interface modules |
| Power supply | Redundant hot-plug power supplies with automated robotic cartridge picker |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell PowerVault TL2000
Compatible parts
Network adapters
540-BBGY Dell Broadcom 57414 Dual Port 10/25GbE SFP28 PCIe Low Profile Network Adapter
OCP adapters
540-BBHB Dell Broadcom 57414 Dual Port 10/25GbE SFP28 OCP 3.0 Mezzanine Network Adapter
Transceivers
407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
Rail kits
770-BCKW Dell ReadyRails II Sliding Rails for 2U PowerEdge Servers (B6)
Check compatibility with Dell
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Dell has tested with the Dell PowerVault ML3.
- Compatibility Dell E-Lab Navigator (storage and SAN interoperability) (free vendor sign-in)
- Support Dell Support: drivers, manuals and service tag lookup
Equivalent models from other brands
Buying a used PowerVault ML3: what to check
Verify tape robot mechanical movement and barcode scanner alignment, inspect LTO drive generation and interface types (SAS vs FC), test cartridge magazine latches, and confirm web GUI admin access.
FAQ
What LTO generations are supported in the PowerVault ML3?
The ML3 supports LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 half-height and full-height tape drives.
Can the ML3 partition slots for different backup servers?
Yes, multi-partitioning allows the library to be shared among independent backup applications.
Buying or selling PowerVault ML3?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Dell PowerVault ML3 Tape Library Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27