Dell PowerVault ML3E
The Dell PowerVault ML3E is a 3U expansion module designed to scale slot and drive capacity for the PowerVault ML3 tape automation library. Adding 40 tape cartridge slots and up to 3 additional half-height LTO tape drives per unit, up to six ML3E modules can be stacked beneath a primary ML3 base library to create an expansive 280-slot enterprise archive system.
Also written as: PowerVault ML3E, Dell EMC ML3E, ML3 Tape Expansion Module
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault Tape |
| Form factor | 3U rack |
| Released | Sep 2018 |
| Tape slots | 40 additional cartridge slots in 3U expansion module |
| Drive bays | Up to 3 half-height LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8, or LTO-9 tape drives |
| Native capacity | Adds up to 720TB native (1.8PB compressed) capacity per expansion module with LTO-9 |
| Host interface | Connects directly to base ML3 library via vertical robotic interconnect mechanism |
| Power supply | Redundant hot-plug power supplies |
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 ML3E.
- 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 ML3E: what to check
Confirm vertical robot elevator pass-through mechanism is undamaged, check module interconnect alignment brackets, verify LTO drive health, and test power supplies.
FAQ
Can the ML3E operate as an independent standalone tape library?
No, the ML3E requires a base ML3 library to manage robotics, web administration, and firmware.
How many ML3E expansion units can be added to a single ML3 library?
Up to 6 ML3E modules can be stacked for a maximum configuration of 21U, 280 slots, and 21 drives.
Buying or selling PowerVault ML3E?
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