IBM Tape Storage TS3200 Tape Library

Name: IBM Tape Storage TS3200 Tape Library
Brand: IBM

End of saleStorage4U rackmount

The IBM TS3200 Tape Library (3573) is a 4U rackmount tape library accommodating up to 48 tape cartridges and up to four half-height or two full-height LTO tape drives. Providing web-based management, barcode reader, and FC or SAS host connectivity, it served as an industry-standard midrange backup library.

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Specifications

Brand	IBM
Family	Tape Storage
Form factor	4U rackmount
Released	Apr 2008
End of sale	Sep 2018
End of support	Sep 2023
Form factor	4U rackmount
Cartridge capacity	48 cartridges in 4 removable magazines
Drive support	Up to 4 HH or 2 FH LTO drives (LTO-3 to LTO-8)
Host interfaces	8Gb FC, 6Gb SAS
Max capacity	Up to 1.44PB compressed (LTO-8)

Generations

Next generation: IBM Tape Storage TS4300 Tape Library

Works together

How the IBM Tape Storage TS3200 Tape Library connects to servers, storage and the network: 2 ways, with the parts and products on each path.

Fibre Channel SAN Direct-attached SAS

Fibre Channel SAN

Serverwith an FC HBAFC switchtwo fabrics, A and BStorage arrayFC host ports

Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).

Servers

Adapters for the server

540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter

Switches

Optics

57-1000262-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ ELWL 25 km
57-1000333-01 Brocade 32G FC SFP+ SWL
57-1000487-01 Brocade 16G FC SFP+ SWL

Fibre Channel SAN: how it fits together

Direct-attached SAS

Serverexternal SAS HBASAS cableMini-SAS HD, no switchArray or JBODSAS host ports or EMM

12Gb SAS uses Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) connectors; older 6Gb gear uses Mini-SAS (SFF-8088). Adapter cables exist, but the link runs at the slower speed.

Servers

Adapters for the server

05-50076-01 Broadcom HBA 9500-16e PCIe 4.0 Tri-Mode 16-Port External Host Bus Adapter
405-AANT Dell 12Gbps SAS HBA Dual Port External PCIe Controller
405-AASU Dell HBA355e External SAS 12Gb/s Host Bus Adapter
HBA465E Dell HBA465e External Host Bus Adapter

Direct-attached SAS: how it fits together

Plan and size it

Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com

Check compatibility with IBM

Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that IBM has tested with the IBM Tape Storage TS3200 Tape Library.

Compatibility IBM System Storage Interoperation Center (SSIC)
Specifications IBM Documentation
Support IBM Support

Equivalent models from other brands

FAQ

How many cartridge magazines are in the TS3200?

The 4U chassis houses four removable 12-slot cartridge magazines (two left, two right) for convenient off-site tape rotation.

What drive interfaces were offered?

The library supported 8Gbps Fibre Channel and 6Gbps SAS half-height and full-height drive options.

Buying or selling TS3200 Tape Library?

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.

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Sources

IBM TS3200 Tape Library Datasheet, checked 2026-10-28