| Quantum SDLT 600 | Quantum LTO3 | Sony AIT-5 | ||
| Capacity and Performance | ||||
| Max Native Capacity | 300 GB | 400 GB | 400 GB | |
| Max Compressed Capacity | 600 GB | 800 GB | 1,040 GB | |
| Max Native Transfer Rate | 36 MB/s | 68 MB/s | 24 MB/s | |
| Average File Access Time | 79 sec | 68 sec | 44 sec | |
| Average Media Load Time | 12 sec | 30 sec | 14 sec | |
| Tape Speed (Inches per Second) | 105 | 232 | 1 | |
| Technology | ||||
| Recording Format | Linear | Linear | Helical-Scan | |
| Form Factor | 5.25" FH | 5.25" FH | 3.5" HH | |
| Media Type | 1/2" - eMP60TM | 1/2" - MP | 8mm - AMEII | |
| Automatic Head Cleaner | No | No | Yes | |
| WORM Functionality | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Buffer Size | 64 MB | 128 MB | 96 MB | |
| Auxiliary (Cartridge) Memory | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Compression Technology | DLZ | DLZ | ALDC | |
| Average Compression Ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 | 2.6:1 | |
| Power Consumption | 32 watts | 42 watts | 26 watts | |
| Reliability* | ||||
| MTBF (Hours) | 250,000 | 250,000 | 400,000 | |
| Duty Cycle | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
| Head Life (Hours) | 50,000 | N/A | 50,000 | |
| Passes to Fill Tape | 56 | 44 | 1 | |
| Media Uses | 19,250 | 25,000 | 30,000 | |
| Media Archival Life | 30 years | N/A | 30 years | |