Description
Sun EXB-8500 595-2410-01 5GB 8mm SCSI External Tape Drive Exabyte SPARCstation
The Sun 595-2410-01 is Sun Microsystems' OEM version of the Exabyte EXB-8500, an 8mm helical-scan external tape drive built for high-capacity backup in Sun workstation and server environments. It stores up to 5 GB of native data (10 GB compressed) per 8mm tape cartridge using the Exabyte 8500 format, and connects to the host system via SCSI.
Specifications & What's Included
- Sun Part Number: 595-2410-01
- OEM Drive Model: Exabyte EXB-8500
- Storage Capacity: 5 GB native / 10 GB compressed (2:1)
- Tape Format: 8mm helical-scan (Exabyte format)
- Interface: SCSI (50-pin)
- Form Factor: External desktop enclosure
- Front Panel: Tape bay door with status/activity display window, activity LED, eject button
- Rear Panel: SCSI connectors, large cooling fan, power switch, IEC AC power inlet (visible in photos)
- Enclosure color: Beige/cream, consistent with Sun workstation-era peripherals
- Included: Drive unit only — no tape media, SCSI cables, or terminator included
Applications
The Exabyte EXB-8500 and its Sun OEM equivalent were standard backup peripherals for Sun SPARCstation workstations and SPARCserver systems throughout the early-to-mid 1990s. At 5 GB native capacity, the EXB-8500 represented a significant step up from earlier 4mm DAT and QIC tape solutions, making it a common choice for departmental and engineering workstation backup in the Unix/Solaris environment. The drive uses 8mm videocassette-derived tape technology — the same physical tape format as standard 8mm video cassettes — adapted for data storage by Exabyte Corporation, which pioneered the format. Today these drives are still sought by administrators maintaining legacy Sun SPARC systems, as well as by organizations that need to read archival 8mm Exabyte tapes created in that era. Compatible host systems include the SPARCstation 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, SPARCserver series, and any system equipped with a standard SCSI host adapter. Note that 8mm Exabyte tape media (EXB-8mm or similar) and a SCSI terminator are required for operation but are not included.
This Sun EXB-8500 (595-2410-01) 8mm external SCSI tape drive was pulled from a working environment where it had been previously in service. It has been visually inspected and photographed. The unit shows the typical cosmetic wear expected of used equipment from this era — the beige enclosure shows light aging and minor surface scuffs consistent with normal use. The front tape bay door, status display, and rear panel connections all appear intact in the photos. As with all used tape drives, we recommend cleaning the tape path before first use. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Sun Microsystems |
Model: |
EXB-8500 |
MPN: |
595-2410-01 |
Secondary Model: |
595-2410-01 |
SKU: |
8435 |
Type: |
External Tape Drive |
Storage Capacity: |
5 GB Native / 10 GB Compressed |
Recording Format: |
8mm (Exabyte) |
Interface: |
SCSI |
Form Factor: |
External Desktop |
Compatible With: |
Sun SPARCstation, Sun servers, SCSI-equipped workstations |
Manufacturer: |
Exabyte (OEM for Sun Microsystems) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Seller Notes: |
Drive unit only — no tape media, cables, or software included. |
Condition Notes: |
This Sun EXB-8500 (595-2410-01) 8mm SCSI external tape drive was pulled from a working environment. Visually inspected; shows typical cosmetic wear for its age. Tape path cleaning recommended before first use. Please contact us with any questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |