Sysgen Smart Image 20MB 5.25" Internal Tape Drive JVC MTD-520HQ QIC

Sysgen Smart Image 20MB 5.25" Internal Tape Drive JVC MTD-520HQ QIC

The Sysgen Smart Image 20MB is a 5.25-inch half-height internal tape drive manufactured by Sysgen Incorporated of Milpitas, California, using a JVC-manufactured tape mechanism (model MTD-520HQ, made in Japan). It uses QIC (Quarter-Inch Cartridge) tape format to provide 20MB of backup capacity and was designed for internal installation in full-height or half-height 5.25-inch drive bays in PC-compatible desktop systems of the era.

Specifications & What's Included

• Brand: Sysgen Incorporated (Milpitas, CA)
• Model: Smart Image 20MB (INT)
• OEM Tape Mechanism: JVC MTD-520HQ (Made in Japan)
• Capacity: 20MB
• Form Factor: 5.25-inch half-height internal
• Tape Format: QIC (Quarter-Inch Cartridge)
• PCB: Visible on top of unit; appears clean with no obvious damage
• Drive only — no tape cartridge, cables, or software included

Applications

The Sysgen Smart Image was a QIC-format internal tape backup drive sold for use with IBM PC-compatible desktop computers in the mid-to-late 1980s. QIC-20 and similar 20MB-class drives were commonly used in small business and departmental environments for daily data backup of hard drives in the 10–40MB range typical of that era. Today, units like this are primarily sought by vintage computing enthusiasts, collectors, and technicians maintaining or restoring period-correct IBM PC/XT/AT-class systems, as well as those looking for parts or display specimens.

Please note: We may have multiple units of this item in stock. The unit you receive may vary slightly from the one shown in the photos. All units are functionally equivalent and inspected to the same standard.