3M MC 3000 255-750MB Mini Data Cartridge

The 3M MC 3000 255-750MB Mini Data Cartridge is a magnetic tape cartridge used for data backup and storage in computer systems. It belongs to the QIC (Quarter-Inch Cartridge) tape format, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

Main Features:

• Media Type: Magnetic tape (QIC format)
• Capacity:
  • 255MB uncompressed
  • 750MB compressed (depending on the drive and compression algorithm)
• Size: Mini Data Cartridge
• Usage: Backup and archival storage for professional systems, servers, and enterprise environments
• Compatibility: Required QIC tape drives, often manufactured by HP, Iomega, Colorado Memory Systems, and others
• Manufacturer: 3M (later under the Imation brand)

History & Significance:

• This format was widely used in the 1990s as a reliable and relatively affordable backup solution.
• It offered higher capacity than floppy disks and competed with early CD-Rs for data storage.
• Magnetic tape technology was valued for its long lifespan and was primarily used in enterprise and server environments.

Current Status:

• This format is now obsolete, replaced by modern storage solutions like HDDs, SSDs, and cloud storage.
• You can still find 3M MC 3000 cartridges on eBay or collector markets, but they are mostly used for legacy systems or as collector's items.