LTO Drive Firmware Displays as "R001" on Intel-Based Macs

LTO Drive Firmware Displays as "R001" on Intel-Based Macs

LTO Drive Firmware Displays as "R001" on Intel-Based Macs

Applies To

  • MagStor Thunderbolt LTO Tape Drives

  • Intel-based Apple Macs (x86)

  • Systems using an Areca SAS Host Bus Adapter (HBA)

Symptoms

When viewing the tape drive information in backup software or diagnostic utilities, the LTO drive firmware is displayed as R001 instead of the expected IBM firmware revision (for example, Q7D3, P3D3, etc.).

The tape drive may otherwise function normally, but the incorrect firmware version can cause confusion during troubleshooting and support.

Note: This issue is specific to Intel-based Macs. Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4, etc.) systems are not affected.

Cause

This behavior is caused by newer firmware revisions on the Areca Thunderbolt SAS adapter. Certain firmware versions are not fully compatible with Intel-based macOS systems and incorrectly report the attached LTO drive firmware as R001.

The LTO drive firmware itself is not affected.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, downgrade the Areca controller to version 1.59, including all three components:

  • BIOS: v1.59

  • Firmware: v1.59

  • Boot ROM: v1.59

After downgrading, reboot the computer and verify that the LTO drive firmware is displayed correctly.

Checking the Areca Firmware Version

You can verify the installed Areca firmware using the Areca ARCSAP utility.

Download ARCSAP here:

https://www.areca.com.tw/support/s_windows/utility/arcsap.zip

After launching ARCSAP, review the controller information and note the installed:

  • Firmware Version

  • BIOS Version

  • Boot ROM Version

If any of these components are newer than v1.59 on an Intel-based Mac, downgrade them to v1.59.

Additional Information

  • This issue only affects Intel-based Macs.

  • It does not indicate a problem with the LTO drive firmware.

  • Apple Silicon systems do not require this downgrade.

  • If the firmware still reports R001 after downgrading to v1.59, contact MagStor Technical Support for further assistance.

When to Contact MagStor Support

Contact MagStor Support if:

  • The firmware still reports R001 after installing Areca v1.59.

  • You need assistance obtaining the appropriate Areca firmware files.

  • The Areca controller cannot be downgraded successfully.

Keywords

R001, firmware R001, Intel Mac, Intel macOS, Areca, ARCSAP, Boot ROM, BIOS, firmware version, Thunderbolt LTO, MagStor, IBM LTO firmware, Areca 1.59

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