The **Xerox 108R00990** cyan ink cartridge (2-pack) is designed for the **ColorQube 8700** printer, delivering vibrant, high-quality prints. Each stick provides **2,500 pages** (approx.), ensuring cost-effective, reliable performance. Compatible with Xerox’s solid ink technology, it offers sharp colors and minimal waste. Always verify printer compatibility before purchasing.
If your Xerox ColorQube 8700 is running low on cyan ink, choosing the right replacement can feel overwhelming. Not all solid ink sticks deliver consistent color accuracy or reliable page yields, and using non-genuine supplies can damage your printer or void your warranty. The 108R00990 Xerox ColorQube Ink Cyan, ColorQube 8700 (2 Sticks) is engineered specifically for your printer model, ensuring sharp cyan output and up to 4,200 pages per stick. This genuine Xerox supply is tested to work seamlessly with your ColorQube 8700, delivering professional-grade prints without smudges, streaks, or color shifts.
Unlike third-party alternatives that may clog printheads or fade quickly, the Xerox solid ink system uses a unique wax-based formula that bonds to paper for vibrant, long-lasting results. Whether you’re printing marketing materials, reports, or presentations, this cyan ink stick maintains color consistency across large print jobs. With a capacity of 4,200 pages per stick, it’s ideal for high-volume offices that need dependable performance without frequent cartridge changes. Below, we’ll cover why genuine Xerox ink is worth the investment, how to select the right solid ink, and a step-by-step guide to installation.
Table of Contents
Why Genuine Xerox Solid Ink is Worth the Investment
When you choose the 108R00990 Xerox ColorQube Ink Cyan, ColorQube 8700 (2 Sticks), you’re not just buying ink—you’re investing in reliability and print quality tailored to your Xerox printer. Genuine Xerox solid ink is formulated to match the exact specifications of your ColorQube 8700, ensuring optimal performance from day one. Unlike generic or remanufactured inks, which often contain inferior pigments or waxes that can clog printheads, Xerox’s proprietary formula is designed to flow smoothly and produce sharp, consistent cyan tones every time.
Another key advantage is page yield. Each cyan stick delivers up to 4,200 pages, which is significantly higher than many liquid ink alternatives. This means fewer replacements, less downtime, and lower long-term costs. Additionally, Xerox solid ink is engineered to resist smudging and fading, making it ideal for documents that need to last—such as presentations, client proposals, or archival materials. By using genuine supplies, you also protect your warranty and avoid potential damage from incompatible inks.
Longevity and Cost Efficiency Over Time
While the upfront cost of genuine Xerox ink may seem higher than third-party options, the long-term savings are substantial. Generic inks often require more frequent replacements due to lower page yields or poor performance, leading to hidden costs in maintenance and repairs. Xerox solid ink, on the other hand, is built for endurance. Its wax-based composition resists evaporation and degradation, so you won’t waste ink sitting unused in a cartridge. Over a year of heavy use, offices typically spend less on genuine Xerox ink than on cheaper alternatives that underperform.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
Xerox solid ink is also more eco-friendly than traditional liquid ink systems. The wax-based sticks produce less waste because they don’t require plastic cartridges, and the ink itself is non-toxic and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This makes it a safer choice for office environments where air quality matters. Additionally, the ColorQube 8700’s solid ink system uses about 90% less packaging than comparable laser printers, reducing your carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
How to Choose the Right Solid Ink for Your ColorQube 8700
Not all solid ink sticks are created equal, and selecting the wrong one for your ColorQube 8700 can lead to poor print quality or even printer damage. The first step is to verify compatibility. The 108R00990 Xerox ColorQube Ink Cyan, ColorQube 8700 (2 Sticks) is specifically designed for the ColorQube 8700 model, so always check your printer’s model number before purchasing. If you own a different Xerox model, such as the ColorQube 8900 or WorkCentre 7845, you’ll need a different ink stick.
Next, consider the page yield. For high-volume offices, a higher-yield stick like the 108R00990 (4,200 pages per stick) is more cost-effective than lower-yield options. If you print mostly in draft mode or rarely use cyan, a standard-yield stick might suffice, but for professional-quality prints, the high-yield version ensures you won’t run out mid-job. Also, look for ink that’s labeled as “genuine” or “Xerox Genuine Supplies.” These products are tested to meet Xerox’s strict quality standards and are backed by the company’s warranty.
Where to Buy: Avoid Counterfeit Risks
Counterfeit solid ink sticks are a growing problem, especially when purchasing from third-party sellers. These fakes often use low-quality wax or incorrect pigments, leading to streaky prints, clogged printheads, or even permanent damage to your printer. To avoid this, buy directly from Xerox’s official website, authorized resellers like Amazon (with “Sold by Amazon” listings), or reputable office supply stores such as Staples or Office Depot. Always check for the Xerox hologram or serial number on the packaging to confirm authenticity.
Price vs. Performance: What to Expect
The 108R00990 Xerox ColorQube Ink Cyan typically retails for around $330.99 for two sticks, which breaks down to about $165 per stick. While this may seem expensive compared to generic options priced at $100 or less, the difference in performance is significant. Generic inks often require more frequent replacements, which adds up over time. For example, if a generic cyan stick only lasts 2,000 pages, you’d need to buy two sticks to match the yield of one Xerox stick, costing you $200 instead of $165. Over a year, the savings with genuine Xerox ink can be substantial, especially for businesses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Cyan Solid Ink Sticks
Installing new solid ink sticks in your ColorQube 8700 is a straightforward process, but following the steps carefully ensures you avoid smudges or misfeeds. Start by turning on your printer and opening the front cover. The ink sticks are stored in a compartment on the right side of the printer. Gently pull out the ink stick drawer, which will automatically extend for easy access.
Locate the cyan ink slot, which is marked with a cyan-colored label. Remove the old stick by pulling it straight out—there’s no need to force it. Take your new 108R00990 Xerox ColorQube Ink Cyan stick and align it with the slot, ensuring the flat side faces down. Push it in firmly until it clicks into place. Repeat the process for the second stick if you’re replacing both at once.
Priming the Ink System
After installing the new sticks, your printer may prompt you to run a printhead cleaning cycle. This step is crucial for removing any air bubbles or dried ink that could affect print quality. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the cleaning process. It typically takes 2–3 minutes and involves printing a test page to ensure the ink is flowing correctly. If the test page shows streaks or missing cyan, run the cleaning cycle again.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
If your printer doesn’t recognize the new ink sticks, double-check that they’re fully inserted and seated correctly. Sometimes, the printer may display an error code like “Ink Stick Missing” or “Ink Mismatch.” In these cases, remove the stick and reinsert it, making sure it’s pushed all the way in. If the error persists, restart your printer and check for any obstructions in the ink compartment. Avoid touching the ink stick’s contact points, as oils from your skin can interfere with the printer’s sensors.
Xerox ColorQube 8700: Performance and Page Yield Explained
The Xerox ColorQube 8700 is a high-performance multifunction printer designed for offices that demand speed, reliability, and professional-quality output. When paired with the 108R00990 Xerox ColorQube Ink Cyan, it delivers consistent results across a wide range of media types, including glossy paper, labels, and envelopes. The printer’s solid ink technology ensures that cyan prints remain vibrant and fade-resistant, even when exposed to light or handled frequently.
Page yield is a critical factor when evaluating ink costs. The ColorQube 8700’s cyan ink stick has a rated yield of 4,200 pages, based on Xerox’s standard test method (ISO/IEC 24711). This means you can expect approximately 4,200 pages of solid cyan output before needing a replacement. Actual yields may vary depending on print settings, paper type, and coverage. For example, printing a full-page cyan image will use more ink than a text-only document, so your mileage may differ. To maximize yield, use the printer’s “Eco Mode” for draft-quality prints or enable “Toner Save” in the printer settings.
Print Speed and Quality
The ColorQube 8700 prints up to 30 pages per minute in color and 35 pages per minute in black-and-white, making it one of the faster solid ink printers on the market. The cyan ink plays a key role in maintaining this speed, as the wax-based formula melts and adheres to paper more efficiently than liquid inks. This results in fewer jams and misfeeds, even during high-volume print jobs. For color accuracy, the printer uses a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model, with each ink stick contributing to the final output. Using genuine Xerox cyan ink ensures that the color balance remains true to your design files.
Media Compatibility and Versatility
Unlike some printers that struggle with specialty papers, the ColorQube 8700 handles a variety of media types with ease. The cyan ink stick works well on glossy brochures, matte reports, and even recycled paper, provided the paper weight is within the printer’s supported range (60–220 gsm). For best results, use Xerox-branded or high-quality third-party paper to avoid ink smudging or poor adhesion. The printer’s straight paper path also reduces the risk of jams when printing on thicker materials like cardstock or labels.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Genuine Xerox Quality: Formulated specifically for the ColorQube 8700, ensuring optimal print quality and reliability.
- High Page Yield: Each cyan stick delivers up to 4,200 pages, reducing replacement frequency and long-term costs.
- Vibrant, Fade-Resistant Prints: Wax-based formula bonds to paper for long-lasting cyan output that resists smudging and fading.
- Eco-Friendly: Produces 90% less packaging waste than liquid ink systems and contains no VOCs.
- Warranty Protection: Using genuine Xerox supplies maintains your printer’s warranty and prevents damage from incompatible inks.
Cons
- Higher Upfront Cost: The 108R00990 ink sticks cost around $330.99 for two, which is more expensive than generic alternatives.
- Limited Availability: Genuine Xerox ink can be harder to find than third-party options, especially in smaller markets or online marketplaces.
- Installation Learning Curve: While the process is simple, first-time users may need to familiarize themselves with the printer’s ink compartment and priming steps.
- Weight of Solid Ink: The wax-based sticks are heavier than liquid ink cartridges, which may slightly increase shipping costs for online orders.
- Color Shift Risk with Non-Genuine Ink: Using third-party cyan ink can cause color inaccuracies or damage to the printhead over time.
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