What's the difference between these Micro SD cards?

cormie

Hey,
I'm looking at buying a new Micro SD card and came across these options:

Sandisk Extreme 64GB, U1 45mb/s transfer speed:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FQOXM78/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_i4?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0M3N6PPQP654EMGC0AG9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455344027&pf_rd_i=468294

Sandisk Extreme 64GB, U3 60mb/s transfer speed:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00M55BS36/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0M3N6PPQP654EMGC0AG9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455344027&pf_rd_i=468294

Sandisk Extreme PLUS 64GB, U1 80mb/s transfer speed:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D6XTMFC/ref=s9_simh_gw_p147_d0_i3?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0M3N6PPQP654EMGC0AG9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=455344027&pf_rd_i=468294


Of course, the Extreme Plus seems the best (and most expensive) with 80mb/s speeds, but I'm just not sure what the difference between U1 and U3 is? I'd be expecting the fasted to have the U3, not the one in between so am a little confused by this?

Also, does anyone know is it possible to test a Micro SD card for errors? I was using one recently and it seemed very slow. I'm not sure if the card id corrupt and not sure how to test it.

I have the SD card/Micro SD card adaptor which slots into my laptop, can it be checked this way?

Also, is it possible to use a micro SD card on a device that only accepts SD cards like a digital camera, by using an adaptor, or is it likely to run into issues and you're better off just getting a proper SD card?

Any feedback appreciated

DaireQuinlan

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#Speed_class_rating

UHS-I and UHS-II cards can use UHS Speed Class rating with two possible grades: class 1 for minimum read/write performance of at least 10 MB/s ('U1' symbol featuring number 1 inside 'U') and class 3 for minimum write performance of 30 MB/s ('U3' symbol featuring 3 inside 'U'), targeted at recording 4K video.[27] Before November 2013, the rating was branded UHS Speed Grade and contained grades 0 (no symbol) and 1 ('U1' symbol). Manufacturers can also display standard speed class symbol (a digit encircled with 'C') alongside UHS speed class.

UHS memory cards work best with UHS host devices. The combination lets the user record HD resolution videos with tapeless camcorders while performing other functions. It is also suitable for real-time broadcasts and capturing large HD videos.

overview on the official site:
https://www.sdcard.org/developers/overview/bus_speed/

Also the simplified spec, though even in its simplified form it might be a little ... wordy ... https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/pls/simplified_specs/Part_1_UHS-II_Simplified_Addendum_Ver1.02_Final_140528.pdf

cormie

Wow, that's confusing, so although the U1 80mb has the fastest "access speed" if files are stored on the card, so for playback etc, the U3 card, even though it's 60mb access speed, is best for recording as it's 30mb/s as opposed to the 10mb/s of the 80mb U1 Extreme plus? Hmm, so now I'm not sure which to get. I though the 80mb would be the all round fastest, but apparently not...

Tiriel

Thread moved from Cameras & Accessories per OP's request.

cormie

I might have to get on to Sandisk tomorrow about this, but if anyone has any idea on which of the cards would be the best bet, please let me know

Also, if anyone knows about the error testing and compatibility using an SD adaptor please share

cormie

Well I got a very comprehensive reply from Sandisk

They pretty much covered everything I asked above, but I'm still not 100% sure which card is "Better", according to the compatibility tool, the U3 isn't suggested for the Z1 compact (What I might be using the card on) so maybe I'm just better off with the U1 80/mb. I wonder how the 10mb will differ performance wise to the 30mb write speed of the U3.

Thank you for contacting SanDisk Technical Support. My name is Cornilius L. and I am here to assist you.

I understand that you would like to know what card is best for you. This is mainly depending on the device you intend to use it in and for what purpose you intend to use it.

The new UHS speed class 3 interface was officially released on Nov 6th by the SDA (SD Association). New Ultra High Speed (UHS) and Speed Class 3 (U3) symbol on SanDisk cards will indicate products capable of recording 4K2K video. The new UHS 3 bus on the card will allow fast 30 MB/s constant minimum write speed to ensure high-quality video recordings while the U1 allows minimum sustained write speed of 10MB/s. MicroSD cards can be used in a microSD to SD adapter without loss of performance. For more information on this new UHS 3 interface from this link to the SD association:

NEW SDXC AND SDHC MEMORY CARDS SUPPORT 4K2K VIDEO

The see what card is recommended for your device, you can check SanDisk’s online Product Compatibility Tool; this application allows customers to verify if the SanDisk product that they intend on buying is indeed compatible with their device. The application also suggests all compatible products for a wide range of devices.
That way you are always certain that the product you are about to purchase is compatible with your device.

Before testing the card we would advise to backup your data and format the card with the computer:
Formatting on a PC with disk management
Formatting on a Mac

You can test the performance of your memory card On Windows with CrystalDiskMark Benchmark Utility – which is a free application – from the direct download link below:
http://crystalmark.info/redirect.php?product=CrystalDiskMarkInstaller-en

For Mac, In order to test the speed of your product we would advise to download and run the BlackMagic utility from the Appstore which is a benchmarking tool specifically for Mac computers.

Please note that the best way to ensure you are purchasing an authentic SanDisk product is to buy from an authorized SanDisk reseller. You may view our distributor/reseller list to locate an authorized SanDisk reseller in your region:
Find a Retailer/Distributor

Upon purchase we would recommend providing the following information in order to register the product for warranty purposes:

- Exact model of the device
- Serial number (Take note of all the numbers that you can find on the device)
- Color of your device
- Capacity of your device
- Place of purchase
- Date of purchase (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Do you see the letter "R" or the word "Refurb/Refurbished" at the back of the device?
- How was the product packaged at the time of purchase?

Thank you very much for your interest in SanDisk products!


Using one of our SSD’s? Check out our new interactive SSD guide for installation- and usage tips & tricks.

Please refer to your My SanDisk at http://kb-eu.sandisk.com anytime to see all of your incident history and product registration information. You can log in using your email address as your login and the password that you created.

Also, you can visit http://kb-eu.sandisk.com our online keyword searchable Knowledgebase, to easily find answers to your Technical Support and Customer Service questions for all of SanDisk's products. Simply enter your search terms and our Knowledgebase will search an extensive database of commonly asked questions as well as our online forums at http://forums.sandisk.com to provide you with the most complete answers possible.

Best regards,

Cornilius L.
SanDisk Technical Support

cormie

I don't know if I'm just really not understanding this or what, but I'm confused again :pac:

I got another reply saying this:

As you can see from this link ( http://www.sandisk.com/products/memory-cards/microsd/extremeplus-uhs-i-action-cameras/?capacity=64GB ), extreme plus cards have a read speed of 80MB/s and published write speed of 50MB/s. The U3 tells us that for video recordings it has a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s which enables you to record 4k Ultra High definition video for playback on large HD TV screens.

If you look at the other cards that have U1 you may get similar read/write speeds but the UHS-I interface allows 10MB/s minimum sustained write speed for 1080p video recordings. If you know the video resolution your Sony Xperia Z1 is able to record, you will have no difficulties in finding the suitable card for you.

Thank you for your kind cooperation and for allowing us to be of service to you!

Now when I follow that link and look at the product number:

SanDisk Extreme® PLUS microSDXC™ UHS-I Card for Action Cameras

Selected: 64GB | Item # SDSDQX-064G

If I put SDSDQX-064G into amazon.co.uk, this is the first result: http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSDQX-064G-U46A-Extreme-MicroSDHC-Adapter/dp/B00D6XTMFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411409091&sr=8-1&keywords=SDSDQX-064G

but from the item image, that has U1 on the card, not U3 like on the Sandisk page, I think this is what's confusing me..

cormie

I'll just continue talking to myself here, someone might find it useful if they are in the same confusion :pac:

Thank you for your continued support. I think I know what's confusing me
now. I followed the link you gave to the SanDisk Extreme® PLUS
microSDXC™ UHS-I Card for Action Cameras

Selected: 64GB | Item # SDSDQX-064G

and when I put the same item # into Amazon.co.uk, this is what I get:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSDQX-064G-U46A-Extreme-MicroSDHC-Adapter/dp/B00D6XTMFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411409091&sr=8-1&keywords=SDSDQX-064G

Now it has the same Item#, but if you look at the image on the amazon
page it has a 1 inside the U, not a 3, this is what's throwing me off.
Is it a U1 or a U3 on the amazon page and maybe they are just using the
incorrect image? Is the one on the amazon page the same as the one
linked to by yourself?

Reply:

Thank you for your update to the SanDisk Technical Support Team

U3 cards should be released in Europe before the end of this year. These cards will have the U3 sign and not U1. Sales and marketing of our resellers is independent from SanDisk. It is best to contact them directly for more information of what they have is stock as we are not aware of this.

For further information, we remain at your assistance. Thank you for your interest in SanDisk products!

Now I'm even more confused There is a U3 on amazon by the looks of it already, but it's 60mb which is why the whole thing is confusing me to begin with!


Anyway, I just sent this off to them:

Thsi is where my confusion is stemming from, the U3 DOES appear to be available on amazon.co.uk already, it says it's temporarily out of stock at present but it was in stock before so it must be due back in soon. The link to it is here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSDQXN-064G-FFPA-60MBps-Extreme-Adapter/dp/B00NMD4YCW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1411547777&sr=8-4&keywords=64gb+u3

So this is where my confusion is coming from...

On the Sandisk link you gave me: http://www.sandisk.com/products/memory-cards/microsd/extremeplus-uhs-i-action-cameras/?capacity=64GB

It gives a item # SDSDQX-064G

And it states Extreme Plus 4K and has U3 on the card and states "Up to 80MB/s** read speed and up to 50MB/s write speed"


On the amazon.co.uk links, there are two confusing me:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSDQX-064G-U46A-Extreme-MicroSDHC-Adapter/dp/B00D6XTMFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411409091&sr=8-1&keywords=SDSDQX-064G

This gives the same item # of SDSDQX-064G-U46A and states 80MB/s so would appear to match the Sandisk page so far, but then it has a U1 in the image and also says it's U1 in the item description.


The next amazon one is:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDSDQXN-064G-FFPA-60MBps-Extreme-Adapter/dp/B00NMD4YCW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1411547777&sr=8-4&keywords=64gb+u3

This gives a very similar, but not the same item # of SDSDQXN-064G-FFPA and is described as being only 60MB/s, and it isn't called the extreme PLUS, so would appear not to be the same as the one in the Sandisk link, but, it has the U3 stamp on the card in the image, says U3 in the title and mentions 4K video in the description, but then later in the description states "Thanks to its Class 10 and UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) ratings2, the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card lets you capture uninterrupted Full HD3 and 3D video."


So it appears neither links from amazon fully match the Sandisk link although the first link of the SDSDQX-064G-U46A seems to match everything but having the U3 mentioned. The stated speeds, the item# all seem to correlate to the Sandisk U3 link. I've searched the reviews (there's quite a lot) and there's no mention of U3 there either.

So is it a case that the amazon descriptions are incorrect, or that there's a lot of different choices with the Sandisk cards and they just don't have the one you linked to from Sandisk avaiilable on amazon (.com OR .co.uk, I've checked both) yet? Do the item #'s listen by amazon match other card options sold by Sandisk and match the amazon description correctly or is it likely that the first amazon link I provided will indeed be the U3 card?

Ok, I've just checked, and it appears not to be amazon exclusive, and on http://shop.sandisk.com/store/sdiskus/en_US/pd/productID.284149700/parentCategoryID.11442400/CategoryID.65981200 you'll see this appears to be the exact card that's listed on the first link I gave from amazon. This is the extreme plus with 80MB/50MB but is also listed as a U1 and the image is the U1, not the U3 as in the other Sandisk link....

So will the U3 be replacing the U1 and using the same item # or is it being sold as a different item #? It's very confusing and there doesn't seem to be a U3 extreme plus with 80MB/50mb speeds available on shop.sandisk.com or amazon?

Regards,

Tiriel

cormie wrote: »

I'll just continue talking to myself here, someone might find it useful if they are in the same confusion :pac:

Reply:

Now I'm even more confused There is a U3 on amazon by the looks of it already, but it's 60mb which is why the whole thing is confusing me to begin with!

Anyway, I just sent this off to them:

I'm still following (just about) but can't offer any input or anything so was staying schtum!

cormie

I'll update with anything I hear back. I'm still confused so will hopefully get it cleared up soon

cormie

Ok, I think I've finally gotten to the bottom of this... I think it's that the U3 are just new on the market, and they will be replacing the U1, under the same SKU and it's just that the U3 hasn't been rolled out fully yet. At least that's what I've understood from the latest mail:

cormie

Hi again Cornilius,
Thanks for your continued support. Ok, I think I've finally understood.
So it's that the U3 are just new on the market, and they will be
replacing the U1, under the same SKU and it's just that the U3 hasn't
been rolled out fully yet and the U1's are still heavily stocked so will
be replaced as the stock diminishes so eventually we'll be seeing that
there will be two choices under the same SKU, a U3 and a U1, with the U3
Extreme Plus being the best card with similar read speeds to the U1, but
a sustained write speed of at least 30mb. At least that's what I've
understood from the latest mail. So it's just a matter of waiting I
guess for the U3 to be rolled out. Whether or not the U1 will be still
manufactured and sold under that SKU and the U1 and U3 will sell
simultaneously, I'm not sure, or perhaps the U3 will fully replace the
U1 under the same SKU and the U1 will just be phased out? Can you
confirm that the U3 will still work on any device the U1 will work on,
but the device just may not be able to utilise the full speeds if it's
not U3 ready?

Reply:

At some point some of the new U3 cards will get a new SKU. We are not aware of exactly when, but you can expect it.

U3 cards are backward compatible with U1 devices. If your device supports minimum sustained write speeds of 30MB/s or higher, a U3 card is obviously the best choice as it will allow you to make cinema quality HD 4K video recordings.

So it looks like it's just a matter of waiting for the U3 Extreme Plus to be rolled out, perhaps under a new SKU

cormie

Looks like these are in stock now at Amazon Looks pretty definite to be the U3 version from the images here so I'm going to order and if the U1 version arrives, I guess I'll just return it.

cormie

Hmm, this is what's currently on the same link as I bought from before, note the U1 where it was U3/4k when I bought it, but it says that I bought this item. I should be receiving delivery soon so who knows what I'll get

foggy_lad

cormie wrote: »

Hmm, this is what's currently on the same link as I bought from before, note the U1 where it was U3/4k when I bought it, but it says that I bought this item. I should be receiving delivery soon so who knows what I'll get

You ordered the U3 one so if the U1 arrives just contact them and send it back.

cormie

Aghh, and after all that, the U1 arrives this morning