Kitographer

(This is some great information from my friends at Flashcards.co.nz)

This is a question we (Flashcards.co.nz) get asked a LOT!

The simple answer is – NO, they are not. The following are a few things that can make one card different to another:

* Controller Chip – this is one of 2 key components in every memory card. This is the bit that talks to the device the card resides in. It controls data transfer and also dictates a cards transfer speed. This is also where the Error Correction takes place, ensuring data integrity. Some controllers are better than others and some manufacturers buy controllers on the spot market so their quality can vary batch to batch. SanDisk for example make their own controller chips AND NAND wafers so they ALWAYS have end to end control of their quality.

* NAND Wafer Chip – This is the part of the card that stores the data. It is the raw storage tank on the card. Again, some manufacturers make their own NAND but since the factories costs Billions of dollars most card makers simply buy their NAND on the spot market from the likes of Toshiba and Samsung. Again, this can lead to quality variances. SanDisk own their own NAND Fabrication Plants and make all components in-house.

* Speed Ratings – Manufacturers can state their card speed ratings in several ways. They can state it in terms of an ‘X’ speed which usually equates to .15MB/s per 1X. So, for example 100X = 15MB/sec. They can also state it in terms of ‘Class’ or the SD consortium specs. They can also state their speed in maximum or minimum terms and also may state their read/write speeds as separate figures, confusing the matter even more. In general, here at Flashcards, we look at the maximum capable sustained write speed, stated in MB/sec terms as being the most important figure. This levels the playing field so you can compare apples to apples. Most manufacturers do publish these speeds, even if the spec is hard to locate.

Before you buy just ‘any old card from any old card maker’ make sure you know what you are getting. As is often the case in life, with memory you truly do get what you pay for! We have memory to suit every budget so if bottom line price is your main concern, we have it. Conversely, if the highest quality card and ultimate data integrity are your #1 priority, we have that too! End to end, Flashcards have it.

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