Question I'm looking for a decent internal SD card reader ?

[Coast Guard]

Hi Gang

I have a Dell Precision Workstation 3620 - 3.60GHz Core i7-7700 - using it for Video Editing 1080P. I would like to get a decent 3.5 Internal SD Card Reader for Video; (with the card removed from the camera).
Would any old Multi-Media Card Reader suffice?

Thank You

 

[lvt]

Any USB 3.0 / 3.5" SD reader will do, just make sure that the reader can read SD card with capacity higher than 32GB. Some old SD readers are stuck at USB 2.0 and 32GB SD card.

 

[Misgar]

I use a Kingston FCR-HS4 external USB 3.0 card reader, because I need Compact Flash as well as Secure Digital. I've tested this reader with a UHS-II SD card and it reads at 190MB/s (Lexar card should be capable of 230MB/s in a proper UHS-II reader). The FCR-HS4 only supports UHS-I.

Avoid cheap readers. They cause problems and can corrupt USB3 data transfers.

Do not use long 1.0m (3ft) cheaply made USB3 cables with external readers. Stick to short good quality 0.3m (1ft) USB3 cables.

For a good quality internal SD card reader, try the Graugear range.

https://graugear.de/en/portfolio-item/g-mp01cr/

 

[Coast Guard]

Hello Prominent Citizen: Mr. Misgar (Nice to see you).

I definitely need to install the reader (Internally), and would have no problem understanding the connections or cables. Do I understand this particular unit will fit into the optical space/slot in a Precision 3620?

Thank You

 

[Misgar]

Hi Coast Guard,

If the picture below is representative of your Dell Precision 3620, you will need a 5.25" to 3.5" adapter to fit the Graugear panel into your computer.

Many years ago, most PCs came with a 3.5"floppy disk drive and (optionally) a 5.25" CDROM or DVD optical drive, so most computer cases came with a number of 3.5" and 5.25" bays.

Floppy disk drives disappeared from common usage at least 10 years ago, but manufacturers continued to use the empty 3.5" bays for fan speed controllers, USB ports and card readers. More recently, case manufacturers stopped fitting 3.5" bays and many cases do not include 5.25" bays either, but fit fans from top to bottom.

Your computer only comes with a couple of 5.25" bays, so you will need an adapter to make the 3.5" Graugear panel fit.

The Startech unit below will allow you to mount a 3.5in panel in a 5.25in computer bay.

https://www.startech.com/en-us/search?search_term=3.5 to 5.25 bay adapter bracket

Before buying anything, remove the side panel of your computer and seach for empty USB3 ports on the motherboard. If you don't have any free ports, you cannot use the Graugear adapter.

In order to make use of the SD card reader on the Graugear panel, you MUST have a 19-way header like the one below. This port is fitted on most modern motherboards from MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, Asrock, etc., but I have no idea if Dell include it on theirs. Quite often the colour of this header is blue, but in the second image below, the 19-way connector marked USB3.0 is black.

If you want to make use of the USB-C connectors on the Graugear panel, you will also need the connector outlined in red in the image below. These ports are less common, but are fitted to many mid-range and high-end motherboards. Again, Dell may not have bothered to fit this feature on your PC. N.B. The Gen2 port is quite small, approx 12mm (1/2in) long. It's easy to miss if hidden by cables.

If you don't have either of these USB3 ports on your Dell motherboard, don't waste your money on the Graugear or any similar adapter. Instead, you'll have to use an external SD card reader.

Quality external USB3 readers from Kingston and Lexar are reliable and easy to use. They are also cheaper than the Graugear panel + 5.25in to 3.5in adapter.

If you are tempted to buy a $5 multi-card USB3 card reader, don't be surprised if it fails to work reliably.

 

[Moonstick2]

According to the manual for the 3620 you have an internal 20-pin USB 3.0. You'll have to disconnect the case front USB ports to use it for the card reader, so you'll lose these (but have 2xUSB3 on the card reader discussed instead).

It should work. I say should because in some business-type OEM PCs like HP in the past, they used (for no good reason) their own pin configuration meaning the motherboard and case only worked with each other and weren't compatible with standard third-party USB peripherals. I don't think Dell are guilty of this, but if you install the card reader and it won't work, an OEM pin configuration is likely the problem. If that's the case and you're set on an internal reader (or you want to keep your case front ports) you can get an internal PCIe card that adds an internal USB 3.0 header, like this one from Startech. (The 3620 has internal PCIe expansion slots.)

 

[Misgar]

I love these wonderful "gotchas" when you try to upgrade a proprietary computer system. I'll file away that useful nugget of information about potential issues with HP motherboards. Luckily my HP servers were too old for on-board USB3 headers, so I added some genuine HP USB3 cards, to avoid issues with the fans running at full speed.

 

[Coast Guard]

Hello Mr. Moonstick

Thank you for the extra research! Trying to avoid the adapter arrangement, and I definitely don't want to loose my front USB ports. Unfortunately I already have #3 PCIe cards in the lower 3 slots. Will that Star Tech Card work in the top slot? I think the blue logic board port is being used for the mother drive (the OS Drive).

Here's an American Market version of that Star Tech Card

Thank You

 

[Moonstick2]

This PDF is the manual for the 3620. The motherboard is on page 24.

If by "blue logic board port" you mean (29), that's the SATA connector for the hard-drive but has nothing to do with what you're trying to achieve.

(26) is the USB 3.0 connector. It's presumably connected already to your case?
(23) is the USB 2.0 connector. As the case has 2xUSB 3.0 and 2xUSB 2.0, I presume this is also connected to your case?

You say you definitely don't want to lose your front USB ports. However, if you use the Graugear, it has 2xUSB3.0 built-in that you should be able to use instead of your case USB3.0 ports. Your 2xUSB2.0 case ports should be unaffected.

Otherwise you have to get an internal PCIe USB header card. On that motherboard, (1) and (2) are PCIe x4 slots (although (1) is physically PCIe x16). (4) is PCIe x16. (3) is PCI, the old standard slot. The specs on page 40 say your motherboard uses PCIe 3.0.

That card I linked to would work in (1), (2) or (4) but it won't fit in (3). (By the way, please don't take my link as a recommendation for that card; I've never used it and can't vouch for it!) Check again your cards: If you've filled three consecutive slots you've got #2 PCIe cards and #1 PCI card, and you've a PCIe slot free. If you've got #3 PCIe cards and (3) is the empty slot, you're going to have to give up your front case USB3.0 ports: I can find one PCI USB3.0 card by Startech, but it doesn't have an internal header.

 

[Misgar]

You'll have to check your motherboard manual carefully to determine whether or not the top slot will work. I have several motherboards where fitting a second (or third) M.2 NVMe drive "steals" the lanes from a PCIe slot, rendering it unusable. You can have a card or an M.2 drive but not both at the same time.

On an older board, I can fit two PCI cards, but that renders the adjacent PCIex1 slot unusable.

 

[Coast Guard]

Thanks Again Friends:

Regardless of the slot (as I'm getting a 2nd stripped down) Workstation 3620 - 3.60GHz Core i7-7700:

How do these look?

Rosewill RDCR-11003 < USB 3.0

MANHATTEN < USB 2.0

NMEDIAPC < USB 3.0

StarTech < USB 2.0

Thank You

 

[Misgar]

I wouldn't go back to a USB2 reader if you paid me. When I was still using a laptop equipped with USB2 ports and no USB3, it used to take me 2 hours each evening to backup the day's shoot from CF and SD cards (on a good day I generate 50 to 100GB of RAW+JPG files).

Stick to USB3 readers. They're much faster if you're using modern high speed media.

I'm still using my external Kingston USB3 readers at home on various desktop PCs. The Kingston readers have a really deep CF slot to avoid bending the fragile pins. Cheaper readers use shallow slots with the attendant risk of bending the internal pins.

Maximum transfer for the Kingston reader is 190MB/s from 128GB Lexar UHS-II SD cards. You'll only see a 30MB/s nominal transfer rate from the same 128GB UHS-II card on a USB2 reader.

 

[Coast Guard]

Yes I will go with USB 3.0

Thank You Misgar!

BTW I see the Trophy Icons for you guys, but not the 'Option' to choose it?

 

[Coast Guard]

An Update ....

I'm looking at a StarTech (which receives higher ratings) than the others I listed above.

Thanks Again!

 

[Karadjgne]

Just click on the Trophy, it's a button.

 

[Coast Guard]

Hi Mr. Karadjgne

I tried all of the responses 'No Dice'

 

[Coast Guard]

Another possibility! *Note for friends Moonstick2 & Misgar ...

I came across a Docooler Sunshine-tipway

Apparently it offers a variety of ports (enuf to replace the USB ports), that would have been taken away? However: I suppose its also neccesary to connect all the other cables on this card? I'd have to see if those ports are available on my board?
(and)
It appears this reader may not work in Windows 10?
(and)
It appears there may be a problem with mounting holes?

BTW, Its been highly recommended to leave the SD card inserted in a camcorder - instead plug the camcorder directly into the tower to extract files for eiditing. However I would still benefit using the SD reader for my Nikon DSLR SD Card rather than my clunky external reader.

Any comments - corrections?
Thanks Guys!

 

[Coast Guard]

I use a Kingston FCR-HS4 external USB 3.0 card reader, because I need Compact Flash as well as Secure Digital. I've tested this reader with a UHS-II SD card and it reads at 190MB/s (Lexar card should be capable of 230MB/s in a proper UHS-II reader). The FCR-HS4 only supports UHS-I.

Avoid cheap readers. They cause problems and can corrupt USB3 data transfers.

Do not use long 1.0m (3ft) cheaply made USB3 cables with external readers. Stick to short good quality 0.3m (1ft) USB3 cables.

For a good quality internal SD card reader, try the Graugear range.

https://graugear.de/en/portfolio-item/g-mp01cr/

Hello Again Misgar! (comparing this Graugear unit to the latest option I just posted) for replaced USB ports (and) SD Compact Flash (for DSLR's), I think this might be a better bet? Except I'd need that adapter bracket.

Thanks Again Misgar!

 

[Moonstick2]

Personally when it comes to anything USB I stay away from budget hubs and especially no-name brands (by which I mean brands where you can't find an established professional site for that brand). Even though USB is a standard, when I needed an external powered USB3.0 hub the cheap ones I bought gave me no end of trouble. So I bought a decent one at x2-x3 the price of them and it's never caused me any problems.

Once you factor in the 5.25" adapter you'll probably need, and an internal USB card if you don't want to lose your front ports, yes it'll be expensive. But the cheap option is a decent USB SD card reader, not cheap internal components.

 

[Misgar]

Regarding the Docooler Sunshine-tipway, I have a sneaking suspicion the card reader section is fed from the USB2 cables. The only thing the USB3 cable feeds is the three Type-A and single Type-C ports on the front panel, via a hub.

The only way to be sure is to buy a Sunshine-tipway, but I think you'll be limited to USB2 speeds (circa 30MB/s) for all card operations.

If you forego the USB3 functions on the tipway, similar looking readers can be purchased for $15 to $20 and don't inspire me with any confidence.

The choice is yours, but I'd look for a better quality card reader where you're certain it's USB3.

My personal preference would be a reader from Sandisk, Lexar, Kingston, Sony, etc.

Unfortunately for the OP, all the links below are for external card readers.

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-memory-card-readers

Internal 3.5" and 5.25" from reputable companies are hard to find. I'm guessing there's less demand, especially from photographers using laptops.

When travelling I eject SD and CF cards from my digital SLRs and plug them into a couple of Kingston USB3 readers connected to two laptops. After copying files, plus a full byte-by-byte check after, I swap the readers over and repeat the process. I create a third copy on an external SSD, then wipe the cards for the next days shoot.

I'm wary of connecting USB cables to DSLRs, in case I snag the cable and send expensive equipment crashing to the floor.

My first DSLR in 2009 is still going strong, as are all the bodies bought since. I must have ejected and replaced cards thousands of times across all the bodies. They survive hard use, rain, dust, heat. cold, high altitude. Magnesium bodies can take a fair amount of abuse.

The only thing that's failed so far is a lens that stopped working in 2013. I had it repaired and it's still working. I carry it as a spare in case either of the replacements die.

 

[Coast Guard]

Mr. Moonstick and the honorable Misgear: Indicative of wise minds and scholastic approach, we've beaten these issues to a pulp (with no causalities). Through discussion we see advances in technology provide us with reliable options. No need to fret anymore about keeping the card seated within the camera (which in my case), limits a slow USB2 transfer speed. Some options include: SanDisk SD UHS-I (or) Sony MRW-S1

Unless both my fine and patient contributors disapprove the StarTech USB 3.0 Internal Reader,
which (in my case) 'could' provide convenience as I shoot both stills and 1080HD (but would also sacrifice other ports), I guess I could use a stick reader for both purposes. However, of curiosity, Mr. Moonstick mentioned: "Once you factor in the 5.25" adapter you'll probably need, and an internal USB card if you don't want to lose your front ports, it'll be expensive" I have no issue purchasing/installing the adapter, but in addition you mentioned the need of "an internal USB card if you don't want to lose your front ports" Can you elaborate/clarify please: "an internal USB card" ??

But only AFTER you've had a nice cold beer.

 

[Misgar]

The Startech PEXUSB321EIC is an example of an internal PCIe card that can be used with a front panel USB3 adapter, BUT only if you have a suitable empty PCIe slot on the motherboard. Check carefully before buying any card. Please note this is a PCIe x4 card and may not fit in your PC. If you don't need a rear panel USB-C port, this board is overkill and appears to be EOL.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-USB-PCIE-Card-USB/dp/B01I39D15A/ref=sr_1_8?crid=34A8H9OBMUUDT&keywords=pcie+usb3+card+startech&qid=1689665497&sprefix=pcie+usb3+card+startech,aps,151&sr=8-8

You can connect the 20-way flying lead on the 35FCREADBU3 card reader to the black header on the end of the PEXUSB321EIC. You also need to connect a SATA power lead to this board. Failure to connect this lead will restrict current available to USB3 devices plugged into this card.

Alternative boards exist on Amazon, eBay, etc. These are usually PCIe x1 and hence will fit in any empty PCIe slot.

One example is the PEXUSB3S2EI. As before, you must connect a SATA power cable , otherwise external devices will be current limited.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Port-Express-Card-Motherboard-Style/dp/B00UK3X3L0/ref=sr_1_13?crid=34A8H9OBMUUDT&keywords=pcie+usb3+card+startech&qid=1689666567&sprefix=pcie+usb3+card+startech,aps,151&sr=8-13

 

[Coast Guard]

The honorable Misgear

Thank you for the research. So then, (as I understand it), this Startech PEXUSB321EIC PCIe card is the internal USB card that Mr. Moonstick was referring to? And the purpose of the installation of this card would be to maintain use of the existing USB 3.0 ports? Yes I should have an appropriate slot available. However, I was planning on using both sata ports for the system drive (the blue port), and a storage drive, (the remaining sata port).

On second thought, (and please bear with me), I just realized I'm going to need that slot for a #2 port esata card. So I guess that puts the cabaash on the whole darn thing ....

I'm very sorry ... An with that, I'm right back to your original suggestion, (as well as Mr. Moonstick's), that I settle for an EXTERNAL multi card reader ... BTW, the power supply is 365 watts

 

[Misgar]

Yes. both of those cards allow you to keep the existing motherboard USB3 cable connection up to the front panel.

N.B. The SATA cable connection to the PCIe card is a POWER cable, not a DATA cable. If you do fit a USB3 card, you can still use both of your SATA ports to drive hard disks, SSDs or DVD drives.

Have you considered external USB3 drives instead of external eSATA drives. How are you planning to power the eSATA drives? Perhaps they're housed in some form of case with a 12V input?

I haven't used eSATA for more than 12 years and none of my recent systems have integral eSATA ports on the rear panel.

This card appears to offer USB3 front panel connection, 2 x USB3 rear panel, 1 x SATA internal (top) and 1 x eSATA rear panel. It requires an old-fashioned Molex power lead connection (white connector). If you look locally, there's usually a card to fit your needs.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PCIE-POWER-ESATA-POESATA-CONTROLLER/dp/B018GKRB0C/ref=sr_1_12?crid=2MNB8WQO9OVDI&keywords=esata+usb+card&qid=1689672364&sprefix=esata+usb+card,aps,66&sr=8-12

 

[Moonstick2]

I have no issue purchasing/installing the adapter, but in addition you mentioned the need of "an internal USB card if you don't want to lose your front ports" Can you elaborate/clarify please: "an internal USB card" ??

As above, it's in relation to the earlier discussion in this thread. Your case USB3.0 ports are currently connected to the motherboard USB header so you would have to disconnect these or use an internal card. Or there's the small possibility that the motherboard USB header is OEM specific and you'd have to get an internal card anyway.

And ditto above, the SATA power cable comes from the PSU; the SATA (data) ports on the motherboard have nothing to do with it.

But now you're saying that all your PCIe slots will be taken, and you don't want to swap your case front USB3.0 ports for front USB3.0 ports on an internal card reader, so you're going with an external reader anyway?

This card appears to offer USB3 front panel connection, 2 x USB3 rear panel, 1 x SATA internal (top) and 1 x eSATA rear panel.

The SATA is just a pass through: the internal SATA connector goes to a motherboard SATA port and passes it to the eSATA at the rear, so probably not what the OP wants.