This is an odd question but i need an answer for this. So basically i'm willing to buy a 16 GB Sandisk Extreme CZ80 USB 3.0 drive which is the 8th fastest USB 3 drive in the world but then i see that just for a little more i can pick up a high end UHS-3 Card with Double the storage capacity as well as higher write speeds. Like 64 GB Samsung Pro Plus or the 64 GB Sandisk extreme Pro with R/W speeds of up to 95/90 MB/s. While the 16 GB model of Sandisk Extreme flash drive has R/W Speed of 245 and 50 MB/s. Currently as i have only USB 2 port on my PC, these small difference in speed between the two are irrelevant however in future i may add a USB 3 Expansion card. I am really confused whether to go for a USB 3 Drive or a Micro SD Card? Please suggest what i should get. Why is USB 3 drive more expensive? Are they more reliable? Form factor is not important to me. I just need it for backup. Answer as quick as possible. I will really appreciate that.
Which is better? USB Flash Drive vs Micro SD Card
- Thread starter Sagar_20
- Start date
Solution
- Oct 7, 2009
- 60,105
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I'd suggest going for the USB drive unless you plan to operate the mobile storage device on your smart phone...? On another note, the speeds you've stated are all theoretical maximums. These can and will be lower in real world experience's. To add if you plan to add a third party USB3.0 controller, then that number may be close to what is advertised.
USB 3.0 will give you about 100MB/S Read speeds. Write speeds will be much lower. USB 3.0 is pretty much the standard now and not a big deal.
The new stuff is USB 3.1 which is much faster. Upto 400MB/s read and write. All motherboards come with USB 3.1 now.
When it comes to memory cards they are rated with a speed designation. Class 1 through 10 for normal operation. UHS 1 or 3 for photo cameras. And V30,60,90 for video camera use. V30 and up are the fastest to record 8k video in real time. It uses the fastest memory and is very expensive. You basically have to use at least a card of the minimum speed required by your camera for it to work properly. Imagine a big photo camera taking high resolution burst photos at 12 shots per second. It takes a fast card to record those images fast enough to keep up with the camera. And the memory card has to be small enough to fit in the camera. Memory cards are built for these specific purposes, have the speed ratings written on them, and are more expensive.
For your general backup use a USB key is cheaper and more convenient. Just use any USB plug on any computer. You can pull it out and throw it in a drawer or on the desk and it's protected. No memory card reader is required. If you want to future proof look for a USB 3.1 reader as it is much faster, but probably quite a bit more expensive as well. I wouldn't bother with a USB 3.1/USBC upgrade card unless you absolutely need the speeds now. You would be better off saving your money and getting a future motherboard upgrade.
The new stuff is USB 3.1 which is much faster. Upto 400MB/s read and write. All motherboards come with USB 3.1 now.
When it comes to memory cards they are rated with a speed designation. Class 1 through 10 for normal operation. UHS 1 or 3 for photo cameras. And V30,60,90 for video camera use. V30 and up are the fastest to record 8k video in real time. It uses the fastest memory and is very expensive. You basically have to use at least a card of the minimum speed required by your camera for it to work properly. Imagine a big photo camera taking high resolution burst photos at 12 shots per second. It takes a fast card to record those images fast enough to keep up with the camera. And the memory card has to be small enough to fit in the camera. Memory cards are built for these specific purposes, have the speed ratings written on them, and are more expensive.
For your general backup use a USB key is cheaper and more convenient. Just use any USB plug on any computer. You can pull it out and throw it in a drawer or on the desk and it's protected. No memory card reader is required. If you want to future proof look for a USB 3.1 reader as it is much faster, but probably quite a bit more expensive as well. I wouldn't bother with a USB 3.1/USBC upgrade card unless you absolutely need the speeds now. You would be better off saving your money and getting a future motherboard upgrade.
No i do not intend to use the card on phone or camera, but for backing up my important documents. I've actually ordered the usb 3 drive already but later i thought i've made a mistake and may be i should get a UHS-3 Micro SD Card for more storage and similar speeds, if not higher.
- Sep 7, 2013
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- 900
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For backup purposes I wouldn't use memory cards or pen drives, they are not suitable for long-term storage.
You should be using an HDD, SSD or write-once optical discs.
You should be using an HDD, SSD or write-once optical discs.
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