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Types of memory cards
If you've recently purchased a device that requires an SD card, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of options available. SD cards are small, portable memory cards that are used to store photos, videos, music, and other digital data. They are widely used in smartphones, digital cameras, drones, and other electronic devices. However, not all SD cards are created equal. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of SD cards available and their uses.
SD Cards:
SD stands for Secure Digital. SD cards are the most common type of memory card used today. They are widely used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other devices. The original SD card standard was developed in 1999, and since then, several new standards have been developed to improve performance and increase storage capacity.
SDHC Cards:
SDHC stands for Secure Digital High Capacity. These cards were introduced in 2006 and have a higher storage capacity than traditional SD cards. SDHC cards have a storage capacity of up to 32GB.
SDXC Cards:
SDXC stands for Secure Digital eXtended Capacity. These cards were introduced in 2009 and have a much higher storage capacity than SD and SDHC cards. SDXC cards have a storage capacity of up to 2TB. However, not all devices support SDXC cards, so it's important to check your device's compatibility before purchasing an SDXC card.
SD Cards:
SDHC Cards:
SDXC Cards:
MicroSD Cards:
MicroSD cards are smaller versions of the SD card and are used in smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. They are available in the same capacities as SD cards, including SDHC and SDXC.
UHS-I Cards:
UHS-I stands for Ultra High-Speed Bus I. These cards have a higher transfer speed than traditional SD cards and are used in high-performance devices such as digital cameras and video cameras. UHS-I cards have a transfer speed of up to 104MB/s.
UHS-II Cards:
UHS-II stands for Ultra High-Speed Bus II. These cards have a higher transfer speed than UHS-I cards and are used in high-performance devices such as digital cameras and video cameras. UHS-II cards have a transfer speed of up to 312MB/s.
MicroSD Cards:
UHS-I Cards:
UHS-II Cards:
Conclusion:
SD cards are a vital accessory for electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, drones, and more. When purchasing an SD card, it’s important to consider the storage capacity and transfer speed of the card, as well as the compatibility with your device. The different types of SD cards available include SD, SDHC, SDXC, MicroSD, UHS-I, and UHS-II cards, each with their unique features and uses. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right SD card for your device.
Memory card issues
While SD cards are a convenient way to store and transfer data, they can sometimes encounter issues. Here are some common SD card issues one might encounter:
- Corrupted Data: The data on the SD card can become corrupted due to various reasons such as power failures, file system errors, or virus infections. Corrupted data can lead to data loss, and sometimes the entire SD card may become unusable.
- Read/Write Errors: Read/write errors can occur when the data cannot be read from or written to the SD card. This can be caused by a damaged card, a faulty card reader, or other issues.
- Unrecognized SD Card: Sometimes, the device may not recognize the SD card when it is inserted. This could be due to compatibility issues or a damaged card.
- Slow Transfer Speeds: SD cards may have slow transfer speeds, which can be frustrating when transferring large files. This can be due to the card’s speed class or the device’s limitations.
- Physical Damage: SD cards can be damaged physically, such as by bending, breaking, or exposing them to moisture. Physical damage can render the card unusable or lead to data loss.
To prevent these issues, it’s important to properly handle and store the SD card and to use it in compatible devices. Regularly backing up important data from the SD card to a computer or cloud storage can also help prevent data loss. If you do encounter an SD card issue, you may need to format the card, run a disk check, or seek professional data recovery services.
Beware
Did you buy a real sd card?
Some cards can been modified to show a higher capacity than it actually has. These cards are often sold at a lower price than genuine SD cards, making them attractive to buyers who want to save money.
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Bad SD cards are typically made by manipulating the firmware on the card. The firmware is programmed to show a higher capacity than the actual physical capacity of the card. For example, a 16GB card may be modified to show a capacity of 128GB or higher. When data is written to the card, the firmware will overwrite previously saved data, resulting in data loss.
Such SD cards can be difficult to detect, as they may appear to work fine initially. However, as data is written to the card, the actual capacity is exceeded, resulting in data loss or corruption. The card may also stop working altogether or show errors when attempting to read or write data.
To avoid purchasing a dodgy memory SD card, it’s important to buy from a reputable seller and to check the packaging and labelling for any signs of tampering or inconsistencies. It’s also recommended to test the card’s capacity by filling it with data and checking that the files can be read and written correctly. Using software tools such as H2testw can also help identify fake memory cards by verifying their actual capacity. Overall, it’s important to invest in a genuine and reliable SD card to prevent data loss and ensure the safe storage of important files.
How to repair a corrupted sd card
If you have a corrupted SD card, there are a few steps you can take to attempt to repair it:
- Use a different device: Try inserting the SD card into a different device, such as a computer or another camera. This can help determine if the problem is with the card or the device.
- Restart the device: Sometimes simply restarting the device can resolve issues with the SD card.
- Clean the card: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the SD card’s contacts. This can help ensure a good connection between the card and the device.
- Check for errors: Use the built-in error-checking tools on your device or computer to scan the SD card for errors. This can help identify any issues with the card’s file system.
- Format the card: Formatting the SD card can often resolve issues with corrupted files or file systems. However, this will also erase all data on the card, so be sure to backup any important files before formatting.
- Use data recovery software: If you have important files on the SD card that you need to recover, you can use data recovery software such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery to attempt to recover the files before formatting the card.
If these steps do not work, it’s possible that the SD card is physically damaged and cannot be repaired. In this case, you may need to replace the SD card. It’s always a good idea to regularly backup important data from your SD card to a computer or cloud storage to prevent data loss in the event of an SD card corruption or failure.
How to recover data from a damaged SD card
Recovering data from a damaged SD card can be challenging, but here are some steps you can take to attempt to recover your data:
- Stop using the card: As soon as you notice the SD card is damaged, stop using it immediately. Continued use of a damaged card can cause further damage or data loss.
- Use a data recovery tool: There are many data recovery tools available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery, or Disk Drill. These tools can help recover data from a damaged SD card, but they may not work in all cases.
- Try the freezer trick: If the card is physically damaged and cannot be read, you can try the freezer trick. Wrap the SD card in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for a few hours. This can cause the metal parts to contract, potentially allowing you to read the card.
- Seek professional help: If you have important data that you cannot recover using data recovery tools, consider seeking professional help. There are data recovery services that specialise in recovering data from damaged SD cards. However, this can be expensive.
- Prevent future data loss: Once you have recovered your data, be sure to back it up to a different location, such as a computer or cloud storage. This will help prevent data loss in case the SD card becomes damaged again.
It’s important to note that not all data can be recovered from a damaged SD card, and attempting to recover data can sometimes cause further damage. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to regularly back up important data to prevent data loss.
Where to store an SD card when not in use
hen not in use, it's important to store an SD card properly to prevent damage or data loss. Here are some tips for storing an SD card:
Keep it in a protective case: SD cards are small and can be easily lost or damaged if left loose. A protective case can help keep the card safe and prevent damage to the contacts.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can damage an SD card, so it’s important to store it in a place that is cool and dry. Avoid storing the card in direct sunlight or in places where it could be exposed to heat or moisture.
Keep it away from magnets: Magnets can erase data from an SD card, so it’s important to keep the card away from magnetic sources, such as speakers, motors, or magnetic clasps on purses or wallets.
Label the card: If you have multiple SD cards, it’s a good idea to label them with the device or purpose they are used for. This can help prevent confusion and ensure that the correct card is used in the correct device.
Store it in a secure location: If you have sensitive or confidential data on the SD card, it’s important to store it in a secure location, such as a safe or locked cabinet.
MicroSD Cards:
UHS-I Cards:
UHS-II Cards:
Large capacity SD Cards
The capacities of SD cards have increased significantly over the years, and today, you can find SD cards with very large storage capacities. Here are some of the common storage capacities for large capacity SD cards:
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