Understanding the meaning of the numbers and logos on your memory card will help you know if it’s ideal for storing high-resolution photos, recording 4K videos, or transferring files more quickly.If you own any electronic device, chances are you also own a memory card , also known as flash memory . These little pieces of storage are indispensable for storing a variety of data, from photos and videos to music and documents.
They are especially useful because they make it easier to transfer data from one device to another . They are also non-volatile memories , which means they retain information even when they are not connected to a power source.
Unlike RAM , which erases data when you turn off your device, memory cards retain the information stored on them even after you remove them from your computer. This feature makes them an ideal solution for long-term storage.
Logos and numbers on memory cards: What do they mean?
If you examine your memory card carefully, you’ll notice a series of logos and numbers on the front. These aren’t just decorative; they actually provide important information about the card’s specifications and capacities .
All manufacturers provide this information on all their memory cards, no matter what type it is, whether it is an SD , SDHC, SDXC, SDUC, microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC or microSDUC card, you will always see these logos. But how can you interpret them?
Manufacturer: This logo shows the name or logo of the memory card manufacturer and is usually located at the bottom. It is important to note that the manufacturer’s reputation can influence the quality and reliability of the card.
- Capacity: This number indicates the amount of data the card can store. It is usually displayed in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Thus, a card with a capacity of 32 GB can store up to thirty-two billion bytes of information. There are models with 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, and more.
- Read and Write Speed: These numbers represent the maximum speed at which the card can transfer data. Read speed refers to how quickly data can be read, while write speed indicates how quickly data can be written to the card.
- Video Speed: Some memory cards are specifically designed for high-quality video recording. V6 Class supports 720p, V10 Class supports 1080p, V30 Class supports 4K at 24 or 30 fps, V60 Class supports 4K at 60 or 120 fps, and V90 Class supports 8K resolution video at 60 or 120 fps.
- Minimum Sustained Write Speed: Indicates the minimum guaranteed speed at which the card can consistently write data. This is especially important for tasks that require continuous writing, such as high-definition video recording . There is a 2MB/s Class C2, a 4MB/s Class C4, a 6MB/s Class C6, and a 10MB/s Class C10 with a minimum write speed.
- Card Type: This refers to the category of the card, such as SC, HC, XC, etc., which is another way of representing its capacity. For example, SC is a model that indicates a standard storage capacity of up to 2GB, HC is high capacity 32GB maximum, and XC is the extended capacity of up to 2TB.
- Write Speed Standard – This logo indicates the write speed standard the card adheres to. For example, cards with the UHS logo adhere to the Ultra High Speed standard, meaning they offer faster transfer speeds than standard cards. Class I, II, and III are typically represented as UHS-I, UHS-I II, SDHC I, SDHC II, SDX I, and SDXC II. Class I offers a speed of 104MB/s, Class II 312MB/s, and Class III 624MB/s.
By understanding the information on the stickers and logos on your memory card, you can choose the right model for your needs . Whether you’re using it to store important information on your mobile phone , digital camera, store applications on your computer, or any other device.
Be sure to pay attention to the capacity, read and write speed, minimum sustained write speed, as well as video speed and write speed standard to ensure the card offers you the performance and storage capacity you need.