Card Reader

[momoffduty]

The only card reader I have is in the printer/scanner Epson Artisan 835 which is a USB2. Data seems slow to transfer. Would it be best to buy a card reader that is USB3 for faster transfer? If so, any recommendations?

[Steve Grisetti]

I'm not sure you're going to get super-fast data transfer from an SD card, Cheryl, even with a faster connection. But I'm interested in hearing from the experts on this one.

[Bob]

It depends on the read rate of the card you are using. Standard SD class 10 cards write at 10 MB/s but read much faster, typically up to 30 MB/s. USB 2 can sustain 35 MB/s. Faster SD cards are available. SanDisk claims their fastest "Extreme" cards can read up to 95 MB/s which would require a reader that supports the faster UHS bus and USB 3. USB 3 has a usable transfer rate of 500 MB/s which is much faster than any SD card.

Bottom line, for most commonly used SD cards, the card is the bottleneck and USB 2 is more than adequate.

[Steve Grisetti]

As always, Bob, thanks for your input! I learn something new every time you post.

[momoffduty]

The cards are Extreme Plus with up to 80mb/sec read speed:
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-MicroSDHC ... B00DM1BDKU

Looks like a USB3 reader would be faster. Any recommendations on an external? I do have a USB 3 extender that is plugged into the back.

[Bob]

I'm currently using a Transcend reader. It's small enough to keep in my camera bag and cheap enough that I don't worry about losing it. I've had this one for about 7 months and it's been problem free. Works well with my Extreme cards on USB 3.

[momoffduty]

Wow, only $6.29. Thanks!

[Peru]

Keep in mind that a USB 3.0 device on a USB 3.0 buss that also has a USB 2.0 device connected may only result in USB 2.0 transfer rates for the USB 3.0 device.

[momoffduty]

Keep in mind that a USB 3.0 device on a USB 3.0 buss that also has a USB 2.0 device connected may only result in USB 2.0 transfer rates for the USB 3.0 device.

Translate? If I have the card reader posted above connected to a USB3 extender which is hooked up to a USB3 port in the back of the computer, I will have a fast connection of USB3?

[jackfalbey]

I have a USB 3 card reader connected to my new PC via USB 3 cable and USB 3 port... and my SD Class 10 cards still copy data to the PC at the same speeds as USB 2 on the old PC. Bottom line... unless you have really fast SD cards you won't see much of a speed increase.

[Peru]

Keep in mind that a USB 3.0 device on a USB 3.0 buss that also has a USB 2.0 device connected may only result in USB 2.0 transfer rates for the USB 3.0 device.

Translate? If I have the card reader posted above connected to a USB3 extender which is hooked up to a USB3 port in the back of the computer, I will have a fast connection of USB3?

Connecting a 3 and a 2 to the same part of the usb thingie makes it work like a 2.
I wish I had the gift of expression that Bob has.

[momoffduty]

Thanks Jack for the explanation. And thank you Bob (Peru), I get it now that you used the word "thingy".

I may go ahead and purchase this card reader. CS6 gets hung up on downloading video so I have to use CS5. Fixed it once clearing my settings, but then I have to add my folder shortcuts in Bridge and the other interface preferences. Maybe the new card reader will take care of that problem.

[momoffduty]

Purchased the Transcend card reader Bob recommended. Plugged it into the USB 3.0 extender that plugs in the port in the back of the desk top. Works great and it is much faster than the card reader on the Epson printer. Very happy!