Hardware USB-C microSD adapter slower than SD adapter?

DiscostewSM

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So I got a Rocketek USB-C card reader, and was testing the 400GB SanDisk microSD card I use for my Switch, and used CrystalDiskMark to check if I got any improvements over using a typical SanDisk SD adapter for microSDs (came with microSD) with the slot my laptop has, and my results were disappointing. With the USB-C adapter, I was only getting 15.5MB/s sequential Q32T1 read, whereas the SD adapter was getting almost double that at about 29.9MB/s. All other read tests of 4KiB variations showed the USB-C adapter being lower as well, ranging from 200KB/s to 1.4MB/s. Writing is a bit higher though, with the USB-C being 19.1MB/s sequential Q32T1 write whereas SD being 17.3MB/s. 4KiB write variations were about 200KB/s higher from SD's 1.5MB/s range.

Overall, I was disappointed. I was hoping for even higher sequential read/write, but read wasn't and write was only by a little bit. Could it be that the USB-C reader I got isn't all that great? Thought maybe it was because my card was formatted to FAT32 (for Switch purposes as exFAT sucks on it), so I pulled out a 64GB exFAT card from my phone to compare, and I was getting similar results from both the USB-C and SD adapters as I did from the 400GB card.
 

Edgarska

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Can you test the adapter on a different computer just to rule out the USB C port on the laptop?

Though the most likely reason is that the adapter is just slow, the connector type doesn't guarantee that it can reach high speeds, it can have a type C connector and still work at only USB 2.0 speeds. On top of that, the adapter itself might be slow, because even with 2.0 speeds it shouldn't be that slow.

If you could try it on a different computer, with a different card that would be perfect, since it would rule out both of those as the culprit if the result is the same.
 

Extreme184X

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Hello DiscotewSM,
Your Rocketek MicroSD Reader, is a basic budget reader, its not really expected to be faster than the adapters that it came with it. if you want guaranteed higher read and write speeds, consider getting an UHS-II Reader. My computer writes at max at 29mb like your adapter on both UHS-I & II. After i bought an UHS-II use adapter, it bumped up my write speeds of my UHS-II card from 29mb to 118mb a sec. My friend has better UHS-II reader i get write speeds up to 148mb a sec, impressive results, matches my western digital external HD. LOL
 
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DiscostewSM

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These are my latest tests on a 200GB card I had left over prior to the 400GB I use now. It is exFAT. First is a USB 2.0 adapter I dug up that came with my RPi 3 bundle. Second is the SD adapter, and third is the USB-C adapter.

qWq6HBD.png


Found it odd that the USB 2.0 adapter had better read speed than the USB-C. SD shows superior read speeds among the 3 with sequential write also above. The USB-C adapter took the lead for the 4KiB write variants.

@Edgarska

Unfortunately, my laptop is the only PC that has USB-C on it, so I can't test it on anything else. With that said, the laptop is a Dell 7577 where the USB-C has Thunderbolt 3 technology, so counting out the port as the possible problem, it's likely the adapter itself is just bad like you and Extreme184X mentioned.

@Extreme184X

Any recommendations for a UHS-II reader? One reason why I got the one I did was because of its small form factor. Do UHS-II readers come in that size or close?
 

Extreme184X

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i also wanted small form factor or an adapter small enough to fit in my pocket, so I bought me this small reader:
UHS-II MicroSDXC Card Reader USB 3.0

This is great to have as it will improve your read and write speeds, as well useful to own when your ready to upgrade to an UHS-II card.
as i stated before, my microSD reader on my computer maxes my write speeds at 29mb a sec, after i bought this adapter, i have a steady max speed at 118mb a sec when transferring large files, keep in mind i do have an ultra high-speed II micro SD card to achieve these speeds.

if your want to stick to USB type C, perhaps this adapter maybe on right for you:
SanDisk Extreme Pro SD UHS-II Card Reader Writer USB-C

This adapter isn't tiny, but its still small and pocket sized, (haven't seen any tiny UHS-II reader for USB type C) as also have USB type C ports with Thunderbolt 3, but couldn't find any tiny adapter for it.

You may also want to consider a USBC or a Thunderbolt 3 hub (unfortunately a bit more expensive than USB 3.0), seems like you can use more different ports.

hope this is useful.
 

DiscostewSM

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@Extreme184X Regarding that USB-C card reader you linked, it looks like it only takes regular-sized SD cards, which got me thinking of if the microSD->SD adapters could cause a drop in transfer speeds. Thought I've been using the one that came with my 400GB card, but now I'm not sure, if that makes a difference. Also had the idea of using a regular SD card that was said to have decent transfer speeds to test my card slot, but it seems I misplaced it. Was in my old 3DS XL, but isn't there anymore. Now I gotta go through all those adapters I have lying around to see if there's a difference, but not tonight. Got work soon.

My laptop has 3 USB 3.1 Gen1 slots, but I don't connect much to them. Maybe I should get the USB 3.0 reader you linked. I honestly don't use SD cards anymore. They've all been microSD for the past couple of years.
 

Extreme184X

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My apologies, didn't realize card the reader was for full sized SD cards, your right an adapter will very likely reduced speeds with it.
I think you should consider getting the tiny card ready by Lexar, its only 14 bucks, you got nothing to lose, but i will tell you cons of this reader (just for you to aware):
1) At first, it may feel like you have force the microsd card in (it feels very tight when inserting the card), but you'll get the hang of it.
2) outer plastic housing can break if it falls on the ground with high impact (this happen to me), avoid dropping the reader and you'll be good.

and you will have to wait 2-3 weeks for it arrive from china since no other shop sells it.
 

DiscostewSM

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@Extreme184X
Ended up ordering that Lexar USB card reader from eBay. Got it in the mail today........and they sent me a microSD ->SD adapter instead. Now I have to go through the steps to either get a refund or exchange for the correct item. This could be a problem because the seller is in China, and supposedly won't be available to do anything until the 9th.
 
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