Uni-Media Press

Toshiba has announced the Exceria range of UHS-I compliant high-speed SDHC and SDXC cards, available in a range of speeds and sizes. The fastest, Type 1, cards will equal the fastest cards currently available – offering 95MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds – and will be offered in capacities up to 32Gb. There will also be 95/60MB/s and 90/30MB/s versions. All the cards will exceed SD Class 10 performance and UHS-I Class 1 performance in the latest, UHS-I compatible cameras. No details are yet available for prices or availability outside Japan.

TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that it will launch a new line of high performance SDXC and SDHC memory cards under a new brand name, EXCERIA™[1], that will bring to market SD memory cards offering the highest performance levels available.

EXCERIA, a combination of “excellent” and “experience” offers cards compliant with the SD Memory Card Standard Ver.3.0 UHS-I[2], and includes versions offering the world-fastest class[3] data transfer speed[4]. The new products will be launched from April in Japan, with distinctive labeling.

The SD memory card has emerged as the data storage card of choice in all kinds of personal digital equipment. As the performance of digital equipment has advanced, SD memory cards offering faster data transfer speeds are necessary to support such functions as recording HD movies, continuous image shooting with digital camera and short transfer times when copying data to other devices.

Toshiba’s EXCERIA SDXC and SDHC memory cards will offer fast data read and write speeds and full compliance with the SD Memory Card Standard Ver.3.0 UHS-I. The minimum recording speed is compliant with UHS speed class 1[5] and SD speed class 10[6]. Products will be launched in three series, EXCERIA Type 1, Type 2 and Type HD, each offering three versions with different capacities.

The Type 1 series products integrate new controllers that realize the world-fastest class of data transfers, with a maximum read speed of 95MB per sec and a write speed of 90MB per sec. Type 2 series products offer a maximum read speed of 95MB per sec and a write speed of 60MB per sec, while Type HD products have a maximum read speed of 90 MB per sec and a write speed of 30 MB per sec.

Toshiba, a world leader in the NAND flash memory business, will continue to meet market demands by enhancing its line-up of high performance SD memory cards.

Notes:

[1] EXCERIA is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
[2] UHS-I is the ultra high speed interface in SD Memory Card Standard Ver.3.0 that delivers data at a rate from 25 to 104MB per sec,
[3] As of March 2012
[4] Maximum data transfer speed may vary depending on the host device and file size.
[5] When it is used in UHS interface compliant device, the minimum read and write speed is 10 MB per sec.
[6] The minimum read and write speed is 10 MB per sec.

Outline of New SD Memory Cards

1. EXCERIA Type 1

2. EXCERIA Type 2

3. EXCERIA Type HD

Note:

Product names above are for the Japanese market.

Key Features (All EXCERIA series)

1. Compliant with the SD Memory Card Standard Ver.3.0 UHS-104, which defines 104MB per sec as the fastest data transfer speed under the SD Memory Card Standard Ver.3.0 UHS-I.
2. SDHC memory cards (32GB, 16GB, 8GB) are interoperable with SDHC host devices compliant with SD Memory Card Standard Ver.2.0.
3. Integrates highly secure CPRM copy protection technology.
4. The minimum recording speed is UHS speed class1 and SD speed class 10.

Specifications

1.  EXCERIA Type 1

2. EXCERIA Type 2

3. EXCERIA Type HD

Note:

• Product names above are for the Japanese market.
• SDHC memory cards (32GB, 16GB, 8GB) can be used only in SDXC or SDHC compliant devices integrating FAT32 file format.
• SDXC memory cards (64GB) can be used only in SDXC compliant devices integrating exFAT file format.

Toshiba has announced a WiFi SDHC card that can both transmit and receive data. It’s the first card to fully comply with the SD standard, the company says. It also claims lower power consumption than ‘other cards with similar functions,’ by which you have to assume it means Eye-Fi. The card will be able to share data with compatible cameras, smartphones and WiFi-enabled computers. All cameras with SD slots will be able to broadcast data from the card, and Toshiba says a number of camera makers are considering launching compatible products that will allow data to be received, too.

The announcement follows the company’s work with Trek 2000 to develop a standard for such cards.

TOKYO–Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that it will launch the world’s first[1] SDHC memory card with embedded wireless LAN functionality to meet the SD Memory Card Standard. The new card, “FlashAir™”, has an 8GB capacity and supports both peer-to-peer transfers and uploads to and downloads from servers. Samples will be available from November 2011 and sales will start in February 2012.

FlashAir will be featured at IFA 2011, in Berlin, Germany from September 2.

At a time when digital cameras have achieved immense popularity, users want a quick and easy way to share photographs with friends and to transfer them to and from online storage services and social networks. Toshiba provides the solution with FlashAir, the world’s first SDHC memory card with embedded wireless LAN functionality that is fully compliant with the SD Memory Card Standard.

FlashAir’s embedded wireless communication function allows users to upload and download photographs to and from a server and to exchange photographs and other data with other devices, including digital cameras[2] that are FlashAir compliant and, smartphones and PCs that support wireless LAN. All transfers are done wirelessly, without any need for a cable connection. Key features of the new card include the ability to receive as well as transmit and lower power consumption than other cards with similar functions.

Even in digital cameras not compliant with FlashAir, the new card can share digital images with smartphones and PCs that support wireless LAN.

Toshiba will secure certification of FlashAir for wireless communication in Japan, North America and Europe.

Toshiba will reinforce and extend its leadership of memory business by further enhancing its SD memory card line-up.

Notes:

• [1] As of September 1, 2011. Source: Toshiba Corporation.
• [2] A number of camera makers are now considering launching compliant products.

Key features

Note:  The above product name is for the Japanese market.

Specifications

Note:  The above specifications are as of September 1, 2011.

*The card can be used in devices that comply with the SDHC Memory Card Standard.
*”FlashAir™” is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation.
*The SDHC logo is a trademark of SD-3C. LLC.

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Samsung UK has announced a series of fast memory cards in the SDHC and micro SDHC formats. The company is the world’s largest producer of the NAND memory on which such cards are based and is one of the few manufacturers to use the miniscule micro SD format in its cameras, so the move would appear to make sense. The company will offer two ranges of cards – the Class 4 and 6 ‘Essential’ range and the faster, Class 10, ‘Plus’ range, both with rugged construction from what the company describes as: ‘Epoxy Moulding Compound.’ The Essential range will be available in sizes from 2GB to 16GB sizes, while the Plus cards will range from 8GB to 16GB.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has launched a new range of high performance SDHC/SD and micro SDHC/SD memory cards. All of the cards in Samsung’s latest memory line-up provide incredible read speeds of 24MB/s and have been designed to meet the growing need for faster data transfer from a mobile device, such as smart phone or digital camera, to a PC.

The new Samsung memory cards will be available in two categories: ‘Essential’ and ‘Plus’, providing a choice of card to suit every application.

The premium ‘Plus’ range of SDHC/SD and micro SDHC/SD memory cards have the highest available class 10 speed rating – for advanced data transfer speed and flawless transmission of full HD video – and also boast a class-leading write speed of up to 21MB/s. With data storage capacity of 8GB or 16GB, the cards are perfect for today’s memory-devouring devices and come with a 10 year limited warranty.

Samsung’s ‘Essential’ category of SDHC/SD and micro SDHC/SD memory cards have either a Class 4 or Class 6 performance rating and offer a write speed of up to 13MB/s. Available in capacities from 2GB to 16GB, the ‘Essential’ memory cards come with a 5 year limited warranty.

Extremely durable and reliable, the new Samsung memory cards have been designed to be ‘3 Proof’: Shockproof, waterproof and magnet proof – ensuring that valuable data won’t be lost, even in the harshest of environments. Shock-proof technology within the cards protects data from forceful impact and high pressure, including being crushed by a 1.6 ton vehicle, while an innovative Epoxy Moulding Compound covering provides a shield against dust and means the memory cards can withstand over 24 hours in sea water. The cards are also able to resist x-ray scanners and any type of widespread magnetic exposure.

All cards in the new line-up feature a stylish brushed aluminum finish and will be available from July 2011 in the UK. A class 10 SDHC/SD and micro SDHC/SD memory card with a massive 32GB capacity will be added to the ‘Essential’ range in September 2011.

Sandisk has announced its UHS-I comaptible Extreme Pro SDHC memory cards are now available in 8GB to 32GB capacities with retail prices of $109.99 to $349.99. Complying to the SD 3.0 specification, the cards offer maximum read/write speeds of 45MB/s and adhere to latest UHS Class 1 video rating, offering 10MB/s minimum write speed for recording 1080p HD videos or 3D content.

SANDISK ANNOUNCES SDHC CARD FEATURING UHS-I TECHNOLOGY— IDEAL FOR CAPTURING HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOS AND FULL HD VIDEOS

Milpitas, Calif., January 17, 2011 - SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced the SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ SDHC™ UHS-I card. The card features Ultra High Speed (UHS) technology from the newly released SD 3.0 specification and achieves up to 45MB/sec* read and write performance with long-term reliability by distributing data rapidly and efficiently using SanDisk’s proprietary Power Core™ Controller.

“SanDisk has a long history of developing fast, highly reliable cards for photography enthusiasts and professionals,” said Susan Park, director, retail product marketing, SanDisk. “Our new SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card lets consumers take their skills to the next level by capturing high-resolution still images, fast-moving action shots and HD videos of the highest quality.”

Designed for the latest cameras
As DSLRs offer increasingly sophisticated features such as high megapixel continuous burst shooting and high-definition (HD) video capture, photographers need advanced memory cards capable of unlocking their cameras’ full potential. The card achieves high performance and efficient power consumption in UHS-enabled cameras such as the Nikon D7000.

Performance
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card’s write speed of up to 45 MB/sec delivers improved shot to shot performance of RAW images using continuous burst mode. The card also adheres to the new UHS Speed Class 1 video class rating, offering 10MB/sec* minimum sustained write speed capable of recording HD 1080p videos or even 3D content**. In addition, the card’s fast read speeds of up to 45 MB/sec let users avoid lengthy wait times when transferring content from the card to a computer.

SanDisk develops its flash controllers and memory chips together, allowing the company to perfectly match and fine-tune the two technologies throughout the testing process. The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card uses an intelligent Power Core controller to achieve its speed. The controller’s data prediction and binary caching features allow for improved overall performance.

Reliability
Featuring an automatic error-code correction (ECC) engine, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card offers long-term reliability that comes from the brand trusted by professional photographers. Advanced wear leveling extends card endurance by distributing data evenly throughout the card. For added protection, the card includes one year of RescuePRO® media recovery software, which lets photographers recover their images in case of accidental deletion.

Durability
Designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, the new card offers photographers peace of mind knowing that their photos are stored on one of the most rugged cards in the world. Able to withstand punishment, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC card is water proof, temperature proof, shock and vibration proof, x-ray and magnet proof***. The card is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.****

Availability and Pricing
The card is shipping to major retailers worldwide and is available immediately at www.sandisk.com. The card comes in 8GB to 32GB capacities carrying suggested retail prices ranging from $109.99 to $349.99.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I SDHC card is fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports SDHC cards. The SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter, designed for high performance SDHC and SDXC UHS-I cards, is available at www.sandisk.com for $49.99.

* Based on SanDisk internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device.
** Full HD (1920X1080X30fps). HD & 3D video support may vary based upon host device, file size, resolution, compression, bit rate, content and other factors. See www.sandisk.com/HD.
*** SDHC™ cards up to 32 GB; see www.Sandisk.com/proof for additional information.
**** 30 year warranty in Germany & regions not recognizing lifetime limited.

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Kingston Technology has released the UltimateXX 233x SDHC UHS-I memory cards in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities. They offer maximum read speeds of up to 60MB/s and up to 35MB/sec. of write speeds. The performance of the cards is optimized when paired with UHS-I compatible devices, and supports 3D and full HD video recording features of recently released cameras.

Press Release:

Kingston Digital Announces SDHC UHS-I UltimateXX

International CES 2011 Las Vegas, NV and Fountain Valley, CA — January 5, 2011 – Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the SDHC UHS-I UltimateXX memory cards. The highest speed class available today, the UltimateXX meets standards set by the Secure Digital Association for next-level performance in SD card technology.

Shipping later this month, Kingston’s UltimateXX memory cards are ideal for the serious photographer or videographer. Photographers will appreciate the ability to easily capture sequential shots that were once a challenge due to the speed limitations of memory. The UltimateXX also makes it easy to capture HD video. The performance of SDHC UHS-I memory card is optimized when paired with a UHS-I device, although the card is backwards compatible with Class 4, 6 and 10 equipment.

“Kingston is pleased to be one of the first manufacturers to offer SDHC UHS-I memory cards to our customers,” said Mike Kuppinger, Flash card product manager, Kingston®. “Being a member of the SD Association enhances our ability to bring new technology to market. As the devices that support SDHC UHS-I become prevalent, our UltimateXX cards are at the ready.”

Kingston’s UltimateXX line meets the SD Association standards for the UHS-I speed class with speeds up to 60MB/sec. read and 35MB/sec. write. At this performance level, the write speed of SDHC UHS-I memory cards is more than three times as fast as SDHC Class 10 cards. The UltimateXX product line will offer capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB.

Kingston SDHC UHS-1 UltimateXX Features and Specifications:

• Performance: 233x – up to 60MB/sec. read, and 35MB/sec. write
• Fast: ultra high-speed bus I (UHS-I)
• Compliant: with the SD Card Association specification version 3.01
• Secure: built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss
• Compatible: with SDHC and SDXC host devices, not compatible with standard SD-enabled devices/readers
• Reliable: lifetime warranty
• Simple: as easy as plug-and-play
• Capacities*: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
• Dimensions: 0.94″ x 1.25″ x 0.08″ (24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm)
• Weight: 0.09oz (2.5g)
• Storage Temperatures: -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C)
• Operating Temperatures: -13°F to 185°F (-25°C to 85°C)
• Voltage: 3.3V
• File Format: FAT32

* Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston’s Flash Guide at kingston.com/flash_memory_guide.

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SanDisk has unveiled the 128GB Extreme Pro, world’s fastest high-capacity CompactFlash card with 100MB/s write speed. The card is designed for cameras with full HD video recording capabilities of up to 50Mbps bit rate and 4:2:2 color sampling, as well as full hi-resolution continuous shooting speeds. The card is available for pre-order from the company’s website at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99.

Press Release:

2011-01-05 – SANDISK ANNOUNCES WORLD’S FASTEST HIGH-CAPACITY COMPACTFLASH CARD

Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas, January, 2011--SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced the world’s fastest high-capacity CompactFlash® card. The latest milestone in SanDisk’s long history of industry-leading products, the SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ CompactFlash® card features 128 gigabytes (GB)*1 of storage and up to 100 megabyte per second (MB/sec)*2 write speeds. With its Power Core® controller and UDMA-7 interface, the card delivers the performance demanded by high-end DSLR cameras.

“No other product on the market can match our new card’s combination of speed and storage capacity,” said Susan Park, director, product marketing, SanDisk. “By consistently pushing the boundaries of flash innovation, we are able to develop advanced products not found anywhere else.”

With a set of features optimized for professional photographers and videographers, the 128GB SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card is ideally suited for imaging applications requiring Full HD*3 1920×1080 resolution, up to 50Mbps bit rate and 4:2:2 color sampling. The card’s unprecedented combination of speed and storage lets photographers capture more frames when shooting in continuous burst mode, and enables them to record high quality Full HD videos.

• Up to 100MB/sec write speed enables shorter wait times and faster continuous burst shooting.
• Video Performance Guarantee*4 allows for superior Full HD video recording at a sustained 20MB/sec write speed.
• 128GB capacity aoffers more room for capturing RAW+JPEG photos, sequential bursts, even Full HD and 3D video content.
• SanDisk’s proprietary Power Core™ controller distributes data across the card more rapidly and efficiently, and the UDMA-7 interface allows for maximum data transfer between card and camera.
• Best-in-class quality assurance offers photographers peace of mind knowing that the card is backed by rigorous stress, shock, vibration, humidity and moisture testing procedures and a lifetime limited warranty*5. The card features RTV silicone coating for added protection.

Availability and Pricing
The 128GB SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card is available now for preorder at www.sandisk.com, and will be available at retailers worldwide later in Q1 2011. The card carries a suggested retail price of $1,499.99.

*1 11 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes..
*2Up to 100 MB/sec write speed; read speed lower. Based on SanDisk internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device. 1 megabyte = 1 million bytes. X = 150 KB/sec.
*3 Full HD (1920X1080X30fps), HD and 3D video support may vary based upon host device, file size, resolution, compression, bit rate, content and other factors. See /HD
*4 Video Performance Guarantee enabled to ensure Full HD video† recording at 20MB/sec minimum sustained write speed. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes.
*5 30 year warranty in Germany & regions not recognizing lifetime limited.

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Lexar has released the industry’s first 128GB Class 10 SDXC (Extended capacity) memory card. With a maximum data transfer speed of 20MB/s, it complements full HD video recording and continuous shooting speeds of the latest SDXC compatible cameras. The Professional 133x SDXC 128GB card will start shipping from the first quarter of 2011 at a suggested retail price of $699.99. The company has also announced a 64GB version of the same card that will ship at an SRP of $399.99.

Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today announced new Lexar® Professional Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC)  memory cards. The new high-capacity Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards enable the capture, storage, and transfer of extended lengths of 1080p high-definition (HD) video and continuous, rapid-fire image capture in a single, high-performance solution. The Lexar Professional 133x SDXC card is the first available in a 128GB capacity, and is also offered in a 64GB capacity. Both cards are speed rated at 133x, providing a minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 20MB per second, and feature a Class 10 speed designation. For additional information about Lexar Professional SDXC cards, visit www.lexar.com.

“The professional photography industry is at a point where digital photo- and video-capture methods are converging, meaning that professional shooters need a memory solution with the versatility and reliability to safely store both photos and videos,” said Pachi Chen-Wong, senior product marketing manager, Lexar Media. “The 64GB and 128GB Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards combine high-speed performance with large capacities to offer solutions for professionals who shoot large volumes of high-resolution images and HD video.”

The Lexar Professional 133x SDXC memory cards are compatible with all SDXC-enabled devices. The cards include the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue software to help recover lost or deleted photo and video files. Professional photographers can now capture, store, and manage more of the photo and video content critical to their livelihoods.

Lexar Professional 133x SDXC cards provide consumers with the quality and reliability they have come to expect from Lexar Media. All Lexar product designs are tested in the Lexar Quality Labs, a group of facilities where all Lexar product designs undergo extensive testing to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 800 intended digital devices.

The Lexar Professional SDXC cards include a limited lifetime warranty and free, dedicated professional technical support. The new 64GB and 128GB Lexar Professional SDXC memory cards will be available in the first quarter of 2011 at leading retailers and on Lexar.com, with MSRPs of $399.99 and $699.99, respectively.

Key Messages:

• 64GB Class 10 SDXC™ card and industry-first 128GB Class 10 SDXC card provide massive storage capacities and professional-level performance for capturing more of the memories that matter
• Minimum guaranteed speed of 133x accelerates the professional workflow by providing quick transfer of high-resolution images and HD video from the card to the computer
• Professional-level performance supports the advanced image- and video-capture capabilities of the newest digital SLR cameras
• Includes the latest version of award-winning Image Rescue® software for valuable peace of mind

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Nikon, SanDisk and Sony have jointly developed the specifications for a faster type of memory card. The specifications have been submitted to the Compact Flash Association with the aim of them being adopted as a future standard. The proposal uses the PCI Express interface to offer transfer rates of up to 500MB/s, rather than the 167MB/s limit of the most recent Compact Flash 6.0 standard. The proposal hope to provide a card that can cope with future requirements for bursts of RAW images and large quantities of HD footage. The Compact Flash Association has established a working group that will evaluate the proposal by the end of 2010.

SANDISK, NIKON AND SONY PROPOSE INDUSTRY STANDARDS FOR NEXT-GENERATION HIGH-SPEED MEMORY CARD FORMAT

Companies Jointly Develop New Specifications to Meet Needs of Professional Photography and Video Markets

Milpitas, Calif., November 29, 2010-SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), Nikon Corporation and Sony Corporation today announced the joint development of a set of specifications that addresses the future requirements of professional photography and video markets. The three companies proposed the specifications to the CompactFlash® Association (CFA)1, the international standards organization, with the intent to standardize the format.

Professional photography and High Definition (HD)2 video applications require a new generation of memory cards capable of processing significantly larger files. To address the imaging industry’s future speed and capacity demands, SanDisk, Nikon and Sony proposed a new card specification whose performance and storage capabilities surpass those of existing memory cards. Once accepted, the new format will enable exciting new possibilities in the professional imaging and video markets.

The proposed specifications achieve data transfer rates of up to 500 megabytes per second (MB/sec)3 (theoretical maximum interface speed) using the highly versatile PCI Express4 interface. The increased speeds will enable imaging and video applications that could not be accomplished using the current CompactFlash specification’s Parallel ATA (PATA)5 interface. CF6.0, released in November 2010, offers maximum performance of up to 167MB/sec.

The new specifications’ faster speeds enable continuous burst shooting of massive RAW images. The enhanced performance also allows users to quickly transfer storage-intensive high-resolution photos and videos from the card to a computer. The specifications combine high-speed data transfer with low power consumption via a power scaling system to extend battery life.

In addition to industry-leading performance capabilities, the new memory card specifications also meet the future capacity and durability requirements of professional imaging applications. The proposed new format has the potential to extend theoretical maximum capacities beyond two terabytes (TB)6, making it especially useful for high resolution images and HD video applications. Similar in size to a CompactFlash® card, the new format’s access control function and highly durable form factor produce a combination of physical ruggedness and reliability that is indispensable for professional usage models.

“This ultra high-speed media format will enable further evolution of hardware and imaging applications, and widen the memory card options available to CompactFlash users such as professional photographers,” said Mr. Shigeto Kanda, Canon, and chairman of the board, CFA. “This next generation format is expected to be widely adapted to various products, including those other than high-end DSLRs.”

“The ultra high-speed media, which will be realized by this new card format, will expand the capability of digital SLR cameras and other professional digital imaging equipment,” said Mr. Kazuyuki Kazami, operating officer, vice president and general manager, development headquarters, imaging company, Nikon Corporation.

Notes
1 CompactFlash Association (CFA) is an international standards organization developing specifications for CompactFlash products.
2 Full HD (1920X1080X30fps, HD & 3D video support may vary based upon host device, file size, resolution, compression, bit rate, content and other factors.
3 Based on SanDisk internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes.
4 PCI Express is a serial interface, a computer expansion card standard.
5 ATA(Advanced Technology Attachment) or PATA (Parallel ATA) is an interface standard between PC and storage devices
6 1 terabyte (TB) = 1 trillion bytes.

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