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Convert Your CF Cards into an SSD

By - Source: Tom's Hardware US | B 25 comments

This adapter turns CF cards into a pretend SSD.

RAM and memory card manufacturer Walton Chaintech said on Tuesday that it has launched a new CF (CompactFlash) card converter. This device will allow consumers to use CF cards as an SSD, and serves as a capacity enhancement to HDDs already installed in the system. Called the Apogee SSD Converter, any CF card will fit within the 2.5-inch device, however the company naturally suggests that users install its new CF 606X high speed memory card for optimum performance.

Walton Chaintech said that the converter supports up to two CF cards using a Raid 0 and Raid 1 disk array. This obviously enables users to use both cards as one large storage device, or use one card as a mirrored drive. In addition to the high speed SATA II transfer interface, the converter functions like a traditional SSD, providing up to 55 MB/s read speeds (a step up from mainstream 5400-rpm HDDs). The converter also makes it easy to replace CF cards without the need to remove the device.

In addition to the Apogee SSD Converter, Walton Chaintech also revealed a few details on its CF 606X memory card. According to the company, the card provides write speeds of up to 91 MB/s, and read speeds of up to 93 MB/s. The CF 606X series will also come in two capacities: 16 GB and 32 GB.

"The incredible capacity of the product will allow users to perform uninterrupted recording of high image video with DSLR cameras without missing any bits and pieces of the fascinating moments in life worth capturing," the company said.

There was no indication on when these products will be available, or their eventual pricing.

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Top Comments
  • 12 Hide
    N.Broekhuijsen , February 9, 2010 4:11 PM
    This is not a new trick. I've seen a similar concept years ago when SSD's where first introduced.
Other Comments
  • 3 Hide
    pink315 , February 9, 2010 4:07 PM
    This is actually kind of cool, I'd like to see some benchmarks with cf in raid 0.
  • 12 Hide
    N.Broekhuijsen , February 9, 2010 4:11 PM
    This is not a new trick. I've seen a similar concept years ago when SSD's where first introduced.
  • Display all 25 comments.
  • 9 Hide
    ubergeek , February 9, 2010 4:22 PM
    xbeaterThis is not a new trick. I've seen a similar concept years ago when SSD's where first introduced.

    Only difference between the ones I bought several years ago? SATA vs PATA. Nothing new here.
  • -4 Hide
    zelannii , February 9, 2010 4:42 PM
    Does it support TRIM?
  • 2 Hide
    one-shot , February 9, 2010 4:44 PM
    My 4GB 300X CF card cost $50 on Newegg. My 133X 16GB CF card was $40, but it is pretty slow compared to the 300X. This doesn't sound very cost efficient given the prices of high speed CF cards. I can't imagine the prices of the new 600X CF cards.
  • 0 Hide
    Anonymous , February 9, 2010 4:44 PM
    They need to disclose the price for the hardware. If it's less expensive than a comparable SSD, than I'm all for it. However, if it's the same and/or more expensive than the comparable SSD, then why not go for the SSD instead.
    On the other hand, I always welcome alternative technology. A little competition usually lowers prices for the consumer.
    And that ain't not bad. :) 
  • 2 Hide
    milktea , February 9, 2010 4:54 PM
    bowtieAnd that ain't not bad.

    I believe you have a double negative there. What exactly did you meant to say?
  • 2 Hide
    Anonymous , February 9, 2010 5:14 PM
    Sorry for posting under another profile, but I'm unable to post under the user bowtie.

    It is a partial quote from The Simpsons.

    Bart: "All's I know is I'm getting straight A's, and that ain't not bad!"

    The quote should explain everything.
  • 0 Hide
    Dirtman73 , February 9, 2010 5:37 PM
    I may be wrong, but isn't this the same company that use to make shitty motherboards years ago? Or is that another Chaintech?

    Either way, this technology is not new.
  • -1 Hide
    warmon6 , February 9, 2010 5:45 PM
    psycho sykesAt first glance.. The title made me think that it's turning my (CrossFire ready card or setup)!



    I was thinking that as well. I saw the CF and normally think crossfire. :lol: 
  • 0 Hide
    anamaniac , February 9, 2010 5:54 PM
    HHow about one were I can plug 25 MicroSD cards into it? =D
  • 0 Hide
    ravewulf , February 9, 2010 6:45 PM
    The only CF card that I have is an old 8 MB one that came with an early digital camera
  • 0 Hide
    opmopadop , February 9, 2010 7:04 PM
    Erm, I have been using one of these for about 7 years now... Walton Chaintech is not the pioneer of this type of device.
  • 0 Hide
    eddieroolz , February 9, 2010 7:41 PM
    This is a cool idea for laptops!
  • 0 Hide
    masterjaw , February 10, 2010 12:08 AM
    psycho sykesAt first glance.. The title made me think that it's turning my (CrossFire ready card or setup)!

    same reaction here. AT first I said, "What the heck? Video cards in CF (crossfire) can become an SSD?" then suddenly, it pertains to Compact Flash. :p 
  • -1 Hide
    liquidsnake718 , February 10, 2010 1:00 AM
    Same, I also thought Crossfire could be usedto improve SSDs or even be used as an SSD which would make no sense since there is no memory other than the 1gb....
  • 2 Hide
    micky_lund , February 10, 2010 1:30 AM
    just buy an ssd...and if u can't afford it, why do you have CF cards?
  • 1 Hide
    jamesedgeuk2000 , February 10, 2010 6:28 AM
    This is noting new PATA/SATA CF adapters have been around for years and Most modern boards with SATA II have software RAID functionality anyway (I doubt this is a hardware solution form the price)
  • -1 Hide
    back_by_demand , February 10, 2010 10:20 AM
    Shame they only put 2 CF cards in this casing, you could probably fit 4 in easily enough. If you were to use 4 SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash at 64GB each and 90Mb/s that could give a 256GB card with over 300Mb/s.

    Sure there will be overheads as speeds dont exactly scale and costs are quite high but the cost should come down and the RAID controllers will only get better. I like the idea that if one card dies you can replace it and the others are still intact.
  • 0 Hide
    sonofliberty08 , February 10, 2010 10:54 AM
    can i use it as D.O.M ?
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