ProGrade unveils 1.3 TB memory card with blazing-fast 3400 MB/s read speed with new CFexpress 4.0 spec

Only days after the CompactFlash Association announced the new CFexpress 4.0 specification, ProGrade Digital has unveiled its implementation of the new standard in its next-generation CFexpress Cobalt-class Type B memory card. The new card features a 1.3 TB capacity and blazing fast speeds: up to 3,400 MB/s for read, 3,000 MB/s for burst-write and 2,800 MB/s for sustained write. This is exactly double the performance of its highest-end cards of the previous generation.

For those unfamiliar with memory card terminology, let’s break down some of those terms. CFexpress is a standard for memory cards, like SD and microSD, but with higher performance. Type B refers to the most common size/form-factor of CFexpress, used by Nikon, Canon and Sony, among others. Cobalt is simply ProGrade’s name for its highest-end range of products.

The new CFexpress 4.0 specification was released on August 28 and, through its adoption of a PCIe Gen4 interface, enabled a doubling of read/write speeds over the previous CFexpress 2.0, while remaining backward-compatible. ProGrade says that in addition to the tremendous boost in speed, the new card offers several performance benefits, including low standby power consumption, a metal enclosure for improved durability and heat dissipation, thermal throttling to prevent overheating, and X-ray and shock-proof design. The card is approved for use in RED V-Raptor and Komodo X cinema camera systems, and comes with a three year warranty.