CompactFlash (aka CF) memory is a type of non-volatile, solid-state memory used by many portable devices (such as cameras and camcorders). This type of memory has been around since 1994 (originally created by SanDisk<\/a>) and has become so widespread that its usage has surpassed traditional storage devices (such as hard drives). Major manufacturers include SanDisk, Transcend, and Lexar, who are known for their professional-grade CF cards.<\/p>\r\n CompactFlash cards are larger than SD and microSD cards<\/a>. A typical CF card measures 42.8 mm by 36.4 mm and can range from 512 MB to 128 GB of storage. Other than size, the biggest difference between CF and SD cards is speed and cost. CF cards are more expensive than SD cards, but are also considerably faster and more durable.<\/p>\r\n Most CompactFlash cards display their speed rating on the front using an “X” rating system, where 1X equals 150 KB\/second (the original speed of CD-ROM drives). For example, a 1000X CF card has a theoretical transfer speed of 150 MB\/second (1000 \u00d7 150 KB\/s). The newer CFexpress cards, which use a different form factor and the PCIe interface, offer substantially higher speeds (CFexpress Type B cards capable of read speeds up to 1,750 MB\/second and write speeds up to 1,400 MB\/second) that make them suitable even for 4K and 8K video recording.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Although most devices have migrated to SD and microSD cards, there is still plenty of technology out there that requires CF cards<\/a>. You\u2019ll find these cards in commercial-grade video cameras, where write speeds that are faster than typical SD cards can handle.<\/p>\r\n![\"recover](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/recover-deleted-files-from-a-CF-card.jpg\")
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