Sabrent recently released the new Rocket CFX Type B Memory Card in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB sizes. They also have a speedy Thunderbolt 3/USB 3 Type-C to CFexpress Type-B Card Reader. That’s a mouth full! The combo should give fast transfer speeds from the CFX Type B and Type-C Memory Cards. The Rocket CFX Type B memory cards utilize dual PCIe 3.0 lanes.
These Rocket CFX Type B memory cards operate with SSD-grade hardware for both the controller and the flash memory. This means high endurance thanks to quality hardware and powerful wear management features such as LDPC, ECC RAID, end-to-end data protection, SmartRefresh, wear-leveling, plus support for TRIM.
Sabrent states the Rocket CFX Type B memory cards are backward compatible with certain XQD cameras; however, a list of those cameras is unavailable. They also work with card readers up to their rated speeds.
ROCKET CFX TYPE B MEMORY CARD Key features
- ROCKET CFX TYPE B MEMORY CARD KEY FEATURES
- High power efficiency and endurance are provided by top-grade hardware.
- Dual PCIe 3.0 lanes to reach speeds of up to 1,800 MB/s for reads and 1,700 MB/s for writes to give you the fastest transfer rates possible.
- Sustained writes with the potential of up to 1,300 MB/s at 1TB and up offer enough speed for any HD recording.
- IOPs of up to over 300,000 allow quick access to all of your photos and files.
- SSD-grade hardware for both the controller and the flash memory.
- High endurance thanks to quality hardware and powerful wear management features such as LDPC, ECC RAID, end-to-end data protection, SmartRefresh, wear-leveling, plus support for TRIM.
- Capacity – 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Tech Specs
Backward Compatibility
Backward compatible with certain XQD cameras. They also work with card readers up to their rated speeds.
Performance
Stated 1,800 MB/s Reads, 1,700 MB/s Writes
Wear Management Features
LDPC, ECC RAID, end-to-end data protection, SmartRefresh, wear-leveling, plus support for TRIM
Warranty
1-year warranty without registration. Extend your warranty to 3 years with registration.
Capacity
The 1 TB Sabrent Rocket CFX Type B is actually 1.02 TB.
Sabrent Rocket CFX Type B Speed
The Sabrent Rocket CFX Type B (CF-XXIT) memory cards come in 512 GB, 1 TB & 2 TB capacity with stated read/write speeds of up to 1,800/1,700 MB/s and sustained writes of up to 1,300 MB/s.
I used the AJA System Test to test the read and write speed of the card and Thunderbolt 3 reader on an M2 Macbook Pro. Below are three tests with a SanDisk Extreme Pro 512 GB CFexpress, Angelbird 660GB AV Pro XT CFexpress 2.0 Type B, and the Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX Type B CFexpress.
Since I had SanDisk CFexpress and Angelbird cards, I also tested those to compare with.
Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX Type B CFexpress
Max Write Speed: 1700 MB/s
The Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX Type B CFexpress has a rated Write Speed of 1700 MB/S and Read Speed of 1800 MB/s. Using the AJA System Test software, I got 1245 MB/s Read, and 1455 MB/s Write.
Another good test is the Blackmagic Design Disk Speed Test. The Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX is very capable of 8K DCI ProRes 422HQ and 12K DCI Blackmagic RAW. Again these tests are done with the Thunderbolt 3 reader, but it shows what the card is capable of.
SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Type B
Max Write Speed: 1400 MB/s
As you can see, the read on both cards performed well, but the SanDisk Extreme Pro 512GB CFexpress write dropped to half of the rated speed. It started around 1400, then quickly dropped.
Angelbird 660GB AV Pro XT CFexpress 2.0 Type B
Max Write Speed: 1500 MB/s
The Angelbird 660GB AV Pro XT CFexpress 2.0 Type B card is the MKI version rated at 1700MB/s. I was surprised it didn’t come close to the rated speed.
Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3 Type-C to CFexpress Type-B Card Reader
The Sabrent CFexpress Type-B Thunderbolt 3 Card Reader works in both 40 Gbps (40 Gbps = 5000 MB/s) Thunderbolt 3 and 10 Gbps (10 Gbps = 1250 MB/s) USB modes due to the use of dual controllers.
Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3 Type-C to CFexpress Type-B Card Reader Key features
- 1 x CFexpress Type-B Card Slot
- Thunderbolt 3 Host Connection
- Up to 1500 MB/s Transfer Speeds
- Aluminum Construction
- Portable Design
- Backward Compatible
- Plug-and-Play
- Works with Windows & macOS
What’s Included
- Sabrent CFexpress Type-B Thunderbolt 3 Card Reader
- USB-A to USB-C Cable (19.7″)
- Thunderbolt 3 Cable (27.6″)
- Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Registration Extension: 1-Year
The fallback USB mode is also backward compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 at respective speed limits. The TB3 mode transfers up to a stated 1500MBps, and USB up to 900MBps. It includes a detachable TB3-capable USB Type-C to Type-C cable.
Thunderbolt 3 readers are now more useful since media speeds surpass USB Type-C 10 Gbps/1250 MB/s. Media speeds will continue to improve over time.
Rugged Build Quality
The reader has a rugged build quality and is small and portable. It includes a removable rubber outer shell to protect it and the surface it sits on from scratches.
It also makes the reader grip the surface and prevents it from sliding. On the bottom of the reader are antislip pads.
It doesn’t require external power and is constructed with high-quality aluminum, which also works to dissipate excess heat during prolonged operation. I like the size and the cover a lot. It just feels solid—the CFexpress card slides in and locks. To eject the card, you push it in, and it pops out.
The reader has some weight; I like this as it won’t flop around on the surface. Some card readers are so light they won’t sit flat on your desk.
Final Thoughts
The Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX Type B CFexpress performs well but not at the stated speeds. Neither did the SanDisk or Angelbird cards. Unfortunately, this is common for media cards.
The Thunderbolt 3 CFexpress Type-B Card Reader is a gem, and I appreciate that Sabrent includes a Thunderbolt 3 and USB-A to USB-C Cable.
The CFexpress card worked flawlessly with my Canon R5 in video and stills. It’s great to see more CFexpress cards with large capacities, faster read/write speeds, and lower prices hit the market.
Pricing
The CFexpress media cards come in a padded metal case to protect your investment.
512GB retails for $199.99
1TB retails for $369.99
2TB retails for $599.99
Thunderbolt 3/USB 3 Type-C to CFexpress Type-B Card Reader retails for $129.99.
