Our computerized world is replete with all sorts of gadgets and accessories to them. Therefore, far from everyone knows what the SD card is, for which it needs and how many varieties exists.
Memory card and its features
The memory card is a small and fairly thin plate, with a built-in flash memory module that is non-volatile. This means that the information on it is saved even when it is extracted from the device. Information can be deleted and overwriting many times. The service life of the memory card is calculated by decades. On some of them, information can be protected by certain methods.
Varieties of memory cards
On the this moment On the market you can find many a variety of types of memory cards. In this article we will focus on the most popular types.
SD (Secure Digital) is the most popular view of memory cards. It is used in many cameras, old players, tablets, camcorders, pocket computers and communicators. It can be purchased in all computer stores, communication salons for a fairly small price. The maximum volume of such a card is 4GB.
The SDHC cards include all SD memory cards, the volume of which is more than 4GB. This type of cards has a greater speed of work. Their maximum volume is 32GB. Preferably acquire SDHC cards, but it should be borne in mind that some old devices do not work with them.
SDXC is a new standard that has not yet received widespread. Such cards are distinguished by a huge capacity that can leave 2 terabytes and an extremely high speed recording. Their price is high enough, and they are not very often on sale. In addition, this format today still support some devices.
MINISD is an analogue of SD, but smaller. Now it is practically not used, because a microSD format came to replace it, so it is problematic and expensive to buy it.
MicroSD is different from SD small sizes, and they are cheaper. True, she has one minus - it is easy to lose, but on the other hand, it is very convenient, as it is suitable in any connector on any device. Now you know what a SD memory card is, and what kind of varieties can be purchased, and it is hardly confused when it is selected.
Digital cameras provide a large number of advantages compared to their film counterparts. One of these advantages is the number of pictures that can be made without replacing the media. C You can not limit yourself and photograph how much.
But, in order to photograph without worrying about anything, it is necessary to choose the right memory card correctly for your camera. Now most popular camera models use Secure Digital memory cards or simply SD. In this material, we will tell about how to choose an SD memory card.
SD memory card factors
SD memory cards may have three different sizes that are indicated as follows:
- MicroSD. - Maps intended for use in phones, smartphones, tablets, as well as other compact devices.
- Minisd. - These are cards with a little big size than. They are used in MP3 players and other portable techniques. At the moment, the popularity of this type of card is extremely small. In most cases, MicroSD cards or full-fledged SD cards are used.
- SD. - These are the highest cards. They are used in cameras, video cameras, video recorders and other relatively large portable techniques. Many modern computers and laptops are equipped capable of reading SD memory cards.
SD Card Forms
All three SD memory form factor are fully compatible. There are adapters that allow using microSD cards in devices designed to work with large SD cards.
MicroSD adapter on SD
But, you should not buy a microSD card and use it through an adapter if your device (camera, camcorder) supports large SD cards. As a rule, MicroSD cards work significantly slower full-fledged SD cards. And those microSD cards that work are really fast, cost much more expensive than full SD cards.
SD memory generation
There are four generations of SD memory cards:
- SD 1.0. - from 8 MB to 2 GB
- SD 1.1. - up to 4 GB
- SDHC - up to 32 GB
- SDXC. - up to 2 TB
They differ in volume, but preserve back compatibility. This means that the SD 1.0 map can be installed in the SDXC cardder, but not vice versa.
SDXC memory card
Most modern devices support SDHC memory cards. Most of the sold SD cards also belong to the SDHC generation. Therefore, most likely, you will have to deal with this type of memory cards. But, B. lately The first SDXC support devices began to appear. In the future, the SDXC memory card will fully displace the SDHC cards.
SD memory card speed
The speed of the SD memory cards are indicated as a multiplier or in the form of a class.
On the memory card, the multiplier can be specified as 13x, 26x, 32x, 40x, etc. Multiplier 1X is 150 kb / s. Self simple maps Memory has a speed of 6x or 900 kb / s, the most advanced cards are designated as 633x and have speed up to 95,000 kb / s.
The second way to designate SD memory cards are classes:
- SD Class 2 - recording speed of at least 2 MB / s, which corresponds to a multiplier 13x;
- SD Class 4 - (recording speed of at least 4 MB / s, which corresponds to the multiplier 26x;
- SD Class 6 - (recording speed of at least 6 MB / s, which corresponds to a multiplier 40x;
- SD Class 10 - (recording speed of at least 10 MB / s, which corresponds to a multiplier of 66x;
- SD Class 16 - (recording speed of at least 16 MB / s, which corresponds to a multiplier 106x;
SD CLASS 16 memory card
The speed of the memory card affects the recording speed of the filmed materials, as well as the speed of copying files from the memory card to the computer.
For example, to record a video stream with a full HD resolution, you need a write speed of 3 MB / s, which corresponds to the Class 4 memory card. When using a slower card, you will have problems with shooting. However, in some cases, the flow rate of the video can reach 6 MB / s. Therefore, it is better to buy a memory card starting from Class 6 and above.
In addition, there is a UHS specification, which also regulates the speed of memory cards. UHS-I standard requires no less than 50 MB / s (up to 104 MB / c), UHS-II standard is not lower than 156MB / s (up to 312MB / C).
Make sure you choose the correct memory card for the camera.
The overwhelming majority of cameras are at least those directed to beginner photographers and lovers - use SD-format memory cards for recording photos and video. Over the years, they have developed to satisfy the needs of more and more advanced cameras, with a growing number of megapixels and video recording speed 4k.
As a result, modern memory cards have many different indicators that determine their performance, which can mislead users unfamiliar with the terminology. In this article, before we proceed to the rating best cards The SD memory is given a manual designed to clarify the process of selecting the best camera for your camera or laptop. That's all you need to know about SD format memory cards.
Type and Mark.
The first thing to pay attention to is compatible with your device with a specific card, and while laptops and other computers are not too picky in this regard, the SD card compatibility is important for photo and video cameras.
If you assume that the camera uses an SD format cards, it must be compatible with two main types of cards manufactured today, namely SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity).
Old cards that wear SD marking are likely to not work with modern cameras, although they are more produced, since the requirements of the latest technique models exceed their capabilities.
The best way to check whether your camera with an SD card will work, check the camera features in the manual (or the corresponding page on the manufacturer's website).
All SDHC and SDXC memory cards have a small tab on the side that protects the contents of the map from the changes - if you move this tab down, you will not be able to write something or remove anything from the card, useful way to protect your photos and videos, especially When the card is overflowing. Sometimes this tab can be hooed when you insert the card into the camera. If you see an error message when you try to take a picture, get the card and check the tab to make sure that it is not locked.
Some microSD cards are supplied with full-sized SD adapters, so you can use them in phones and tablets, along with cameras and laptops.
SD cards of another type come in small sizes, among them microSDXC. They are usually used in smartphones, however, they are characterized by the presence of SD adapters, which allows the use of memory cards in the chambers.
Lexar and SanDisk are dominant players in the market, although Integral, Kingston and Transcend offer completely safe alternatives that may be cheaper, at the same time there are options and from more well-known brands like Toshiba and Samsung. Regardless of the chosen brand, buy maps from the authoritative seller, there are unscrupulous stores that sell fake cards.
Capacity
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Memory cards come in a wide range of capacity, which is reflected at their price. All memory cards with a capacity of 32 GB and below remain in the SDHC camp, while the 64 GB cards are more classified as SDXC. Already now you can buy cards, with a capacity of up to 1 TB - the same as most of the hard drives - but they go far beyond the fact that most people need (and what they can afford). The most common types of cards are: 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB.
Aside big map You need, depends on what you are going to use it. The user of the compact camera with a 12 megapixel sensor, for example, should be enough for a 16 GB SD card if it is going to take pictures not constantly. If your camera is equipped with a large sensor, however, and you are going to store files in the cheese format, write video or take photos of the series, 16 GB will not be enough.
Avoid smaller capacities, if you tend to use serial shooting to capture mobile objects, they will not be enough.
Most people believe that the selection of multiple medium-sized cards is the best option than using one big size map. It makes sense in terms of security - if something goes wrong, you will not lose all photos and video times. It also allows you to properly organize files. An increasing number of cameras today offer two SD card slots, which is another reason for the purchase of several cards.
Speed \u200b\u200band productivity
Most marks on the memory card indicate its performance when it comes to the data rate. We will consider all the designations in turn.
CardsSD: Speed \u200b\u200bClass
Most of the modern SDHC and SDXC cards are marked with a shortcut in form 2, 4, 6 or 10 in an almost closed circle, this designation indicates the minimum stable write speed of this card. This mark is known as Speed \u200b\u200bClass (speed class) and allows you to estimate whether your card is suitable for video.
The numbers indicate the speed in MB / s. Thus, CLASS 2 card has a minimal stable recording speed of 2 MB / s, while Class 4 raises speed up to 4 MB / s and so on. As a rule, the faster, the better, although for the standard HD video record you do not need too fast cards.
Class 10 SD cards are ideal for writing Full HD video, but if your camera supports 4K recording, you should search for UHS class maps (UHS Class).
Cards SD: Ultra High Speed \u200b\u200b(UHS) Class
SDHC and SDXC cards usually have numbers 1 or 3 inside the U-shaped icon. If you see any numbers in the frame of U, you can be sure that the card matches the latest standard Ultra High Speed \u200b\u200b(UHS).
Like the SD card class, UHS gives you an idea of \u200b\u200bthe minimum guaranteed continuous recording speed. For example, 1 inside U indicates the minimum sequential recording speed of 10 MB / s, while 3 points to a speed of 30 MB / s. Maps of this type work faster than Class 10 cards, they are better suited for operations with a large data stream, including video recording in the 4K resolution.
Attempting high-resolution video recording on a slow card can lead to the camera interrupt recording, and it can happen after a few seconds, so you must have an idea of \u200b\u200bwhat video format is going to shoot before buying a new card.
Today, maps appeared that comply with the UHS-I and UHS-II standards, determine how the standard selected SD card refers to the marking, it will be marked by Roman "I" or "II". UHS-II cards also have an additional row of contacts on the back to provide more high speed Data transfer, in comparison with UHS-I, but the acquisition of such a quick card makes sense only if you use a relatively new camera that supports this interface.
Currently, most cameras support UHS-I interface, but only new works with UHS-II. However, you can benefit from their speed using the UHS-II card reader when transmitting photos to a computer.
If you decide to buy one of them, you will be glad to know that the UHS-II cards have backward compatibility with cameras that support only UHS-I, although you lose the advantages of speed inside the chamber.
CardsSD:Video.Speed.Class
In addition to Speed \u200b\u200bClass and UHS Speed \u200b\u200bClass, there is a new format Video Speed \u200b\u200bClass.
The SD cards of this class have been developed for cameras with a resolution of 8K at a high frame rate, so the SD cards of this class are not needed by most users, since the video recording in the resolution 8K is not yet found in consumer-level products. Nevertheless, very soon they will become available to the public, so you must have an idea of \u200b\u200bthe new classification of SD memory cards.
The good news is that it is also simple to deal with this class, as well as with usual: the SD card is marked with V6, for example, which means the minimum sequential recording speed of 6 MB / s. Maps are also available in V10 and V30 format, which corresponds to minimum requirements Records video 4K, as well as V60 and V90, designed to shoot in the resolution of 8k.
NeedCompact.Flash or alternative card?
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Not all cameras use SD type cards. CompactFlash format is still used by some professional mirror cameras, and the slots for new CFAST and XQD formats have already appear on new models.
These cards are noted in a similar way as SDHC and SDXC cards and, as a rule, in a similar way label read speed, although they do not use the same classes with Speed \u200b\u200bClass cards.
As for the speed of reading and writing, the fastest COMPACTFLASH memory cards are currently available, worn UDMA 7 labeling. Such cards have a maximum transfer rate of 167 MB / s, which is a little faster than 133 MB / s, the limit of the previous UDMA 6 format.
Other things for consideration
Physical security
Some mapping manufacturers claim that they are protected from water, blows and x-rays to a certain extent, and can operate in more extreme temperatures than, rather than standard maps. If you assume that you will work in particularly difficult conditions, or you want additional tranquility, you could consider them.
More professional SD cards of each manufacturer, as a rule, include all these options as a standard. Of course, if you are going to use the camera in particularly cruel conditions, you should make sure that the camera, battery and any other equipment you plan to use remain in working condition.
File Recovery Software
Lose photos and video too easy, whether your solution or the result of file damage. Some SD cards are supplied with software that can potentially restore such files, although you could apply to this purpose and software third-party manufacturers.
Reading deviceSD cards
Check if you need to use a specific card reader in a pair with your SD card in order to take advantage of the best read speed. Otherwise, the usual card reader - be it a reader built into a computer or laptop - will act as a bottleneck in any file transfer operation.
Best cardsSDXC: For 4K recording and serial shooting
We tested the read / write speed of SD cards, both to record photos from video and average values, provided the speed fluctuation, which could lead to frames of frames. All these Cards of the UHS-I class, with one number of contacts on the rear panel. SD UHS-II cards have a second number of contacts, offering three times more theoretical speed, but they need a compatible camera.
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SanDisk's challenger suggested excellent video recording speed in 83.3 MB / s, it also recorded mixed files at a speed of 56.4 MB / s, without speed failures, which makes an SD card one of the best on the market.
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Pro + SD cards demonstrated the highest speed of direct image recording (58.2 MB / s), but did not cost without minor speed fluctuations. Reading performance is flawless, however, as well as the video recording speed.
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Kingston's fastest SD card showed a colossal 84.1 MB / s when recording a video, although the transmission of several photos returned a mediocre result of 42.8 MB / s, with large quantity Speed \u200b\u200boscillations.
The SD card is a memory card, that is, a small electronic storage device that is used for storage information. Today, memory cards are manufactured on the basis of flash memory, although other technologies can be used theoretically.
SD card or Secure Digital Memory Card is a special format of memory cards, which is designed for use in portable devices, including phones, smartphones, tablets, GPS navigators, cameras, e-books, etc.
There are several types of SD cards that differ in size: SD, MINISD, MicroSD. MicroSD cards are used in modern smartphones and tablets - as the most compact. The length of the microSD cards is as follows: 11 mm and 15 mm, and the thickness is only 1 mm. Here's what she looks like:
To use the SD card, you must insert into a special connector. If we are talking about smartphones, this connector is either under the back cover, or in a special compartment, which is removed into the side of the case:
The maximum capacitance of the SD card reaches 200 GB (at the time of writing an article). In the future, this figure will probably increase.
Our modern life in all areas is related to machinery - it is both cameras, and smartphones, and tablets, and laptops.
Thirty, or forty years ago, I would not have come to anyone and in the mind of creating smart hair dryers, windwakers and, however, it also has it now!
In this abundance of available information, the need for a device, compact and convenient, which would help all this information to be stored is arisen.
It is for these purposes that the memory cards were developed.
The tendency to the minimum size and weight of electronic devices, simultaneously with the increase in their functionality, did not pass by the memory cards.
Following the requirements of the present, they also became more compact in size and more compact.
A modern miracle of technology is literally several millimeters of plastic with enormous information storage capabilities. It is about them our article.
If you have a phone or tablet, you like to watch TV shows, download music, download funny and beautiful photos from the Internet - and maybe all together - then the question of how you can increase the built-in memory of your device will be especially interesting to you.
Believe me, sooner or later, any native memory of even a very expensive smartphone will end - and the flash memory cards will be an excellent addition to increasing your phone's memory.
As there are different manufacturers, firms and classes of manufacturers, also differ among themselves and memory cards. We will try to consider their main types, differences between them and their functionality. And to those who read the article to the end - a pleasant surprise - an overview of the five most popular and high-quality microSD cards of different manufacturers.
Types of memory cards
Memory cards, like any other device, have passed their way of evolution:
Currently, interchangeable information carriers are becoming increasingly popular - in the amount of memory, they are not inferior to anything, but attract equipment manufacturers with their compact sizes.
Accordingly, an increasing number of manufacturers of equipment produce phones, tablets, cameras and other portable equipment with support for MICRO-SD memory cards.
If you have a camera, a camera or an old sample that supports SD cards - now it is not a problem to use with them too micro-SD, but with the help of a special adapter.
As he looks, see photo:
When using a Micro-SD card is inserted into the adapter - and you can use it as a full SD card:
The adapter will also help you transfer data from Micro SD phone card on or computer.
In addition, if you do not use Micro-SD - it is convenient to store it within the adapter, so as not to lose or damage because of small sizes.
Differences of maps depending on the amount of memory:
If ten years ago it was possible to boast 128 MB volume, now the requests of consumers increased markedly. Maps of different volumes are available on the market. Naturally, the higher the figure, the higher the price. Separately, I want to mention - a memory card with a large volume, especially quality - can not cost cheaply. For a memory card of a well-known manufacturer 32GB, a market price from $ 15, respectively, more expensive. And to acquire a memory card of well-known manufacturers is safer and more profitable - if only because the warranty is distributed.
How to choose a memory card
Pay attentione when you buy on information, inflicted on the front side of the card.
This is usually enough to have a general idea of \u200b\u200bit, as well as to distinguish counterfeit from the original.
Main indicators - Speed \u200b\u200bclass, Compatibility class with devices and support for the UHS-I interface - their location is visible in the schemes above.
In the table to your attention how to decrypt icons on the front side of the memory cards:
Micro-SD formats
The main advantage of MicroSD and MicroSDXC cards is a large capacity and recording speed, and they require separate compatibility than MicroSD cards.
Those., The device reading microSD may at the same time not read microSDHC and MicroSDXC.
Flash storage classes
From the memory card class depends the memory quality and data processing speed.
We clarify that each card has two speed indicators - the speed of reading data and the data recording speed; And if you need a microSD card in the camcorder or, a great value will have exactly the speed of data recording - otherwise the video quality or to disappear with high-speed shooting can deteriorate.
The memory card class is usually indicated by
It is usually customary to talk about the existence of 4 types of cards.
- 2: Record with a speed of 2 MB / s;
- 4: 4 MB / s;
- 6: 6 MB / s;
- 10: 10 MB / s.
For high-quality recording, video came up with an UHS abbreviation card. Their class is indicated by the symbol U.
- UHS Speed \u200b\u200bclass 1: min. Speed \u200b\u200b10 MB / s.
- UHS Speed \u200b\u200bClass 3: Min. Speed \u200b\u200bof 30 MB / s.
Decide which card you need you
It is quite simple, if you consider your basic needs:
- 2-4 class will be enough to listen to the playlist, viewing video in the average quality of low permission;
- 6 or 10-class will be needed in the case of the use of devices that support HD and FULL HD format;
- UHS is the topmost option - if you have a device with to write a HD format and Full HD, then this format is for you because it provides high recording speed.
What problems can be associated with the wrong choice of memory card:
- slow reproduction and video recording on the device;
- long saving files;
- the impossibility of viewing video in high resolution HD and Full HD (or very slow playback);
- limited to use applications on the device: They or will not be able to boot due to a lack of memory, or can be slowly played. This is especially true of games with high graphics - Possible failures and failures in the work.
- when shooting a series of photographs at high speed when the memory card is selected with a low recording speed, damage is possible or losing some photos. This applies to high resolution recording, some sections of video can be rejected.
Additional nuances
Again, everything taking into account your needs.
If you are a reporter, traveler, or just a lover on nature in Nature is not very suitable for this conditions - you will be interested in a memory card option with a function of moisture protection and heat-resistant. The guarantee of such maps will also be in cases of falling into water, and temperature changes, and bad weather in the form of snow and rain.
If you are an athlete or like to shoot in motion - there are memory cards that are resistant to damage when they are designed for operation in extreme conditions.
More rare models can even take into account the protection against X-ray radiation, vibration and magnetic waves.
If you work in mass marketing - some large firms producers have a service - applying an image to your choice of memory cards.
Before buying it is important to make sure that your device supports the memory cards of this format - when doubt, it is better to take a device with you upon purchase and consult with a specialist.
For example, the format UHS cards are designed for flagship top-end devices that support function - and may not be compatible with low-class devices. Not always the road itself is the best in every sense.
If you buy online, each large company has an online support service.
Quality
There are firms that have made itself a world name, and replaceable memory media. This is samsung, lexar, etc.
It is important to make aware that when buying a cheap map of an unknown manufacturer, you are risking than intelligently spend money.
Naturally, high-quality goods, especially with a warranty period, cannot cost cheaply.
And it becomes particularly insulting not so much spent money, how many lost data, which is already difficult, and sometimes it is impossible to restore.
In addition to the greater reliability and preservation of your data, with the brand card you will get high speed and guarantee (in some cases even lifelong).
Fake
From the acquisition of fake products no one is currently safe. The point is not even so much in the fame of the seller and store guarantees - usually make replacement media and now the market is filled with them. If you analyze the market and checking the implemented memory cards is established that before a third of them were fake.
In the photo above, you can even guess without signature, which of the cards was original, and some kind of coarse fake.
But now the snag is that pirated firms learned to make quite beautiful fakes, externally distinguishable from the original.
How to understand what is a fake flash card?
- it is sold at a significantly less price. Those. we are talking Not about the normal market regulation of the price or various promotions, when it is at a discount - it is simply sold in price 2-3 times lower than the same card, for example, in the official store of this brand. It should alert.
- carefully look at the front side of the card, on the quality of labeling and printing the packaging. Everything should be clearly and beautiful, paints - bright, and the name of the company is not inspired.
- there is special programs To check the originality of the memory card - H2TestW for Windows and F3 - for MacOS and. But in this case, you must first purchase it.
Reader Bonus - Top MicroSD 2018
This topping selection of many consumers, which cards they counted the highest quality and best, estimated in sales volumes.
Kingston MicroSdxc Class.
| Benefits |
|
|---|---|
| disadvantages | There is no support for part of the options for simultaneous video and photography |
| Our conclusion | One of the advantages is a large amount of memory allowing you to store a huge amount of information. |
| Standard capacity | SDXC. |
| Volume | 128 GB (256 GB) |
| Performance | Reading - up to 45 MB / s Recording - up to 10 MB / s |
| Class / Bus. | UHS-I U1, Class 10 |
| Protection |
|
Samsung MicroSDXC EVO Plus 64GB
| Benefits |
|
|---|---|
| disadvantages | Not all file systems are available for formatting. |
| Our conclusion | The Samsung EVO series is an excellent choice for all extremals and fans of water sports. It is compatible with the UHS-I Speed \u200b\u200bClass 1 (U1) and Class 10 (U1) and, Class 10 and is designed to record video in Full HD format |
| Standard capacity | SDXC. |
| Volume | 64 GB (128 GB) |
| Performance | Read speed - up to 80 MB / s Recording speed - up to 20 MB / s |
| Class / Bus. | UHS-I U1, Class 10 |
| Protection |
|
Transcend Microsdhc Class 10 32GB
| Benefits |
|
|---|---|
| disadvantages | Password formatting and protection functions in the RecoverX program are only available running. |
| Our conclusion | The card with an excellent level of protection of your data from both external exposure and errors. which may occur during data transfer, for which the built-in ESS technology is responsible. |
| Standard capacity | SDHC |
| Volume | 32 GB (4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB) |
| Performance |
|
| Class / Bus. | Class 10. |
| Protection |
|
Kingston MicroSDHC Class 10 U3 UHS-I
| Benefits |
|
|---|---|
| disadvantages | Not particularly suitable for transferring a large amount of information. |
| Our conclusion | One of the top models Kingston quickly processes information. Ideal for all modern gadgets |
| Standard capacity | SDHC |
| Volume | 32 GB |
| Performance |
|
| Class / Bus. | UHS-I U3, class 10 |
| Protection |
|
SmartBuy Microsdhc Class 10
| Benefits |
|
|---|---|
| disadvantages | Performance expected higher |
| Our conclusion | Combines quality and low price and will allow you to store a small amount of information. |
| Standard capacity | SDHC |
| Volume | 32 GB (4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB) |
| Performance | Data transfer - 4 MB / s |
| Class / Bus. | Class 10. |
| Protection | No data |
SANDISK EXTREME PRO SDXC UHS CLASS 3
If you are a professional photographer and use the camera as a means of earnings - the memory card of your camera should work trouble-free.
A 15-20 megabit recording can be filled through 7-10 photos, and the end will be put on it. This complexity will help solve SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS Class 3.
Information may be recorded on it lightning, approximately 90-95 megabits per second.
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