Photographers and videographers using Sony cameras now have a new option for high-speed memory. Pergear has launched its latest product, the Master CFexpress 4.0 Type A card, which aims to deliver enhanced performance at a competitive price point. This new card represents a significant advancement over previous generations, particularly in terms of read speeds.
The Master CFexpress 4.0 Type A card utilizes the CFexpress 4.0 standard, incorporating PCIe 4.0 technology that allows for speeds of up to 2 GB/s per lane. This upgrade over the older CFexpress 2.0 standard promises a higher performance ceiling, which is essential for modern creative workflows. It is especially notable for users of various Sony cameras, including the a7R V, a7S III, a1, a9 III, and the FX cinema line.
These cameras benefit from the increased read and write speeds compared to traditional UHS-II SD cards, facilitating faster buffer clearing during high-speed shooting and quicker file transfers. However, it is important to recognize that not all cameras will fully capitalize on the additional speed offered by the CFexpress 4.0 standard. Cameras equipped with CFexpress 2.0 slots will only operate at those lower speeds, despite the card’s advanced capabilities.
The specifications of the new Pergear Master card reveal impressive figures: it boasts read speeds of up to 1,780 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,600 MB/s, with a sustained write speed of 700 MB/s. It also carries VPG200 certification, ensuring a minimum sustained write speed of 200 MB/s, which is crucial for reliable video recording. The card is available in capacities of 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, making it versatile for various storage needs.
Testing the Master card against synthetic benchmarks revealed a dramatic improvement in read speeds, consistently exceeding 1,400 MB/s. This performance indicates significantly reduced import times for large batches of files, whether they be high-resolution images or video clips. In terms of write performance, the results yielded figures between 450 MB/s and 500 MB/s at a queue depth of one, which, while short of the advertised peak speeds, remains respectable. Importantly, during testing, the card exceeded the VPG200 baseline, demonstrating its capability to handle demanding video codecs effectively.
Pergear has strategically positioned its memory cards as value-driven alternatives without compromising on performance. Priced at $129 for the 256 GB model, the Master series appears competitively priced compared to similar offerings from brands such as OWC and ProGrade. As capacities increase, the price advantage becomes more pronounced, particularly for the 512 GB and 1 TB variations.
While no current Sony cameras can fully leverage the maximum write speeds of the CFexpress 4.0 standard, the improvements in read performance and the support of VPG200 certification enhance the card’s appeal for video applications. The five-year warranty further adds to its attractiveness, providing users with confidence in their investment.
Ultimately, the Pergear Master CFexpress 4.0 Type A card marks a step forward in read performance, achieving a near doubling of speeds compared to older models. While the write speeds did not fully meet the ambitious marketing claims during synthetic tests, the card’s certified performance and competitive pricing position it as a valuable option for Sony users looking to improve their workflow efficiency.
As the market for high-speed memory solutions continues to evolve, Pergear’s commitment to delivering quality products at accessible prices could make this card a compelling choice for those seeking to harness the speed of the CFexpress 4.0 standard.