Page 22 - Computer Power User - February 2017

“Solid-state drives grab
all the headlines, but this
memory card knows how
to wield its NAND, too.”

Benchmark Results* Patriot Memory
LX Series 256GB

CrystalDiskMark 5.2.1
Sequential read 83.68
Sequential write 71.09
2GB Folder Transfer
LX Series 256GB
Read 56.35
$199.99
Patriot Memory Write 15.75
www.patriotmemory.com *all results in MBps

Patriot Memory LX Series 256GB

or a while, we forgot about memory So, apologies for the belabored time comes to move everything to a PC,
F cards. They were indispensable during the introduction, but there are plenty of reasons expect the LX Series card to make short
era of digital cameras (and they’re still vital for that Patriot’s recently announced 256GB work of the transfer.
prosumers using D-SLRs), supplying enough LX Series microSDXC card deserves time in To test the 256GB LX Series
ammo to take thousands of shots without the spotlight. Most of the time, we turn to microSDXC card, we dropped it into the
needing to reload. Once smartphones and Patriot for DDR4 and solid-state drives, but mircoSD slot of a Dell Venue 11 Pro tablet,
cloud storage came along, casual types the company churns out memory cards like which includes a 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-
stopped lugging around a separate camera, the LX Series on a regular basis, too. Patriot 4300Y, 8GB of DDR3-1600, and a 256GB
which of course obviated the need for debuted the 256GB LX Series card at CES; SanDisk X110 SSD. First, we pitted the
capacious memory cards. Niche markets still power users take note. card against CrystalDiskMark’s sequential
demanded them, but SD, CF, microSD, and Armed with a complement of 3D TLC read and write tests. Next, we transferred
other varieties of pint-sized removable storage NAND, the new LX Series microSDXC a 2GB folder of assorted files to and from
needed to find new homes. card follows the same trend we’ve seen with the card, timing the trip each direction.
Leave it to enthusiasts to revitalize demand solid-state drives. TLC NAND allows for Predictably, the LX Series card likes to eat
for big and fast memory cards. Photos are so more storage without compromising much big bites of data: Images and videos flew
2004. Now, we’re using action cameras and throughput. As a result, this card can claim back and forth between card and tablet,
zipping through the sky with drones. Digital some fairly impressive reads and writes. while tiny Office files caused throughput
images? That’s rich. Now, 4K video is all the According to Patriot, with the pedal to the (particular writes) to plummet.
rage, so high-performance memory cards metal, the new LX Series card cruises along SSDs grab all the headlines, but this
with hundreds of gigabytes of capacity are at 90MBps for sequential reads. The card’s memory card knows how to wield its
more important than ever. maximum sequential writes are nearly as as NAND, too. Not everyone needs a memory
But don’t count out smartphones fast, maxing out at 80MBps. Bottom line: card with a quarter of a terabyte of storage,
(and tablets), either. Plenty of Android You can fill up the 256GB LX Series with but for those who do, Patriot’s 256GB LX
devices have expandable storage, another massive amounts of media, whether that’s Series microSDXC doesn’t disappoint. ■
opportunity for truly superior memory hours of 4K video, thousands of hi-res
cards to give power users a leg up. images, or a mix of both. Then, when the BY VINCE COGLEY

Specs: Capacity: 256GB; Maximum sequential read/write (advertised): 90MBps, 80MBps; Class 10; U3-qualified; SD adapter included; Warranty: Two years
Test system specs: Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-4300Y; RAM: 8GB DDR3-1600; Storage: 256GB SanDisk X110: OS: Windows 10 Enterprise

22 February2017 / www.computerpoweruser.com