ProGrade Digital's Iridium CFExpress 4.0 Type B 800GB card delivers exceptional performance with read speeds up to 3550MB/s and write speeds up to 3000MB/s. Thessdreview noted its compatibility with USB 4.0 standard and low power consumption ideal for extended video recording. The card comes with software tools including RefreshPro for sanitization, though performance is optimized when paired with the ProGrade PGM12 reader and a USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt 4/5 port. This makes it a top choice for professional videographers and photographers seeking maximum speed, but users must ensure compatible hardware for peak performance.
Full review
Read speeds exceed specifications
According to The SSD Review, the card achieved peak read speeds that exceeded ProGrade's own claims, demonstrating its capability to handle large data transfers efficiently. This performance is particularly notable in professional workflows where rapid data offloading is critical. The card's ability to maintain these high speeds under real-world conditions makes it a strong contender for users who demand maximum throughput from their storage solutions.
Digital Camera World noted that while the card's maximum read speed is listed at 3550MB/s, actual performance often exceeds these figures. This is especially important for users working with high-bitrate video formats or large RAW image files. The card's performance in sustained read operations was also highlighted, with The SSD Review confirming that the card consistently delivered high speeds across various file sizes, from small 256MB files to larger 64GB datasets. These results indicate that the card is well-suited for demanding professional applications where speed and reliability are paramount.
Write performance and sustained throughput
ProGrade Digital's Iridium 800GB card is designed to deliver impressive write speeds, with a maximum write rate of 3000MB/s and sustained write speeds of 1500MB/s. The SSD Review confirmed that these sustained write speeds are maintained consistently, even during extended recording sessions. This capability is essential for users who shoot high-bitrate video or capture bursts of RAW images, where buffer clearing speed directly impacts workflow efficiency. The card's ability to maintain these speeds without significant throttling makes it suitable for professional video production and high-speed photography applications.
Compatibility with modern systems
The ProGrade Iridium 800GB card requires a compatible USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt 4/5 interface to achieve its maximum performance. The SSD Review emphasized that using a USB 3.2 reader would significantly limit the card's capabilities, as the card's throughput exceeds what USB 3.2 can support. This limitation is particularly important for users who plan to utilize the card's full potential, as older interfaces will bottleneck performance. The card's compatibility with modern systems is essential for achieving the speeds that make it appealing to professionals.
Digital Camera World pointed out that while the card's speeds are impressive, they are currently limited by camera compatibility. No current cameras support the full CFexpress 4.0 standard, meaning users will experience speeds closer to CFexpress 2.0 levels when shooting. However, the card's performance is still valuable for offloading content from cameras to computers, where the full speed potential can be realized. The card's backward compatibility with CFexpress 2.0 ensures that users can still benefit from its performance even when working with older camera systems.
Packaging and included software
DesignInfo.in highlighted that the card's packaging includes a Quick Start Guide with instructions for using RefreshPro, Recovery Pro, and Ingest Pro software. These tools provide users with additional functionality beyond basic storage, including data sanitization and recovery capabilities. The inclusion of these software tools makes the card more appealing to professionals who require comprehensive data management solutions. The card's physical dimensions and weight were also noted as being suitable for use in various camera systems without adding excessive bulk.
Value proposition and market positioning
The Digital Camera World noted that while the card's performance is impressive, its value proposition is somewhat questionable when compared to ProGrade's existing Gold series. The Gold series offers similar performance at a lower price point, making it a more economical choice for users who don't require the absolute maximum speeds. However, the Iridium series is positioned as a middle-tier offering between the Gold and Cobalt lines, providing a balance of performance and cost.
The SSD Review emphasized that the card's performance is particularly valuable for users who need to transfer large amounts of data quickly, such as professional videographers or photographers working with high-bitrate formats. The card's ability to maintain sustained write speeds of 1500MB/s makes it suitable for workflows that require rapid data handling. While the price may seem high for some users, the card's performance characteristics justify the cost for professionals who depend on fast data transfer rates for their work.
Software integration and user experience
ProGrade Digital includes software tools with the Iridium 800GB card, including RefreshPro, Recovery Pro, and Ingest Pro. These tools provide users with additional functionality beyond basic storage operations. The SSD Review noted that RefreshPro is particularly useful for sanitizing the card without requiring users to exit Windows, making it convenient for routine maintenance tasks. The inclusion of these tools enhances the overall user experience and provides professionals with comprehensive data management capabilities.
Performance in real-world applications
The SSD Review conducted tests using a high-end system with an Intel Ultra 9 CPU and ASUS Z890 ProArt motherboard, demonstrating the card's ability to perform at maximum capacity when connected directly to CPU lanes. This testing methodology ensured that the results were representative of the card's true capabilities without interference from external factors. The card's performance was consistent across various file sizes and test conditions, confirming its reliability for professional use.
Shutter Muse conducted field testing with the card in wildlife photography applications, where the card's performance was evaluated under real-world conditions. The card demonstrated its ability to handle high-speed burst photography and large RAW image files effectively. The reviewer noted that the card's sustained write speeds were particularly beneficial for clearing camera buffers quickly, which is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. The card's performance in these demanding applications confirmed its suitability for professional photography workflows.
Comparison with competing products
When compared to other CFexpress 4.0 Type B cards, the ProGrade Iridium 800GB card stands out for its combination of high speeds and reliability. Digital Camera World noted that while competitors offer similar performance, ProGrade's positioning between the Gold and Cobalt lines provides a balanced option for users who don't require the absolute highest performance. The card's VPG-400 rating ensures that minimum write speeds are guaranteed, which is a key advantage over some competing products.
The SSD Review compared the ProGrade Iridium card with other Type B cards in the market, noting that its sustained write speeds of 1500MB/s are competitive with other high-end offerings. However, the card's price point is higher than some alternatives, which may make it less attractive for budget-conscious users. The comparison revealed that while ProGrade's card offers excellent performance, users must weigh the benefits against the cost to determine if it meets their specific needs.
Strengths
- +Achieves up to 3550MB/s read speed and 3000MB/s write speed
- +Supports USB 4.0 standard for high-speed data transfer
- +Designed for continuous video recording with low power consumption
- +Includes dedicated software tools like RefreshPro for card sanitization
Watch-outs
- −Performance is dependent on using the ProGrade PGM12 USB4 CFExpress B Card Reader
- −Requires USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt 4/5 PC port for maximum speeds
How it compares
The ProGrade Iridium CF Exp 4.0 B 800GB card delivers read speeds up to 3550 MB/s and write speeds up to 3000 MB/s, outperforming the OWC Atlas Ultra's 3650 MB/s read speed and 3000 MB/s write speed, but it requires a ProGrade PGM12 USB4 reader for maximum performance. Its dependency on specific hardware makes it less universally compatible.
Rating sources
“New ultra-fast Type B and Type A cards are launching, but do we really need them?”
Our 3.5 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
