Recommendations on USB memory sticks?

[Handruin]

What brands are you guys buying these days if at all?

I'm looking for a 8GB-32GB memory stick to attach to my key chain. I'm looking for one that's relatively small (2" or less in length) and is somewhat sturdy with no detaching parts (I don't want a loose cap falling off). Weather-proof would be a plus if it's possible in this size. I basically want one to carry around portable apps and basic tools that I would use to work on friends/family PCs.

This 8GB Patriot or 16GB patriot looks like it might fit my criteria.

This Verbatim TUFF-'N'-Tiny is interesting in design, though pricy. From the looks of it, the unit slides into the USB as-is, with the contacts being exposed at the bottom. This makes it one solid piece so that the USB end won't break off, but the contacts might take wear.

This 8GB Patriot is a little bigger and has a removable cap, but it has some high reviews and speeds and is also weather-proof.

 

[ddrueding]

The flat ones like the Verbatim you linked above are cool, but not compatible with all USB ports. I've had to shim them with paper to make the contacts ~5% of the time.

It would also be difficult to find one without a cap that is weather-proof. I've srtipped the plastic case from some when they became waterlogged, and they performed brilliantly until the USB plug itself distressed and de-soldered.

Might I recommend popping the case off one and then embedding it in an epoxy of some kind? I've considered doing the same myself.

 

[Tannin]

Good thinking Dave.

I keep it simple: I buy Sandisk 'cause they are good quality and 'coz the Post Office (of all places!) sells them for ... well, I forget the price. $10 maybe? Roughly the price of a decent hamburger, anyway. No idea what speed. Who cares about that?

(Flash cards - that's different!)

But I carry my Thinkpad just about anywhere I'm likely to want to touch a computer, so I rarely use USB memory.

 

[LunarMist]

The last Sandisk USB flash drives I got were just awful. I think it used the 3x cell flash and write speeds are worse than a good flash drive was 3 years ago. If I need decent speed I mostly I use memory cards and a tiny cardreader now.

 

[Chewy509]

Like Tannin, I've been using the Sandisk one's as they're easily available and relative cheap.

For Uni of been using a couple of the 4GB Sandisk Cruzer Blade, and have been happy with them. This model does go up to 16GB in size.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820171500

Since dimensions aren't listed anywhere, it measures 1.5" x 5/8" x 1/4" in size. (Yes, it's tiny).

The only downside, they are not that quick relative to some other USB 2.0 keys I've had and used.

 

[Mercutio]

My favorites are Sandisk Contour. I carry a 32GB one along with a couple 8GB Verbatim Store n' Go. I also keep a couple little 1GB guys on my keychain.

One of them starts Hiren's BootCD. Another starts a WinPE session. Another can install Windows 7 Home (I can just Anytime Upgrade it to whatever else) and the other two load TrueImage and have my standard Windows XP and Classroom Image on them, respectively.

 

[ddrueding]

The one with all my toys on it is a Kingston DT Ultimate 64GB, and it is quite quick.

I also bought a 25pk of Verbatim 2GB for disbursement.

 

[Adcadet]

I've been using this SanDisk Cruzer for the past 1.5 years - http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Cruze...N2ZK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1303500240&sr=8-4. I like it because I can put a big lanyard on the back keyring to make it harder to loose and the cap is retractable. I like the retractable cap. Luckily, it also matches the capacity, 8 GB, of the one my work provided (Corsair Flash Voyager, I think it's just OK, http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Flash...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1303500168&sr=1-1). I use SyncToy to back one up to the other periodically. My only small complaint is that sometimes when I extend the tip in a hurry it doesn't get clicked into place because the "click" is a little subtle, but this is a really minor quibble. And I wish it was USB3; I can't find a USB3 version. I recently gave a 16 GB model to a relative who asked for a nice USB drive who had no USB3 ports.

 

[Stereodude]

Get one with SLC flash with a multichannel flash controller. Oh wait... no one makes 'em anymore. :cursin:

 

[LunarMist]

Get one with SLC flash with a multichannel flash controller. Oh wait... no one makes 'em anymore. :cursin:

The better memory cards are SLC and have multi-channel controllers.

 

[Handruin]

Thanks for the feedback. Seems like SanDisk is a popular choice for a few hear. I couldn't find any of the Contour on newegg, but amazon has them. They're a bit pricey compared to the others. I'm still looking around for something that fits my needs. I know I'm over-thinking such a simple device, but I want something that isn't bulky and won't break in the first week.

 

[Adcadet]

I know I'm over-thinking such a simple device, but I want something that isn't bulky and won't break in the first week.

I'm in the same boat. I made what in retrospect was a good decision almost 2 years ago and it's served me very well. In the 2 years prior to that drive I probably had 3 drives that I felt were just crummy and a pain to use. I'd like to find another reliable USB drive, preferably 16+ GB and USB3. I see nothing on Newegg that seems suitable.

 

[time]

Depends what you want it for. If you just use them as a repository for tools etc as I believe Mercutio does, write speed doesn't matter very much. In other words, WORM (Write Once Read Many).

If on the other hand you use them to transport data or software between PCs, write speed can make a very big difference indeed. Write access time can also be an issue, although it's solvable by zipping up little files before copying them to the USB drive.

SanDisk sells some seriously poor performing products in their USB range. No idea why - their MicroSD cards perform really well. I know consumers don't truly have any power, but the situation definitely won't change if everyone continues to buy their stuff.

The Verbatim Tuff 'n Tiny is highly reminiscent of the PQI stick I used to have, except it was slightly thicker and I never had any connectivity problems. Performance is also similar: rocketship reads but only 6-8 MB/s writes.

I was thinking of picking up a couple of Patriot Rage quad-channel sticks. You can tell when performance isn't going to suck because the manufacturer actually advertises the speed, as opposed to concealing the figure altogether. Tests on the web confirm that 25 MB/s writes are achievable, although access time is somewhat tardy. Here are some numbers from a local user:

In Explorer writing 719 items/8.75GB was averaging 17.5MB/sec

CrystalDiskMark 3.0
Sequential read speeds: 29.859-29.953MB/sec
Sequential write speeds: 22.824-22.847MB/sec
Random read 512KB: 29.931-29.950MB/sec
Random write 512KB: 1.364-1.751MB/sec
Random read 4KB (QD=1): 5.347-5.413MB/sec
Random write 4KB (QD=1): 0.012-0.013MB/sec
Random read 4KB (QD=32): 5.518-5.592MB/sec
Random write 4KB (QD=32): 0.012-0.013MB/sec

He also warns that two keys are still too fat to go beside each other without touching.

Of course, with the propagation of USB 3.0, the slower sticks will seem as pointless and stupid as floppy disks. But USB 3.0 sticks are currently twice the price, and you have to get at least 32GB to get top write speeds.

 

[Adcadet]

Duh: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/usb-3.0-thumb-drive-flash-drive,2900-19.html

 

[Handruin]

Mine will mainly be a repository for tools just like Mercutio's. The data will be expendable, so I'm not expecting/needing data safety, but I would like it to last a couple years. The more comments I read on the Patriot indicate it might be flimsy due to its plastic construction. At $19/$32USD (8GB/16GB), I'm probably over-thinking it assuming I don't beat the snot out of it. I don't care about SLC/USB 3, etc. I'm looking for something around $20-$40, doesn't have a cap that will be lost, and isn't too large.

 

[time]

I may have to eat my words. I found a CrystalDiskMark test of a 4GB SanDisk Cruzer Contour that gave these results:

Sequential Read : 29.554 MB/s
Sequential Write : 19.042 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 30.281 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 5.910 MB/s
Random Read 4KB : 6.527 MB/s
Random Write 4KB : 0.075 MB/s

Although the data set was only 50MB, so I don't know how reliable the results are.

I also tried CrystalDiskMark against the slower of the Verbatim Store 'n Go sticks that I have (someone's lost the faster one), and even it managed superior random R/W results to the Patriot Rage.

 

[Mercutio]

My Contour is the fastest thumb drive I have, actually. You're right that I largely don't care since the content on my drives is fairly static, but it does help when I'm pushing out ~19GB of my triple-boot classroom system image.

I'm probably going to buy a USB3 64GB unit next time I need one, but I'll still wind up with a pocket full of drives because of all the different tools I want and how frequently some of them are updated.

 

[Sol]

I have a Super Talent Pico C. Sounds as dodgy as hell but they're actually not a terrible brand and the drive itself is damn near indestructible. Had it attached to my keys for years now and it still ticks along perfectly well. It does take a little bit of force to get it in to really small USB ports but those seem to be cropping up less and less. The speed was pretty damn good for when I got it but I've no idea how they compare these days.

 

[Stereodude]

I may have to eat my words. I found a CrystalDiskMark test of a 4GB SanDisk Cruzer Contour that gave these results:

Sequential Read : 29.554 MB/s
Sequential Write : 19.042 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 30.281 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 5.910 MB/s
Random Read 4KB : 6.527 MB/s
Random Write 4KB : 0.075 MB/s

Although the data set was only 50MB, so I don't know how reliable the results are.

Buffalo 4GB RUF2-S (dual channel SLC):

           Sequential Read :    30.540 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    22.638 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    30.511 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :    11.135 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     6.511 MB/s [  1589.7 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.153 MB/s [    37.3 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     6.557 MB/s [  1600.9 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.200 MB/s [    48.7 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 0.0% (0.0/3944.2 MB)] (x4)

Mushkin 4GB Mulholland MKNUFDMH4GB:

           Sequential Read :    18.594 MB/s
          Sequential Write :     9.245 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    18.761 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     3.270 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     2.239 MB/s [   546.6 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.520 MB/s [   127.1 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     2.671 MB/s [   652.0 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.050 MB/s [    12.1 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 0.0% (0.0/3818.0 MB)] (x4)

Buffalo 1GB RUF2-S (dual channel SLC):

           Sequential Read :    32.378 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    22.865 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    32.280 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     9.702 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     6.667 MB/s [  1627.8 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.177 MB/s [    43.2 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     7.796 MB/s [  1903.3 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.230 MB/s [    56.2 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 24.2% (231.9/959.7 MB)] (x4)

 

[ddrueding]

Kingston DT Ultimate 64GB (USB2)

Sequential Read : 34.756 MB/s
Sequential Write : 27.656 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 32.757 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 26.309 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 3.943 MB/s [ 962.8 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 4.985 MB/s [ 1217.1 IOPS]
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 4.047 MB/s [ 988.1 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 5.086 MB/s [ 1241.7 IOPS]

Test : 50 MB [H: 10.9% (6.5/59.6 GB)] (x2)

 

[sdbardwick]

This look (@JonnyGuru) at the Kingston DT Ultimate has ATTO shots, if anybody is interested. Has both USB3 and USB2 results.

 

[Stereodude]

OCZ Rally2 16GB:

           Sequential Read :    23.749 MB/s
          Sequential Write :     9.121 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    23.210 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     1.254 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     5.563 MB/s [  1358.2 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.020 MB/s [     4.9 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     6.487 MB/s [  1583.8 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.039 MB/s [     9.4 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 21.7% (3.2/14.9 GB)] (x4)

 

[Stereodude]

Corsair Flash Voyager 2GB:

           Sequential Read :    28.642 MB/s
          Sequential Write :     6.855 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    28.677 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     1.696 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     7.663 MB/s [  1870.9 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.017 MB/s [     4.2 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     7.621 MB/s [  1860.7 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.023 MB/s [     5.6 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 65.4% (1255.8/1919.7 MB)] (x4)

 

[LunarMist]

Meh. There are better options for $180.

 

[Stereodude]

OCZ Rally 2 512MB:

           Sequential Read :    17.193 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    13.606 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    17.184 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     8.844 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     3.686 MB/s [   899.9 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.136 MB/s [    33.3 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     3.710 MB/s [   905.8 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.148 MB/s [    36.1 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 61.9% (310.1/501.0 MB)] (x4)

 

[LunarMist]

512MB. Those were the days. :mrgrn:

 

[Stereodude]

Patriot Xporter XT 4GB:

           Sequential Read :    31.404 MB/s
          Sequential Write :     7.675 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    31.254 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     1.652 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     7.548 MB/s [  1842.8 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.014 MB/s [     3.5 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     7.472 MB/s [  1824.1 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.025 MB/s [     6.1 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 1.1% (41.7/3806.6 MB)] (x4)

 

[LunarMist]

Maybe one Excel table or something for comparison?

 

[ddrueding]

Maybe one Excel table or something for comparison?

That would be great. Thanks for volunteering, Lunar

 

[Stereodude]

Sandisk Cruzer Mini 256MB:

           Sequential Read :     8.421 MB/s
          Sequential Write :     5.146 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :     8.383 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     3.892 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     4.107 MB/s [  1002.8 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.112 MB/s [    27.3 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     4.349 MB/s [  1061.8 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.120 MB/s [    29.4 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 6.3% (15.5/244.7 MB)] (x4)

 

[Stereodude]

512MB. Those were the days. :mrgrn:

They've gotten bigger, but they certainly haven't gotten faster in dealing with small files.

 

[LunarMist]

Have you tried a CF card such as Sandics Extreme Pro?

 

[Stereodude]

Have you tried a CF card such as Sandics Extreme Pro?

I haven't, but the reader will obviously be a factor also.

 

[LunarMist]

UDMA of course.

 

[ddrueding]

I'll try to do the CF cards tonight.

 

[ddrueding]

Kingston DT Ultimate 64GB (USB3)

           Sequential Read :    91.065 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    66.021 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    74.923 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :    61.893 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     5.428 MB/s [  1325.2 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :    12.676 MB/s [  3094.7 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     5.549 MB/s [  1354.7 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :    13.801 MB/s [  3369.3 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [E: 10.9% (6.5/59.6 GB)] (x4)

 

[Stereodude]

Interesting that it writes faster than it reads at with the 4kB files.

 

[Stereodude]

Here's the same Lexar Professional 133x 4GB SDHC card in three different USB 2.0 readers.

Reader 1:

           Sequential Read :    20.274 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    19.344 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    20.217 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     8.726 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     5.477 MB/s [  1337.0 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.122 MB/s [    29.7 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     5.772 MB/s [  1409.3 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.160 MB/s [    39.0 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 36.0% (1413.1/3926.5 MB)] (x4)

Reader 2:

           Sequential Read :    19.695 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    18.002 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    19.636 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     8.440 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     5.850 MB/s [  1428.3 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.121 MB/s [    29.6 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     5.831 MB/s [  1423.5 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.155 MB/s [    37.8 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 36.0% (1413.1/3926.5 MB)] (x4)

Reader 3:

           Sequential Read :    19.779 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    17.933 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    19.692 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     8.449 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     5.466 MB/s [  1334.4 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.123 MB/s [    30.0 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     5.686 MB/s [  1388.1 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.159 MB/s [    38.8 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [J: 36.0% (1413.1/3926.5 MB)] (x4)

They're more consistent than I expected.

 

[Stereodude]

Sandisk Extreme IV 8GB CF in a Kingston USB 2.0 reader (UDMA):

           Sequential Read :    31.689 MB/s
          Sequential Write :    28.112 MB/s
         Random Read 512KB :    31.609 MB/s
        Random Write 512KB :     9.485 MB/s
    Random Read 4KB (QD=1) :     5.989 MB/s [  1462.3 IOPS]
   Random Write 4KB (QD=1) :     0.109 MB/s [    26.5 IOPS]
   Random Read 4KB (QD=32) :     6.396 MB/s [  1561.5 IOPS]
  Random Write 4KB (QD=32) :     0.156 MB/s [    38.1 IOPS]

  Test : 50 MB [I: 7.1% (551.9/7813.9 MB)] (x4)

 

[LunarMist]

All the USB 2.0 SDHC readers I have are also limited to about 20 MB/sec. even with the 45 MB/sec. SDHC cards. It must be the controllers. It's mostly a curiousity though since I only use the SDHC as the occasional second (mirror) card.