Sabrent Rocket CFX Type B Memory Card & Thunderbolt 3 CFexpress Type

Jun 08, 2023

Sabrent recently released the new Rocket CFX Type B Memory Card in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB sizes. They also have a speedy Thunderbolt 3/USB 3 Type-C to CFexpress Type-B Card Reader. That's a mouth full! The combo should give fast transfer speeds from the CFX Type B and Type-C Memory Cards. The Rocket CFX Type B memory cards utilize dual PCIe 3.0 lanes.

These Rocket CFX Type B memory cards operate with SSD-grade hardware for both the controller and the flash memory. This means high endurance thanks to quality hardware and powerful wear management features such as LDPC, ECC RAID, end-to-end data protection, SmartRefresh, wear-leveling, plus support for TRIM.

Sabrent states the Rocket CFX Type B memory cards are backward compatible with certain XQD cameras; however, a list of those cameras is unavailable. They also work with card readers up to their rated speeds.

Backward compatible with certain XQD cameras. They also work with card readers up to their rated speeds.

Stated 1,800 MB/s Reads, 1,700 MB/s Writes

LDPC, ECC RAID, end-to-end data protection, SmartRefresh, wear-leveling, plus support for TRIM

1-year warranty without registration. Extend your warranty to 3 years with registration.

The 1 TB Sabrent Rocket CFX Type B is actually 1.02 TB.

The Sabrent Rocket CFX Type B (CF-XXIT) memory cards come in 512 GB, 1 TB & 2 TB capacity with stated read/write speeds of up to 1,800/1,700 MB/s and sustained writes of up to 1,300 MB/s.

I used the AJA System Test to test the read and write speed of the card and Thunderbolt 3 reader on an M2 Macbook Pro. Below are three tests with a SanDisk Extreme Pro 512 GB CFexpress, Angelbird 660GB AV Pro XT CFexpress 2.0 Type B, and the Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX Type B CFexpress.

Since I had SanDisk CFexpress and Angelbird cards, I also tested those to compare with.

The Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX Type B CFexpress has a rated Write Speed of 1700 MB/S and Read Speed of 1800 MB/s. Using the AJA System Test software, I got 1245 MB/s Read, and 1455 MB/s Write.

Another good test is the Blackmagic Design Disk Speed Test. The Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX is very capable of 8K DCI ProRes 422HQ and 12K DCI Blackmagic RAW. Again these tests are done with the Thunderbolt 3 reader, but it shows what the card is capable of.

As you can see, the read on both cards performed well, but the SanDisk Extreme Pro 512GB CFexpress write dropped to half of the rated speed. It started around 1400, then quickly dropped.

The Angelbird 660GB AV Pro XT CFexpress 2.0 Type B card is the MKI version rated at 1700MB/s. I was surprised it didn't come close to the rated speed.

The Sabrent CFexpress Type-B Thunderbolt 3 Card Reader works in both 40 Gbps (40 Gbps = 5000 MB/s) Thunderbolt 3 and 10 Gbps (10 Gbps = 1250 MB/s) USB modes due to the use of dual controllers.

The fallback USB mode is also backward compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 at respective speed limits. The TB3 mode transfers up to a stated 1500MBps, and USB up to 900MBps. It includes a detachable TB3-capable USB Type-C to Type-C cable.

Thunderbolt 3 readers are now more useful since media speeds surpass USB Type-C 10 Gbps/1250 MB/s. Media speeds will continue to improve over time.

The reader has a rugged build quality and is small and portable. It includes a removable rubber outer shell to protect it and the surface it sits on from scratches.

It also makes the reader grip the surface and prevents it from sliding. On the bottom of the reader are antislip pads.

It doesn't require external power and is constructed with high-quality aluminum, which also works to dissipate excess heat during prolonged operation. I like the size and the cover a lot. It just feels solid—the CFexpress card slides in and locks. To eject the card, you push it in, and it pops out.

The reader has some weight; I like this as it won't flop around on the surface. Some card readers are so light they won't sit flat on your desk.

The Sabrent Rocket 1 TB CFX Type B CFexpress performs well but not at the stated speeds. Neither did the SanDisk or Angelbird cards. Unfortunately, this is common for media cards.

The Thunderbolt 3 CFexpress Type-B Card Reader is a gem, and I appreciate that Sabrent includes a Thunderbolt 3 and USB-A to USB-C Cable.

The CFexpress card worked flawlessly with my Canon R5 in video and stills. It's great to see more CFexpress cards with large capacities, faster read/write speeds, and lower prices hit the market.

The CFexpress media cards come in a padded metal case to protect your investment.512GB retails for $199.991TB retails for $369.992TB retails for $599.99Thunderbolt 3/USB 3 Type-C to CFexpress Type-B Card Reader retails for $129.99.

Erik is an 18 time Emmy award-winning DP, with over 20 years experience in photojournalism, working in newsrooms all over the USA. The last decade has seen Erik migrate into broadcast television and filmmaking, where he has discovered a passion for visual storytelling and production.Additionally, Erik is an outstanding educator, teaching filmmaking via courses on Linkedin Learning and Lynda.com.