Our Memory Card Testing Method at MemoryCards.top

Your Trusted Source for Memory Card Speed Tests and Performance Reviews

At MemoryCards.top, we’re committed to helping you find the best memory card for your needs—whether you’re a photographer, videographer, gamer, or everyday user. Our mission is simple: deliver unbiased, accurate, and detailed memory card speed tests and SD card speed tests so you can make informed decisions. Curious about how we evaluate memory card performance and SD card performance? You’ve come to the right place. This page walks you through our rigorous testing process, the tools we use—like CrystalDiskMark—and why we prioritize write speeds in our scoring. Spoiler: we don’t accept test units from manufacturers, ensuring our results are as independent as they come.

Why Our Testing Process Matters

Memory cards aren’t just about storage capacity. Speed and reliability can make or break your experience, whether you’re shooting 4K video, transferring large files, or running apps on your device. That’s why our memory card speed tests go beyond manufacturer claims. We dig into real-world memory card performance and SD card performance, testing every card ourselves to reveal how it holds up under pressure. Our process is transparent, repeatable, and designed to cut through marketing hype—giving you the data you need for a true memory card comparison or SD card comparison.

Here’s how we do it.

Step 1: Sourcing the Memory Cards

No Manufacturer Handouts Here

Unlike some review sites, we don’t accept test units directly from manufacturers. Why? Because we believe independence is non-negotiable. When manufacturers send pre-selected samples, there’s a risk they’ve been cherry-picked or optimized to perform better than retail units. To keep our memory card speed tests and SD card speed tests honest, we purchase every card ourselves from retail sources—just like you would. This ensures our findings reflect the memory card performance and SD card performance you’ll actually experience.

From SanDisk to Samsung, Lexar to Kingston, we test a wide range of brands and models, spanning microSD, SDXC, UHS-I, UHS-II, and beyond. Whether it’s a budget card or a high-end option, if it’s on the market, it’s fair game for our testing lab.

Step 2: The Testing Environment

Controlled Conditions for Reliable Results

Consistency is key in benchmarking memory card performance. We test every card in a controlled environment to eliminate variables that could skew our memory card speed tests. Here’s what that looks like:  

Hardware: We use a beefy gaming rig with a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB C port to ensure the card—not the hardware—is the limiting factor.  We also use different card readers to evaluate those as well.

• Clean Slate: Each card is formatted to its native file system (exFAT or FAT32, depending on capacity) before testing to remove any residual data or fragmentation.

• No Interference: Tests run on a dedicated system free from background processes that could impact results.

This setup guarantees that our SD card speed tests, memory card speed tests and card reader tests measure the card’s true capabilities, not external bottlenecks.

Step 3: The Tool – CrystalDiskMark

Why We Use CrystalDiskMark

When it comes to benchmarking storage, CrystalDiskMark is our go-to tool. This industry-standard software is widely respected for its ability to measure memory card performance and SD card performance with precision. It’s free, open-source, and trusted by professionals worldwide—making it the perfect fit for our memory card speed tests.  

CrystalDiskMark runs a series of tests to evaluate two critical metrics:  

• Sequential Speeds: How fast a card reads and writes large, continuous blocks of data (e.g., video files).

• Random Speeds: How quickly it handles smaller, scattered operations (e.g., app loading or file transfers).

Here’s how we configure it:  

• Test File Size: 1 GiB (to ensure consistent results across cards of varying capacities). 

• Number of Runs: 1 iteration.

• Test Types: Sequential read/write (Seq Q32T1) and random read/write (RND 4KiB Q1T1).

These settings allow us to capture a detailed picture of memory card performance, from burst speeds to sustained workloads—data you won’t find on the box.

Step 4: Why We Weight Write Speeds Higher

Write Speeds: The Unsung Hero of Memory Cards

When evaluating memory card speed tests and SD card speed tests, we don’t treat all metrics equally. While read speeds matter—especially for playback or file access—we place extra weight on write speeds in our scoring. Why? Because write performance is the backbone of real-world usability, and it’s where many cards fall short.  

Consider these scenarios:  

• Photography: Burst shooting relies on fast write speeds to clear your camera’s buffer. A slow card means missed shots.  

• Videography: Recording 4K or 8K video demands sustained write performance. A laggy card can drop frames or stop recording altogether.  

• File Transfers: Moving data to a card for backups or projects hinges on write speed, not just read speed.

Manufacturers often tout read speeds (which tend to be higher) while glossing over write performance. Our memory card comparisons flip that script. By prioritizing write speeds in our CrystalDiskMark results, we highlight cards that deliver where it counts. For example:  

• A card with 150 MB/s read and 90 MB/s write outshines one with 160 MB/s read and 50 MB/s write in our rankings.

This weighting reflects our belief that memory card performance and SD card performance should be judged by their weakest link—not their flashiest spec.

Step 5: Scoring and Analysis

Turning Data into Insights

Once testing is complete, we compile the results into a proprietary weighted score:  

• Write Speed (65%): Sequential and sustained write performance from CrystalDiskMark.

• Read Speed (35%): Sequential read performance, critical for playback and access.

This formula reflects our emphasis on write speeds while still valuing overall memory card performance. We then analyze:  

• Consistency: Did the card maintain speeds across multiple runs

• Value: How does it stack up in cost-per-GB and cost-per-MB/s

• Durability: Any signs of wear or failure during extended testing

The result? A clear memory card comparison or SD card comparison you can trust.

Why We Don’t Trust Manufacturer Claims

The Problem with Spec Sheets

Ever notice how every memory card box promises “up to” blazing speeds? Those numbers are often best-case scenarios—achieved in lab conditions you’ll never replicate. Worse, some brands exaggerate or omit key details like sustained write performance. By rejecting test units from manufacturers and running our own memory card speed tests, we expose the truth. Our CrystalDiskMark results and real-world validation show what a card actually delivers—not what the marketing team wants you to believe.

What This Means for You

Empowering Your Next Purchase

Our testing process isn’t just about geeky benchmarks—it’s about giving you confidence. Whether you’re comparing memory card performance for a drone or running an SD card comparison for your Switch, our memory card speed tests and SD card speed tests reveal the winners. With CrystalDiskMark as our foundation, a focus on write speeds, and a strict no-manufacturer-samples policy, we’re your independent guide in a crowded market.

Want to see the results in action? Check out our latest reviews, where we put top cards through their paces. From budget microSDs to pro-grade UHS-II SDs, we’ve tested them all—so you don’t have to.