Use Micro SD Cards As A Hard Drive

Turning MicroSD Cards into a RAID-Based SATA Drive

The clear size difference—and less obvious protocol gap—between SD memory and standard hard drives has historically limited the use of SD cards as primary or secondary storage in desktop systems. Recent converter technology, however, has closed this gap. Smaller, faster adapters now make it possible to group multiple MicroSD cards into a RAID-based unit that functions like a SATA SSD.

The 10 x MicroSD to SATA converter operates on a RAID 0 configuration to boost performance by striping data across multiple cards. Because it uses hardware RAID, the process does not depend on the host computer’s CPU. Priced at around $64.00, this converter offers a cost-effective way to harness the speed of MicroSD cards and package them into a usable SATA form factor for desktops.

Key Features:

• Complies with Serial ATA 2.6 specification
• Supports SATA hot-plug
• Built-in RAID 0 functions for 10 x MicroSD cards
• Does not support UHS-I cards
• Ultra-low power consumption
• OS-bootable with no drivers required
• Compatible with DOS, Windows (3.1 through Vista), Mac, and Linux
• MicroSD cards not included

Package Contents:

• 1 × 10 x MicroSD to SATA SSD Adapter & RAID Quad 2.5″ SATA Converter

Installation:

• Insert MicroSD cards into the slots, connect the SATA port to the host, then power on the computer. An LED indicator confirms activity.
• Format the MicroSD cards before initial use.

Important Notes:

Due to the nature of RAID 0, the adapter does not function optimally with 3, 5, 7, or 9 cards. To ensure a stable array, insert cards sequentially from slot CHP0L to CHP4H. The total storage will be limited to the capacity of the smallest card in the array, and some space is reserved for data synchronization. Mixing card sizes is not recommended if maximizing capacity is the goal.

Data integrity also depends on keeping each card in its original slot. Swapping cards or replacing them with different ones may result in data loss. The device does not support hot swapping; cards should only be inserted or removed when the system is powered down.

For more information, please contact us.