John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
We’ve all been there. You’re out on your street in front of your house with your camera and you realize that it’s not working. It could just be bad batteries or maybe you need to clean up some space on your microSD card. Thankfully, if you have a C8 Corvette then you can simply plug whatever SD card into the USB port on the dash, reformat it, and continue shooting photos!
While most people don’t think about where their digital cameras go when they leave the house, many enthusiasts know that having one installed in your car makes taking pictures while cruising around town much easier than using a phone. While most smartphones support SD storage these days, the same isn’t true for cars. If you own a newer model (like the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro) chances are good that you’ll find yourself needing at least 32GB of additional storage soon enough. Luckily, since 2013 the Corvette has supported external SD storage as well. The only problem was finding compatible SD cards which made things difficult. Nowadays, however, manufacturers like SanDisk offer multiple models of SD cards specifically designed for use with high-end sports cars such as the C8 Corvette. With proper care, you can expect these devices to last almost indefinitely without any degradation in performance. Let’s take a look inside.
Top 5 UHS-1 Micro SD Card
| Card | Read Speed | Write Speed | Memory Capacity | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme Plus UHS-I | 170 MB/s | 90 | 32Gb to 1TB |  |
| SanDisk Extreme UHS-I | 160 MB/s | 90 MB/s | 32 to 1TB | |
| Samsung EVO Plus UHS-I | 100 MB/s | 90 MB/s | 256Gb | |
| PNY Pro Elite UHS-I | 95 MB/s | 90 MB/s | 64Gb to 512Gb | |
| Kingston Canvas React UHS-I | 100 MB/s | 80 MB/s | 16Gb to 512Gb | |
Top 5 UHS-2 Micro SD Cards
| Card | Read Speed | Write Speed | Memory Capacity | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delkin Devices Power UHS-II | 300 MB/s | 250 MB/s | 32Gb to 512Gb | |
| ADATA Premier One UHS-II | 290 MB/s | 270 MB/s | 64Gb to 256Gb | |
| Delkin Devices Prime UHS-II | 300 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 64Gb to 128Gb | |
| SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-II | 275 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 128Gb | |
| Lexar Professional 1800x UHS-II | 270 MB/s | 250 MB/s | 64Gb to 128Gb | |
What is an SD Card?
In case you aren’t familiar with them already, let’s quickly run through exactly what SD Cards actually are. They are tiny flash memory modules that come in various sizes depending on whether you want something small, medium, large, or even extra large. In terms of capacity, anything from 2 GB upwards is possible and prices range accordingly. For example, 128 GB cards cost more than $1,000 but 64 GB ones are usually between $100-$150 dollars. As far as speed goes, they operate anywhere from 15 MB/s down to 1 MB/s. This means that larger capacities tend to perform better than smaller ones by virtue of being able to store more data. However, keep in mind that unless you plan on doing intensive editing work, speeds lower than 5MB/s may cause issues with picture quality. Overall though, they are extremely convenient because they allow users to easily swap between different devices without worrying about compatibility problems.
What type of SD card does the C8 Corvette use?
The first thing you should check before buying an SD card is its exact specification. Because each manufacturer produces so many types of products, it can sometimes be confusing figuring out which one works best with your device. Fortunately, if you’re looking for an SD card for a vehicle like the 2017 Chevrolet Camry, the new 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, or other similar applications, then you probably won’t have too much trouble. Most popular brands like Sandisk, Kingston, Lexar, Transcend, etc., all make versions of SD cards that fit right into the slot located under the air intake vent near the dashboard. These devices typically feature built-in protection against static electricity and vibration along with higher durability standards. Additionally, they also often provide longer operating life cycles and faster read times. When shopping for SD cards, make sure to consider the following specifications:
Class: The class ratings refer to the maximum voltage that can travel across the connection pins. Generally speaking, the bigger the number, the slower the transfer rate becomes. Also note that “UHS” refers to the maximum rating of the device itself whereas UFS refers to the rating of the actual media contained within it. Class 4 is considered the fastest available today, running at 95 mA per pin. Classes 6, 8, and 10 represent middle ground options. Classes 3 and 12 exist solely for older vehicles.
Capacity: One of the primary considerations when purchasing an SD card is how big it supports. Since most owners shoot video footage rather than still images, you might want to opt for something slightly bigger than usual. Keep in mind that the size listed next to the particular product is the total amount of usable storage space. That said, you shouldn’t necessarily buy the biggest version either. Instead, try to pick something that provides ample room for future expansion. After all, once you start recording hours upon hours of videos, you might end up filling up an entire terabyte drive pretty fast.
Speed Class: Like mentioned earlier, the speed class rating determines how fast the card transfers data. Again, the bigger numbers mean less power consumption and quicker read times. Anything above Class 6 indicates that the card uses a special interface known as XC mode. Although rare nowadays, this option allows for increased write speeds and improved reliability over standard modes.
Form Factor: Alongside the previous two points, form factor plays an important role in determining overall performance. Some companies produce specialized cards optimized for certain platforms while others focus heavily on producing versatile, multi-purpose models. A great way to narrow down your search is to figure out what kind of engine you have. Then you can filter results based on those criteria. For instance, if you live in Texas, you can select Form Factors & Speeds > Class 6 > TX. Alternatively, if you have a V6 engine, you could choose Form Factors & Speeds > Engine Type + Capacity > 500HP. Finally, if you’d prefer to stick with general purposes, you could always scroll further down the page until you reach the section titled “All Sizes”. There you can see everything available in stock at the time of writing.
As stated previously, the vast majority of SD cards are produced by Sandisk, Kingston, Lexan, and Toshiba. All four manufacturers have recently released several new generations of their respective products including:
Sandisk Extreme Pro Series ($250): Offers high-performance features at reasonable price point and offers high security measures due to encryption technology.
Toshiba 16 GB Ultra High Speed Micro SDXC Flash Memory Card ($25): Larger version intended for professional photographers who require extreme levels of stability and durability.
Lexa Premium Line ($140): Contains premium materials and construction methods resulting in solid build quality.
Kingston Digital 120 GB Solid State Drive ($99): Offers incredible value and comes equipped with a secure lockable door preventing access to sensitive files during transit.
If after reading this article you decide to purchase an SD card, one easy thing to remember is that you never have to worry about installing drivers again! Once plugged directly into the USB port, the card automatically detects itself and displays information regarding the correct installation method. On top of that, it also lets you view folder structures, edit file names and delete existing content. Additionally, SD cards also include a useful “Safely Remove Hardware Button” which makes it simple to remove the device whenever necessary. To ensure longevity, it’s recommended that you avoid leaving your SD cards sitting outside in direct sunlight or keeping them exposed to excessive heat. Just remember to properly protect it with a silicon cover to prevent damage. Of course, we recommend getting a brand name card instead of sticking with a generic off-the-shelf offering. Buying a name brand ensures superior craftsmanship, reliable operation, and long-lasting warranties.
Now that you understand the basics of SD cards and how they differ from one another, it’s time to learn about Class 10 SD cards.
What is a Class 10 SD card?
When selecting an SD card, it’s important to pay attention to the “max continuous write workload.” Essentially, it tells you how many full writes the card can handle before degrading in performance. By default, most cards ship somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 full writes. At first glance, this seems quite low compared to newer entries on the market. However, considering that SD cards have traditionally had poor write endurance characteristics, it’s safe to say that the lower the better. So why bother going beyond 20 million? Well, if you intend to record HD video, you would definitely benefit from investing in a card that meets or exceeds this benchmark. Otherwise, you risk losing quality recordings every now and then.
Another key consideration to keep in mind is the difference between random reads vs. sequential reads. Sequential reads occur when data is written sequentially onto the memory. Random reads, meanwhile, involve picking data randomly from the whole capacity of the card. Random reads generally give poorer performance since the card must traverse farther distances to locate data. Consequently, if you frequently download apps like Spotify or Google Photos, it’s vital to invest in a Class 10 SDHC card. Unlike normal SD cards, the latter contain no moving parts. Therefore, they don’t suffer from wear and tear and guarantee steady performance for years.
Finally, if you purchased an SD card intending to utilize it with your smartphone, tablet, or DSLR, then you should know that modern cards are capable of handling both protocols simultaneously. Simply put, you can connect them to any electronic device you wish without experiencing degraded performance.
How do I format my SD card for my C8 Corvette?
To begin, open Settings on your C8 Corvettes’ infotainment system. Under System Preferences, tap General Management followed by Storage. Next, tap your SD card and hit Erase and Format. Select Format Options and set a File System Name