Strontium Nitro 566X 64GB MicroSDXC and USB Type-C Reader Review

TweakTown's Rating: 86%

The Bottom Line

Strontium's Nitro with both performance and capacity options has hit another level with the inclusion of a USB Type-C card reader, making this the ultimate bundle for those that want portability and the latest in technology.

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It's certainly quite apparent that Type-C is finally here with so many products being updated to the latest technology. One of these products comes from Strontium in the form of the Nitro 566X microSDXC solution. While this solution is relatively new being launched not long ago, it has now been updated to include a Type-C reader for those that want extra portability.

The Strontium Nitro 566X is a UHS-I solution built for digital media of all types including music, video, and even games. Capacity options include 64 and 128GB models with read transfer performance of 85 MB/s minimum. This means the 64GB solution we have in the lab today can hold up to 52 thousand photos, 1900 minutes of HD video, or 32 thousand MP3s. Compatibility extends to Microsoft Windows XP+ and OS X 10.4+. MSRP of the Strontium Nitro microSDHC in the 64GB flavour is listed at $74.99 with a lifetime warranty.

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Packaging for the Nitro houses the microSD card in the center next to the Type-C reader to the right. Capacity is listed in bold print to the far left, while performance is mentioned above.

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Above, we have a look of both solutions laid on the table. Below is the 64GB Nitro microSD solution with its card reader. As stated, this reader has the latest in technology with its Type-C port, but also maintains backwards compatibility with its Type-A port on the opposite end.

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To install the microSD card into the card reader, you simply slide it in under the top of the Type-A connector.

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Testing allowed the Nitro to produce 95 MB/s read followed by 35 MB/s write. This allows the Nitro to take top honors in read performance as the quickest drive, though write performance puts it in Samsung EVO territory.

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Price/performance for the Nitro landed this solution at 89%, a respectable number given its price per GB is higher than 1$.

In the past year or so, we have seen plenty of Strontium solutions come through the lab. In that time many have impressed and some left us wanting more. One thing we always count on with Strontium is the build quality. As with all Strontium solutions, build quality seems to be on par with other top tier cards I have tested and I had no issues with the card or its accompanying Type-C reader during testing.

Performance of this drive was quite good as well topping 95 MB/s read, though we were let down slightly by the low write performance at 35 MB/s. In our price/performance testing, the Nitro and it accompanying Type-C reader landed at 89% about 6% behind the standard Nitro microSD solution.

Overall, with this latest update, Strontium is set for the future enabling enhanced portability with its dual headed USB Type-C and Type-A card reader and UHS-I Nitro 566X.

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