Memory card-computer compatibility?

[Mr. Lips]

I have an aging computer with slow USB ports.

I'm getting ready for a trip and wondering if really fast memory cards will be compatible with my computer or if I need to stick with slower memory cards?

[Cameratose]

The computer won't care. The only issue will be that the cards won't upload as fast as you may expect due to the older ports. 

[XKAES]

It shouldn't matter too much, but I'd sure test out the compatibility before the trip, for sure.

I don't know what gear you are using, but I've had all sorts of "memory card" problems with different cards, different cameras, and different operating systems.  The problems don't happen too often, but when they do, my success in saving the images has always been less than 50/50 -- and I have several card readers and operating systems.

My advise is to always format the card in the camera that will be taking the pictures first.

#2, copy all the images directly to your computer.  Do not make any changes to the card through the computer OS, such as deleting, changing, renaming, moving, copying images or files.

Once you have all the files on the computer -- and verify they OK --- you can save the memory card as a backup, or reformat as needed.

[Mr. Lips]

OK, thanks.

So far, my problems have been with card reader compatibility.  I have several card readers but my computer will only accept one of them.

[Cameratose]

Something is wrong, I've never had a computer reject a card reader. A reader is simply a device to get from one configuration (the card) to another (USB). All USBs are reverse compatible, so even a USB 3.2 will work in a 2.0 port. How many USB ports do you have? Maybe try another port.  

[XKAES]

On 4/25/2025 at 12:33 PM, Mr. Lips said:

  I have several card readers but my computer will only accept one of them.

Are you saying that only one of several card readers will work on the same USB port?  It could be a bad port.  Most computers have more than one USB port.  Do you get the same results with a different port? 

When you insert the reader in the USB port -- without a card in it -- does an LED light up and does your computer beep?