StarTech.com CFASTRWU3 USB 3.0 CFast 2.0 Card Reader/Writer - Portable External Reader with UASP Support
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
This card reader leverages USB 3.1 Gen 1 technology to achieve data transfer rates up to 5Gbps, significantly reducing wait times when moving content from CFast cards to a host system. UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support further optimizes performance by reducing CPU overhead and enabling faster read/write operations compared to standard USB mass storage protocols. The reader operates entirely via bus power from the USB connection, requiring no external power source.
Memory card compatibility spans CFast Type I and Type II cards, covering the physical dimensions and electrical specifications defined by the CFast 2.0 standard. Hot-swap capability allows cards to be inserted or removed without restarting the host device, while plug-and-play functionality ensures automatic driver detection on most modern operating systems. The reader's external design prioritizes portability and ease of integration into existing setups.
Key Product Advantages
The CFASTRWU3 reader combines high-speed connectivity with a practical, travel-ready design. Its integrated USB cable eliminates the hassle of carrying separate cables, while the compact shape slips easily into bags or pockets. The reader supports simultaneous access to multiple CFast cards when used with additional adapter cables, enabling efficient workflows for photographers, videographers, and data managers who handle large volumes of media.
Environmental certifications including EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE compliance reflect StarTech.com's commitment to sustainable manufacturing. The two-year limited warranty provides added assurance for professional use.
Performance Optimized
UASP protocol support reduces latency and CPU usage, making file transfers faster and more efficient than traditional USB methods.
- Up to 5Gbps transfer speeds
- Lower CPU overhead with UASP
- Ideal for large video/photo files
Portability Focused
Lightweight at 1.50 oz and dimensions under 10.10" in depth, the reader is built for mobility without sacrificing durability.
- Integrated USB cable
- No external power needed
- Compact external form factor
Deployment / Use Cases
This reader is tailored for environments where CFast cards are the primary storage medium. In professional photography and videography, it enables rapid offloading of 4K/8K video clips and high-resolution image sets from cameras to editing workstations. Broadcast and live production crews can use it to quickly archive footage from field recorders or cameras during shoots, minimizing downtime.
Embedded systems developers and industrial applications benefit from the reader's support for CFast Type I and II cards, which are common in ruggedized computing and IoT devices. IT departments can deploy it for data recovery or cloning tasks involving CFast-based storage. The plug-and-play nature makes it suitable for temporary setups, rental equipment kits, or shared workspaces where simplicity is key.
Media Production Workflow
Accelerate post-production by transferring RAW video and photo files from CFast cards to editing suites with minimal interruption.
- Fast offloading for 4K/8K content
- Hot-swap for continuous operation
- No software installation required
Field and Mobile Use
Its portable design and bus-powered operation make it ideal for on-location shoots, remote offices, or travel where power outlets are limited.
- Lightweight for gear bags
- Integrated cable reduces clutter
- Works with laptops and tablets
Physical Profile
The reader features a slim, external enclosure measuring 0.60" in height, 2.30" in width, and 10.10" in depth, with a weight of just 1.50 oz. This compact profile allows it to sit discreetly on a desk or be stored easily when not in use. The integrated USB cable is permanently attached, reducing the risk of loss and ensuring consistent connectivity. The build emphasizes durability for regular handling, with materials compliant with RoHS, REACH, and WEEE environmental standards.
- Width
- 2.30" (58.42 mm)
- Depth
- 10.10" (256.54 mm)
- Height
- 0.60" (15.24 mm)
- Weight
- 1.50 oz (42.52 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes all essentials for immediate use.
Package contents include USB 3.0 Card Reader/Writer for CFast 2.0 Cards, 1 x Quick-start Guide. These included items support setup, installation, and immediate deployment without needing to source the core bundled accessories separately.
Highlights
- Transfer data at speeds up to 5Gbps over USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) with UASP support
- Supports CFast 2.0 and 1.0 memory cards, including Type I and Type II form factors
- Compact, lightweight design with integrated USB cable for maximum portability
- Plug-and-play operation requires no additional software or drivers
- Hot-swap capable for inserting/removing cards without rebooting the host
- Bus-powered via USB connection, eliminating need for external power adapters
- Enables simultaneous access to multiple CFast cards with additional adapter cables
- Environmentally certified with EU RoHS, REACH, and WEEE compliance
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty from StarTech.com
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CFASTRWU3 |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB 3.0 Card Reader/Writer for CFast 2.0 Cards |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Flash Reader |
| Technical Information | |
| Memory Card Supported | CFast Card Type I,CFast Card Type II |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Host Interface | USB 3.1 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Height | 0.60" (15.24 mm) |
| Width | 2.30" (58.42 mm) |
| Depth | 10.10" (256.54 mm) |
| Form Factor | External |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.50 oz (42.52 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB 3.0 Card Reader/Writer for CFast 2.0 Cards 1 x Quick-start Guide |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Certification | EU RoHS |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) 2,Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of CFast cards does this reader support?
The StarTech.com CFASTRWU3 reader supports both CFast Type I and Type II memory cards, covering the physical dimensions defined by the CFast 2.0 standard. It is fully compatible with CFast 2.0 and earlier 1.0 cards, making it suitable for a wide range of cameras, recorders, and embedded devices that use these formats.
How fast is the data transfer with this USB 3.0 card reader?
This reader leverages USB 3.1 Gen 1 technology to achieve data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. With UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support, it reduces CPU overhead and can perform read/write operations faster than standard USB mass storage, ideal for moving large video files or high-resolution photos quickly.
Does the reader require external power or software installation?
No, the reader is bus-powered via the USB connection, drawing power directly from the host computer or device. It also operates as plug-and-play, meaning no additional software or drivers are needed for most modern operating systems—simply connect it to a USB port, and it should be recognized automatically.
Can I use this reader with multiple CFast cards at once?
While the reader itself has a single card slot, you can access multiple CFast cards simultaneously by using additional adapter cables. This setup allows for efficient workflows where swapping cards frequently, such as in media production or data management tasks, without needing multiple readers.
What are the physical dimensions and weight of this card reader?
The reader measures 0.60 inches in height, 2.30 inches in width, and 10.10 inches in depth (15.24 mm x 58.42 mm x 256.54 mm). It weighs approximately 1.50 ounces (42.52 grams), making it compact and lightweight for easy portability in bags or on desks.
What warranty and environmental certifications come with this product?
StarTech.com provides a 2-year limited warranty for this reader. It is environmentally friendly, certified under EU RoHS, and complies with REACH and WEEE directives, ensuring it meets strict standards for hazardous substance restrictions and electronic waste management.
| Qty | Price | Available |
|---|
