SD Memory Card Formatter supports Linux with update from Tuxera

The SD Association (SDA) released an SD Memory Card Formatter that is compatible with the Linux operating system, meaning users of the popular open-source OS now have a safe and reliable way to ensure optimal performance of their SD memory cards. Tuxera collaborated with the SDA to deliver this new capability.

The SD Association is an industry organization and global ecosystem establishing interoperable SD memory card standards for storage since 2000. By developing and adopting standards, members enjoy interoperability of cards between devices, greatly enhancing customer enjoyment and convenience.

Tuxera, a board member of the SD Association since 2019, develops data storage management and networking software, with expertise in embedded file systems and in optimizing the speed and integrity of data storage on devices such as SD cards. Tuxera and the SD Association have worked together for more than a decade on the evolution and maintenance of the SD Memory Card Formatter to increase the efficiency, performance and longevity of data storage systems.

“The SDA worked with Tuxera to provide Linux with a safe way to ensure their SD memory cards stay compliant with our rigorous specifications so that they deliver the best possible performance,” said Yosi Pinto, Chairman of the SD Association. “The original SD Memory Card Formatter continues to support macOS and both Windows 10 and 11.”

The new Linux-compatible version is vital as the operating system becomes increasingly popular with businesses and individuals for its lower cost, high performance, security, reliability and privacy. For more than two decades, SD memory cards have been a trusted and near-universal method of safely storing everything from industrial uses to personal memories.

“SD memory cards are used to store valuable data, whether it is commercial or personal projects, so it is important to maximize their performance and longevity,” said Sami Kassimäki, Product Manager at Tuxera. “The SD Memory Card Formatter makes it simple for users to format their cards via Linux, Windows or Macs and ensure the cards perform at their very best.”

The application formats the card to be fully compliant with SD specification standards, ensuring the SD memory card will have the maximum lifetime and best performance with all SD host devices. Kassimäki notes that this is a major advantage over an operating system’s built-in formatting tool or other formatters, which may not strictly adhere to SD Association standards or be tested as rigorously. In addition, because operating system formatters may not be optimized for the card in question, they may provide less data reliability and integrity.

Testing by Tuxera compared the throughput of the SD Memory Card Formatter with that of standard operating system formatters on cards from four vendors. Formatting with the SD Memory Card Formatter provided sequential reads on average 52.5% faster, as well as 3% faster random reads and 61.2% faster random writes, a significant advantage for the user. Read more about formatting SD memory cards optimally on our blog.

Only the SD Association offers the formatter software, which is available from its website. The Linux version is a separate application from the one for Windows and macOS, and it runs from a command line interface (CLI).

• SD Memory Card Formatter for Linux
• SD Memory Card Formatter for Windows and macOS