Delkin's New Valor Pro Memory Card: Unparalleled Speed and Reliability
The Delkin Valor Pro 1TB CFexpress Type B memory card has recently been subjected to rigorous evaluation, revealing its impressive capabilities in sustained performance and reliability. Despite the bold branding, the card's true value lies in its exceptional speed and consistent operation under various conditions. This in-depth analysis confirms that the Valor Pro not only meets but often surpasses industry expectations for high-end memory solutions, making it a compelling choice for professionals in the visual arts.
Initially, when Delkin unveiled the Valor Pro, its ambitious claims of VPG800 certification, sustained write speeds of 1,840 MB/s, and peak transfer rates of 3,700 MB/s read and 2,800 MB/s write raised considerable interest. These figures place it at the forefront of the memory card market, often at a more accessible price point for a 1TB capacity card proudly assembled in the USA. Given these promises, a thorough examination was essential to verify if the card truly lived up to its advertised potential, especially considering its premium positioning.
The testing began with computer-based benchmarks, focusing on how the Valor Pro performed with a Type 4.0 card reader. Tools like Blackmagic Disk Speed Test and Crystal Disk Mark (or Amorphous Disk Mark on Mac) were employed to assess its speed when new, fully loaded, and emptied. The results were consistently strong. Blackmagic tests showed sustained write speeds around 1,717 MB/s and read speeds approaching 2,951 MB/s, with minimal variation regardless of the card's data occupancy. Crystal Disk Mark further corroborated these findings, reporting peak sequential read speeds of up to 3,370 MB/s and write speeds around 1,765 MB/s. These real-world figures, while slightly below theoretical maximums, are highly indicative of the card’s robust performance, significantly exceeding the VPG800 standard of 800 MB/s sustained write speed.
Beyond synthetic benchmarks, practical camera testing provided crucial insights. The Valor Pro was inserted into a Canon R6V and tasked with recording 7K Open Gate RAW footage continuously. The objective was to determine whether the camera or the memory card would hit a thermal limit first. Remarkably, the camera's fan remained inactive throughout the extensive recording session, indicating excellent heat management from both the camera and the card. The Valor Pro demonstrated no dropped frames, interruptions, or performance degradation, even under intense recording demands. This real-world scenario showcased the card's exceptional ability to maintain stable performance during prolonged, high-bitrate video capture.
One of the most significant aspects of the Valor Pro is its future-proof design. Although current cameras do not yet fully harness the potential of the CFexpress 4.0 standard or require VPG800, investing in such a high-performance card ensures longevity and compatibility with forthcoming camera technologies. The VPG800 certification serves as a guarantee for future performance, meaning that the Valor Pro will seamlessly integrate with and support the demands of next-generation cameras as they emerge. This makes the card a wise investment for professionals who want to avoid frequent upgrades and maintain a cutting-edge workflow.
In conclusion, the Delkin Valor Pro has proven to be an outstanding memory card that delivers on its promises of speed and reliability. Its consistent performance across various stress tests, both computer-based and in-camera, highlights its suitability for demanding professional applications. For photographers and filmmakers seeking a premium CFexpress Type B card that offers ample headroom for current and future needs, the Valor Pro stands out as an impressive and dependable choice, ensuring smooth and efficient data handling for the most intensive creative projects.