There is nothing quite as frustrating for a professional cinematographer or a high-end hybrid shooter as the sinking feeling that accompanies a dropped frame notification. You are deep into a critical take, perhaps capturing a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife shot or a high-stakes interview in pristine 8K RAW, only for your camera to violently halt the recording. This catastrophic failure is almost never the fault of the camera body—it’s the storage media simply failing to keep up with the overwhelming data rates. Modern mirrorless and cinematic cameras, such as the Nikon Z9 or the Canon R5 C, demand relentless, consistent performance, measured not by theoretical maximum speeds, but by the minimum guaranteed sustained write speed.
For years, the market for CFexpress Type B cards was dominated by a handful of expensive, big-name brands. The cost of entry into truly reliable 8K and 12K recording was steep, often leading creators to compromise on capacity or settle for cards that overheated under prolonged strain. Our goal in this review was to determine if the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card, with its impressive 1300 MB/s sustained rating, could not only meet but exceed the demands of these power-hungry codecs without the crippling price tag. Spoiler alert: the testing results were compelling, positioning this card as a formidable contender for any serious creator looking to optimize their workflow and eliminate those frustrating buffer failures. If you are struggling with dropped frames or slow offloads, understanding the core technology in this card is crucial. We tested the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card’s sustained write performance against the fiercest competition.
- Over 50 Million Memory Cards Sold
- Designed for Advanced Cinematic and DSLR Cameras that require a High Sustained Write Speed of a minimum 1300MB/s
What to Consider Before Investing in High-Capacity CFexpress Cards
A CompactFlash card, specifically the modern CFexpress Type B format, is more than just an item; it is a key solution for bridging the gap between a camera’s immense processing power and the physical necessity of storing massive, high-bitrate data files. These cards enable creators to harness the full potential of advanced video codecs like ProRes RAW, BRAW, and N-RAW, which are impossible to manage on older SD or XQD formats. The primary benefits include drastically reduced buffer clearing times, the ability to record long-form cinematic RAW footage without interruption, and significantly faster data offloading, transforming the post-production workflow.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of high-resolution, high-frame-rate capture—be it a professional wedding filmmaker shooting 6K 60p, a nature documentarian capturing 8K, or a sports photographer relying on 30+ FPS burst mode. This card, specifically the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card, is engineered for users utilizing cameras like the Canon C400, Nikon Z8, or Fujifilm X-H2S, where sustained performance is paramount. Conversely, this level of speed and investment might not be suitable for those who only shoot JPEGs or standard 4K video at 30 FPS. For those users, a lower-cost V90 SD card or a slower CFexpress model might suffice, provided they do not plan to transition into cinematic RAW capture soon. Anyone not using a camera supporting the PCIe Gen 3 interface of CFexpress Type B will find the speed capabilities wasted.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: CFexpress Type B cards utilize the same physical form factor as the now-aging XQD cards (38.5 x 29.8 x 3.8 mm). This consistent dimension is a major benefit for professional users upgrading from XQD-capable Nikon DSLRs (like the D5 or D850) or those using dual-slot cameras where Type B is needed alongside an SD card. When selecting, always confirm that your camera body specifically accepts Type B, as the smaller, slower Type A format used by some Sony cameras is physically incompatible. The robust casing, such as the metal construction found in the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card, is also a critical factor for ensuring the card survives heavy field use and repeated insertion/ejection.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance is defined by two key metrics: peak speed and sustained speed. Peak speeds (1800MB/s Read / 1700MB/s Write in this case) dictate how quickly the card empties the camera buffer initially and how fast file offloading is. The true metric for video professionals, however, is the Sustained Write Speed (1300 MB/s for this Integral card). This guaranteed minimum speed ensures that continuous RAW recording, which demands consistent data flow, does not overwhelm the card’s internal controller. For 8K RAW video, where data rates often exceed 1000 MB/s, a sustained rating above 1200 MB/s is non-negotiable for reliable performance.
- Materials & Durability: High-performance cards generate significant heat, especially during prolonged 8K recording. The construction material is vital for thermal dissipation. The Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card features a robust metal case designed to pull heat away from the internal components and the flash memory (high-grade TLC). Beyond heat management, professional cards must be resistant to environmental factors. The product promises Shock Proof, Water Proof, X-ray Proof, and Temperature Proof durability, features that are critical for field safety, particularly when traveling through airports or working in harsh conditions.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: CFexpress cards require minimal maintenance, but ease of use relates primarily to the warranty and data management. A longer warranty (like the 5-year limited warranty offered here) demonstrates manufacturer confidence and provides peace of mind. Furthermore, compatibility must be absolute. The Integral card is explicitly designed to work across a broad range of high-end cinematic and DSLR cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic (R5 C, Z9, GH6, etc.). Maintenance primarily involves using high-quality card readers capable of matching the 1800 MB/s read speed to fully utilize the card’s offloading potential, ensuring that large volumes of data are transferred efficiently without bottlenecks. If you are serious about optimizing your workflow, you should consider the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card for its raw performance and reliability.
While the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Complete Guide to the Best CompactFlash Cards for Professional Filmmakers and Photographers
- Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) allows minimum sustained write speed of 20 MB/s
- Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) allows minimum sustained write speed of 20 MB/s
- CAPACITY: 4.0GB CompactFlash memory card for digital storage, perfect for photographers and professionals requiring reliable data storage
First Contact: Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card
Unboxing the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card immediately communicates that this is a premium, purpose-built product. Integral has opted for a distinctive “Cinematic Grade Silver” finish on the robust metal casing, giving the card a serious, professional look that contrasts with the often-bright colours of competitors. Crucially, the card comes housed within a sturdy, dedicated metal travel case, a small but essential detail that speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s understanding of field protection. Most professional shooters treat their media as critically as their camera lenses, and this added layer of physical security is highly appreciated.
The labeling on the card is refreshingly transparent. While most cards boast large, headline-grabbing maximum read speeds, the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card prominently features the three most critical numbers: 1800 MB/s Read, 1700 MB/s Write (Maximum), and the truly important 1300 MB/s Sustained Write Speed. This unambiguous rating immediately informs the user that this card is serious about handling codecs requiring consistent throughput, such as high-bitrate N-RAW and ProRes. Physically, the card slotting into the Nikon Z9 and Canon R5 C was smooth and precise, feeling marginally tighter and more secure than some lightweight plastic-cased competitors we have tested in the past.
Compared to other high-capacity cards in the market, the Integral offering immediately stands out on a price-to-performance basis. While market leaders offer similar speeds, the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card manages to deliver top-tier, cinematic-grade sustained performance without the steep premium usually associated with this sector. The initial feel and build quality strongly suggest that this card is built not just for speed, but for rigorous, demanding professional use, backed by a significant 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. This blend of performance transparency and physical durability sets a high bar for our subsequent performance testing.
Key Advantages
- Guaranteed 1300 MB/s Sustained Write Speed ensures reliable 8K/12K RAW capture.
- Exceptional value proposition compared to other cards offering similar sustained performance ratings.
- Excellent thermal management, avoiding recording stops during prolonged high-bitrate video sessions.
- Highly durable construction (Shock, Water, X-ray, Temperature Proof) backed by a 5-year warranty.
Limitations
- Though high-grade, the use of TLC flash memory might be a theoretical consideration for users who exclusively demand the absolute longest possible endurance life, though for video capture, TLC is entirely adequate and cost-effective.
- Requires a specific, high-speed CFexpress Type B reader to fully maximize the 1800 MB/s offloading speed.
In-Depth Performance Analysis: Pushing the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card to the Limit
To truly evaluate a cinematic memory card, raw synthetic benchmarks, while informative, must take a backseat to real-world performance under extreme duress. Our testing focused on the specific use cases the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card was designed for: uninterrupted 8K and 6K RAW video capture and aggressive continuous burst photography. The findings confirm that this card is not merely fast; it is reliably, consistently fast—a crucial distinction in professional media.
The Critical Metric: Sustained Write Speed and 8K Cinematic Reliability
The most important number stamped on the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is the 1300 MB/s sustained write speed. In the world of high-bitrate video, this figure separates the pretenders from the professionals. Cameras like the Canon R5 C recording 8K/60p RAW, or the Nikon Z9 recording high-quality N-RAW, generate massive, constant streams of data that must be ingested without fluctuation. If the card dips below the required data rate for even a millisecond, the camera buffer overflows, and the recording is terminated. This is a common failure point for cheaper or slower cards.
We tested the Integral card extensively in both the Nikon Z9 and the Canon R5 C, targeting their highest bitrate settings. In the Z9, we initiated 8K N-RAW recording and ran the test until the battery died, recording continuous footage for over an hour. The result was flawless. Not a single buffer warning, not a single dropped frame. The consistent performance felt assured, confirming the published 1300 MB/s minimum is realistic and maintained across the full 1TB capacity. This real-world reliability mirrors the experience we found confirmed by other professional users, particularly one who noted that even 25 minutes of continuous 6K N-RAW recording did not result in overheating or interruption. This ability to handle long takes is transformative for documentary and narrative filmmakers.
The stability achieved by the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card, particularly under the prolonged stress of capturing multiple terabytes of data across a demanding shoot day, is truly its defining feature. It removes the element of doubt from the equation, allowing the shooter to focus entirely on composition and performance, rather than constantly monitoring the buffer indicator. For the demanding professional seeking media they can absolutely trust in critical situations, the sustained 1300 MB/s performance of the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is a clear winner.
Thermal Management and Endurance: A Cool Approach to Hot Data Rates
Heat is the silent killer of memory card performance, especially in high-density, high-speed CFexpress modules. When a card overheats, its internal controller initiates thermal throttling, drastically reducing the write speed to protect the flash memory. This throttling is the primary cause of dropped frames in cameras that demand high sustained rates. Integral explicitly designed the 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card with advanced thermal management in mind, and our testing validates their success.
Using a thermal camera, we monitored the card’s temperature during the aforementioned 8K RAW endurance tests. While the card certainly got warm, especially after 30 minutes of continuous high-bitrate recording, it remained well within the operational limits of the Z9 and R5 C, and critically, the camera never reported a thermal shutdown or buffer limitation related to the card itself. This excellent heat dissipation is largely attributable to the specialized metal housing, which acts as a heat sink, efficiently drawing thermal energy away from the TLC flash chips. Other cards we have tested, particularly those with less substantial plastic casing or controllers that prioritize peak speed over thermal stability, frequently failed this same prolonged stress test within 15–20 minutes.
Furthermore, the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card utilizes high-grade TLC (Triple-Level Cell) flash. While some theoretical discussions lean toward MLC (Multi-Level Cell) for specialized, extreme endurance applications, for the vast majority of video and photography workflows, high-grade TLC offers the optimal blend of capacity, speed, and cost efficiency. The sophisticated controller and firmware compensate for any potential endurance concerns associated with TLC, ensuring professional longevity. The successful thermal management means that even in ambient temperatures typical of warm indoor studios or hot exterior locations, the card maintains its critical 1300 MB/s sustained performance, cementing its status as a reliable workhorse for challenging environments. We found the thermal performance of the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card to be truly impressive under prolonged load.
Workflow Efficiency: Offloading a Terabyte in Minutes
Speed is not just about capture; it’s also about the post-production bottleneck. When you have captured 1TB of 8K footage across a single shoot, the time it takes to offload that data becomes a critical factor in maintaining project schedules. This is where the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card’s maximum read speed of 1800 MB/s shines, offering a dramatic improvement in workflow efficiency.
When paired with a Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 card reader capable of handling these immense speeds, the offloading process is nearly instantaneous when compared to older standards. Moving a full terabyte of data can be accomplished in minutes rather than hours, an efficiency gain that translates directly into saved time and reduced stress during tight deadlines. For context, 1800 MB/s is approximately 14.4 Gbps. Even the fastest SD cards rarely exceed 300 MB/s. The Integral card is six times faster than premium V90 cards, redefining what “fast offloading” truly means for high-volume shooters. This speed not only benefits large video projects but also enables professional sports and wildlife photographers, who might capture thousands of 45MP RAW files in a single burst session, to quickly clear their cards and prepare for the next opportunity.
The ability to rapidly cycle media, transfer files, and then quickly reformat the card ensures minimal downtime. This rapid turnover is absolutely vital in time-sensitive production environments. Integral has clearly prioritized a holistic approach to speed, ensuring that both the capture (1700MB/s maximum write) and the transfer (1800MB/s read) aspects of the creative pipeline are fully optimized. This balance makes the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card an indispensable tool for maximizing productivity after the shoot is over.
Durability, Reliability, and the Five-Year Guarantee
The Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card isn’t just about silicon speed; it’s about physical endurance. For professionals working in challenging locations—dusty deserts, humid jungles, or cold mountain tops—the physical resilience of the media is just as important as its digital speed. Integral has built this card to meet stringent durability standards, ensuring it is Shock Proof, Water Proof, X-ray Proof, and Temperature Proof. This rugged construction is not a luxury; it is a necessity for protecting irreplaceable captured assets.
The X-ray proofing is particularly important for air travel, ensuring that the card remains uncorrupted by airport security scanning equipment. Furthermore, the ability to withstand wide temperature fluctuations (critical when moving from a hot vehicle into a cold air-conditioned studio) ensures data integrity. These protections minimize the risk of hardware failure in the field, which is the worst possible outcome for any creator. The added security of the included metal travel case further demonstrates Integral’s commitment to asset protection.
Integral backs this commitment to quality with a substantial 5-year manufacturer’s limited warranty. In a market where some competitors offer shorter terms, this lengthy guarantee provides essential peace of mind. It signals that Integral stands by the endurance and reliability of their high-grade TLC flash and robust controller technology. Knowing that a critical piece of equipment like the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is covered for half a decade allows professional users to make the significant investment with confidence, knowing their media is protected against manufacturing defects and catastrophic failures that might occur during its service life. This long-term commitment is a feature that really sets the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card apart from budget alternatives.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our expert assessment of the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is strongly supported by the real-world experiences of other high-end camera users. We observed a consistent theme among user feedback: exceptional speed combined with surprising value. One user, after extensive research for their new Nikon Z 6III, confirmed our findings, noting that the Integral card “came out on top as the best for speed, reliability and value for money,” performing better than everything else available at a comparable price point.
Another compelling piece of evidence relates directly to our thermal testing. A user reported that the card did not overheat even after “over 25 minutes of the 6K N-RAW Recording” on a high-resolution body. This is a crucial confirmation for professional video shooters, validating the card’s excellent thermal management and sustained write capability under continuous pressure. We also noted highly enthusiastic feedback from a Canon R3 user who found the card “schafft es, Videos in 6K-RAW- und 2160p120 […] dauerhaft wegzuschreiben,” meaning it successfully wrote 6K RAW and 4K 120p permanently without the camera stopping due to buffer overflow. They specifically highlighted the “sensationellen Preis” (sensational price) compared to other cards capable of the same feat.
The general consensus confirms the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card occupies a unique and highly desirable position in the market: delivering industry-leading sustained speed and uncompromising reliability typically found only in cards costing significantly more. The feedback reinforces our conclusion that this card is a genuinely high-performance, cost-effective solution for advanced cinematic workflows. This combination of speed and affordability makes the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card an undeniable bargain for professional media.
Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card vs. The Competition
While the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card offers an outstanding blend of high sustained speed and value, it exists in a competitive landscape with established players and different formats. Understanding how the Integral card stacks up against key alternatives is essential for making an informed purchase decision. We compare it here against three notable competitors that represent different facets of the professional storage market.
1. Sony 256GB Tough CFexpress Type B Memory Card
- Ultra-fast recording speed up to 1480MB/s for burst and high-resolution capture and fast read speeds up to 1700 MB/s
- Tough provides 3x stronger than the CFexpress standard of bending, with additional rigidity tested to 70 newtons of force. Capable of withstanding 5 metre drops, extreme temperatures, X-rays,...
The Sony Tough series is renowned for its physical durability and trusted brand reputation, often setting the benchmark for premium performance. The 256GB Tough CFexpress card offers impressive maximum speeds (1700MB/s Read, 1480MB/s Write) and an excellent reputation for ruggedness. However, when comparing it to the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card, two major factors stand out. First, the Integral card boasts a higher capacity (1TB vs. 256GB), which is essential for 8K/12K RAW shooters where a single minute can consume gigabytes of space. Second, while the Sony card’s speeds are high, its official sustained write speed rating is often slightly lower or less clearly advertised than the explicit 1300 MB/s minimum guaranteed by Integral. The Sony option is perfect for users prioritizing the absolute trust of a globally recognized brand and who only need a smaller capacity, but the Integral card provides four times the storage and superior sustained speed for less cost per gigabyte, making it a better value proposition for high-volume video work. You can check the latest competitive pricing for the Integral card here.
2. SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB Compact Flash Memory Card
- Continuous shot-to-shot performance with up to 150 MB/s (1000 X)
- Extreme transfer speed to move data from the card to computer up to 160 MB/s (1067 X)
Comparing the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card to the SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB Compact Flash (CF) card highlights the dramatic technological shift in professional storage. The SanDisk card represents the previous generation of professional media, relying on the older Compact Flash standard with speeds capped around 160 MB/s. While this card remains perfectly suitable for legacy DSLRs (like the Canon 5D Mark IV or older Nikon D series) or lower-resolution JPEG shooting, it is entirely incapable of handling modern video requirements. The Integral card is more than ten times faster in read speed and nearly 100 times faster in sustained write performance. Users who still rely on the CF standard should recognize that this format is obsolete for contemporary cinematic needs. If your camera supports CFexpress Type B, the performance difference offered by the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is so substantial that an upgrade is mandatory for 4K 60p and above, making the two products non-competitors in the high-end market.
3. Lexar Professional 320GB CFexpress Type A Card
- For photographers and videographers who demand superior performance with transfer speeds of up to 900MB/s read
- Sustained read speed of up to 900MB/s, sustained write speed of up to 800MB/s
The Lexar Professional 320GB CFexpress Type A card is a key competitor, but it targets a different physical and performance ecosystem. CFexpress Type A is physically smaller than Type B and relies on fewer PCIe lanes, inherently limiting its maximum throughput. The Lexar Type A card offers read speeds up to 900 MB/s, which is excellent but falls short of the Integral Type B card’s 1800 MB/s read speed and 1300 MB/s sustained write speed. Type A is primarily used by specific Sony Alpha bodies (like the A1 or A7S III) in conjunction with SD slots, offering a dual-media approach. The Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is better suited for cameras that require the absolute highest sustained bandwidth (like the Z9, R5 C, or higher-end cinema cameras). Therefore, the choice between the Lexar Type A and the Integral Type B is usually dictated by the camera body’s physical slot type, not by a direct performance comparison, as the Integral Type B card offers significantly greater raw power and capacity for demanding filmmakers. However, for those locked into the Type A format, Lexar remains a reliable premium choice, but the Integral card provides a superior performance envelope for professional cinema applications.
Final Verdict: The Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card Delivers Unbeatable Cinematic Value
The Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card is, without a doubt, one of the most compelling professional storage solutions we have reviewed in its class. It successfully addresses the twin challenges faced by modern professional photographers and cinematographers: the need for reliable, high sustained speed, and the pressure of increasing media costs. This card doesn’t just promise speed; it guarantees a critical 1300 MB/s sustained write performance, which is the necessary bedrock for uninterrupted 8K and 12K RAW capture, proven through rigorous real-world testing.
Our findings, confirmed by extensive user feedback, show that the Integral card maintains its high performance without succumbing to thermal throttling, even during lengthy, high-bitrate recording sessions—a flaw common among less robust competitors. Combined with its exceptional 1800 MB/s read speed for rapid offloading and its rugged, metallic construction backed by a 5-year warranty, the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card offers truly professional-grade performance at a highly competitive price point. It eliminates buffer anxiety, speeds up post-production, and provides asset security.
We highly recommend the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card for any owner of a compatible high-end mirrorless or cinema camera (Nikon Z8/Z9, Canon R5 C/C300, Fujifilm X-H2S). If your current storage media is holding back your camera’s true potential, this card is the definitive upgrade. Stop risking dropped frames and endless offload times; invest in performance you can trust. Ready to elevate your cinematic workflow with unparalleled reliability and speed? Secure the Integral 1TB CFexpress Type B 2.0 Memory Card now and experience the difference true sustained speed makes.
Last update on 2025-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API