Viofo Recommended SSD

[speedingcheetah]

i was not able to get my A329T to use a external USB C 3.o based card reader in the USB C SSD port on the cam.
Maybe it was just the specific card reader i have...but the idea of card reader vs ssd seems to me a even more risk of compatibility/reliability nightmares.
Extender ribbon cable for micro sd card using the internal card reader of the cam, may work fine, but, not really care to have that flopping around loose like that.

 

[SC@AU]

...but the idea of card reader vs ssd seems to me a even more risk of compatibility/reliability nightmares.

Yeah, that’s slightly on my mind too….
Also re using a SD Reader in a constant Write state for NVR purposes…Don’t know, may be fine…May not….

And, now that we know Viofo have quote ‘not extensively tested’ this route, is it even more of a trip into the unknown than they have us at with SSD…! 🙄🤣

 

[Ziradon]

After several days of testing my two Samsung T7 Shield with 4TB the problems with not recognizing the ssd after longer shutdown was getting not better. I had to physical reconnect the ssd and than they works until next longer shut down over night.
Also formatting and even delete and renew of the exFat partition did not helping. But i never had the slow card error.

On my pc the samsung ssd works flawless even with the viofo cable at much lower speed.

So it seems the dashcam or the dashcam firmware are not 100% compatible with the samsung t7 shield 4tb.


Yesterday i received two Crucial X10 Pro with 4 TB. Absolutly overkill for a dashcam but i tested them.
The A329S and A329T connected and mounted the crucial ssd without any problem. I formatted them and shut the cams down yesterday evening.

This morning i started the cams and both ssd were recogized and start recording perfectly fine.

I will keep you guys updated but so far the crucial x10 pro ssd are looking very promising.

 

[SC@AU]

Those X10 Pros are really compact..! Nice.
Although I’ve used plenty of Crucial Ram chips in Macs and NAS over time, I’ve never really considered their PSSD offerings….

Keep us posted how they go. 🤞

As well as consistent mounting after shutdowns, would be good to test if the recorded videos are all good and error free…i.e the last 2 secs of the last recorded videos are not as per experienced by @speedingcheetah

 

[Augustus]

Those X10 Pros are really compact..! Nice.
Although I’ve used plenty of Crucial Ram chips in Macs and NAS over time, I’ve never really considered their PSSD offerings….

Keep us posted how they go. 🤞

As well as consistent mounting after shutdowns, would be good to test if the recorded videos are all good and error free…i.e the last 2 secs of the last recorded videos are not as per experienced by @speedingcheetah

This is promising news but I wouldn't get your hopes up. From memory my Kingston SSD worked fine the first day or two, then started conking out. People's reports are all over the place too with certain models working perfectly fine for one person, but not for another.

Just the whole thing is wrecked, whether it's novatek or Viofo's fault or both of their faults.

 

[SC@AU]

Just the whole thing is wrecked, whether it's novatek or Viofo's fault or both of their faults.

Here’s hoping they get on top of it all, time is moving on….Some extended communication on the matter at the least would go a fair way….
Otherwise, I can imagine our American friends are going to be considering Class Actions…! 😐

 

[snejky]

I have been using the tiny TRANSCEND SSD ESD300S 2TB for several months without any problems with recording.

 

[LeeShadow]

I have been using the tiny TRANSCEND SSD ESD300S 2TB for several months without any problems with recording.

Do you have it directly connected to the cam's SSD port or do you have it remotely placed using an extension cable? If with a cable, what type (in terms of specifications)?

 

[snejky]

Connected directly into the camera. I'm planing to test it with 90° adapter for better position.

 

[GPak]

I am curious and tempted by the External SD solution as an alternative to SSD – the potential reliability and lack of reported issues would be one of the main reasons….

However – except a lower power usage (how much so, I don’t know..?) compared to SSD, what other advantages are there..?
......

Here's a quick overview based on Chuck and Ben's testing results of original A329

Post in thread 'A329 Test & Review PP'

Nov 17, 2024

So far, based on the LBR test results, I see the following:

• The SD reader and 2m extension cable work, (I wasn't sure since it's not a Viofo brand), still need to verify 4K 60fps performance.
• With the SD card remotely mounted, the camera temperature is slightly lower than the baseline, by about 0°, 2°, and 7°C depending on the location, not as much as I was hoping for, but still something; However the SD Card temperature is much lower, by about 20°C, this will definitely minimize any failure due to SD Card overheating.
• With the SD Card remotely mounted, the LBR power...

• GPak

• 
• 

 

[GPak]

The external MicroSDXC solution I am aware of is simply an extender ribbon cable from the card reader slot, which is approximately six inches long. This separates the card from the body, allowing for better cooling. With the Viofo, if I could get the SD extended away from the body, I would then try a 1TB SD card.

I've tested probably a dozen of these microSD extender ribbon cables from 6"(15cm) and up to 40"(1m), from Amazon, Temu and AliExpress, and they all fail to lock reliably in microSD slot and cause the card error.

 

[GPak]

It is no problem to support a remote SD card using with the USB-C port, also you can use a USB-C storage.
However, we didn't conduct extensive testing on this, so we cannot guarantee its reliability.

It looks like a side effect, and in this case, that's a good thing.

Maybe it's worth taking advantage of and capitalize on it?

It's should be not so difficult to test using your own Viofo branded cable and a microSD card.

 

[Ziradon]

The last two days i did several tests including parkmode using the ssd as save-target.
Both crucial ssd's still works flawless so far.

I tested the video and got no corrupted files. Even the ones i stopped recording during turn off the dashcams via viofo remote control.

I am not 100% sure but it seems the crucial ssd have lower power consumption.
With both dashcams (A329S 3-channel and A329T 2-channel) running in parkmode (low bitrate) the Blackvue battery app show 0.8-0.9 amps. If i recognize correctly i had about 1.2-1.4 amps with the samsung t7 shield. But with the T7 i used two HK4 and now i switched to two HK6.

 

[lufa6977]

The last two days i did several tests including parkmode using the ssd as save-target.
Both crucial ssd's still works flawless so far.

I tested the video and got no corrupted files. Even the ones i stopped recording during turn off the dashcams via viofo remote control.

I am not 100% sure but it seems the crucial ssd have lower power consumption.
With both dashcams (A329S 3-channel and A329T 2-channel) running in parkmode (low bitrate) the Blackvue battery app show 0.8-0.9 amps. If i recognize correctly i had about 1.2-1.4 amps with the samsung t7 shield. But with the T7 i used two HK4 and now i switched to two HK6.

Interesting and good to know, as I have 3 of these Crucial X10 SSDs. I have liked Crucial memory because it's more cross-compatible with motherboards than some other brands, or so it seems.

 

[SC@AU]

The last two days i did several tests including parkmode using the ssd as save-target.
Both crucial ssd's still works flawless so far.

I tested the video and got no corrupted files. Even the ones i stopped recording during turn off the dashcams via viofo remote control.

I am not 100% sure but it seems the crucial ssd have lower power consumption.
With both dashcams (A329S 3-channel and A329T 2-channel) running in parkmode (low bitrate) the Blackvue battery app show 0.8-0.9 amps. If i recognize correctly i had about 1.2-1.4 amps with the samsung t7 shield. But with the T7 i used two HK4 and now i switched to two HK6.

Very encouraging..!

If indeed they require less power (it always seems hard to get actual figures from manufacturers) it could be part of the reason they are working well….Although there should be plenty of available power at the A329X SSD port, I just have a feeling/inkling that something isn’t quite right in this area, especially at power off and start up…I also find it curious that @viofo advised against the use of 12v Accessory Outlet as power source when using a SSD…
I know there are other factors in all this i.e SSD Controllers, but the power supply does seem to be playing a role, perhaps in conjunction with firmware and how the camera transitions between On/Off states or Parking Mode etc….

Keep us informed as things go…!
I think if the Crucials are still performing well after another week or so and in a range of uses, then they may be looking good….
They are certainly on my list now – the small form factor is perfect for car use too.

 

[speedingcheetah]

What makes the Crucial X10 drives so special? Compared to the X9/ X9Pro models, which i can find cheaper...

 

[SC@AU]

Interesting and good to know, as I have 3 of these Crucial X10 SSDs. I have liked Crucial memory because it's more cross-compatible with motherboards than some other brands, or so it seems.

I agree and would stand by Crucial re memory based on numerous past uses. Have never used their SSD however.

Important to note there’s X10 and X10 Pro models (same with the X9 before it I believe)….Whether there would be any difference in performance and reliability between them in this use case, I don’t know…? The Pro model has the slightly higher performance spec (in most criteria), as well as longer warranty and is also housed in metal bodywork…The X10 is plastic body, but curiously has a higher IP rating, which is probably not much of an issue in this use case.
It’s quite likely that the two models use different controllers/chipsets, which would explain their performance disparity in some of the benchmark testing that reviews have done, though no one seems to know for sure…However, it’s potentially an important consideration in how it plays with the A329S, especially in light of this setup being ‘fussy’ it seems….
If @Ziradon experience with the X10 Pro remain positive then I’d be inclined to stick to the Pro model, despite as he rightly says it’s a bit overkill re spec….Of course, if the standard X10 also proves to be as reliable in use with the A329x, then great..! 😀

 

[SC@AU]

What makes the Crucial X10 drives so special? Compared to the X9/ X9Pro models, which i can find cheaper...

In the use context here, i.e dashcam, there may be nothing special on the X10 over the X9…but then, there might be..!

The X10 Pro far outperforms the X9 Pro for potential sequential write speeds (2,000MB/s Vs 1,000MB/s) with its USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 input….All of which, as we know, is pretty much irrelevant for the A329x hardware and the use case….But, there could be different Flash and Controllers in use internally, and it’s just possible that these are a factor in how nicely the A329x plays ball…????

At this stage and the mess that the SSD situation seems to be, and in light of no real ‘technical’ guidelines and the silence from Viofo, I’m just resorting to clinging on to positive user reports of exactly what hardware and options reliably work…and following suit!
It shouldn’t really be like this and you would normally just choose any suitable SSD model based on spec, use case and manufacturer preference and be on your way….But we seem to be clutching at straws here.

FYI

Crucial X10 Portable SSD Review - To Pro or Not To Pro?

The Crucial X10 Portable SSD offers speeds of up to 2,1000MBps and capacity from 1TB to 8TB. See how it performs in our full review here.

thepcenthusiast.com

Crucial X10 Pro and X9 Pro Portable SSDs Now Available - Offers Up to 2,100MBs Speed and up to 4TB Capacity

Crucial recently released its latest external storage solution - the Crucial X10 Pro and X9 Pro Portable SSDs. The X10 Pro offers sequential speeds of up to 2,100MB/s, while the X9 Pro offers up to

thepcenthusiast.com

 

[lufa6977]

I agree and would stand by Crucial re memory based on numerous past uses. Have never used their SSD however.

Important to note there’s X10 and X10 Pro models (same with the X9 before it I believe)….Whether there would be any difference in performance and reliability between them in this use case, I don’t know…? The Pro model has the slightly higher performance spec (in most criteria), as well as longer warranty and is also housed in metal bodywork…The X10 is plastic body, but curiously has a higher IP rating, which is probably not much of an issue in this use case.
It’s quite likely that the two models use different controllers/chipsets, which would explain their performance disparity in some of the benchmark testing that reviews have done, though no one seems to know for sure…However, it’s potentially an important consideration in how it plays with the A329S, especially in light of this setup being ‘fussy’ it seems….
If @Ziradon experience with the X10 Pro remain positive then I’d be inclined to stick to the Pro model, despite as he rightly says it’s a bit overkill re spec….Of course, if the standard X10 also proves to be as reliable in use with the A329x, then great..! 😀

I just did a recount: I have four of these Crucial X10 Pro in 1TB size, two with near-sequential serial numbers; the other two are in the same 'family'. I bought all four from the Crucial shop.

I intentionally skipped the A329 and A329x series of dashcams, in part due to this SSD issue, and the fact that I had two A229 Pros that failed on me. Figured I would wait for the 3rd offering in the A329 series or whatever comes next.

 

[SC@AU]

I formatted them and shut the cams down yesterday evening.

Just wondering – did you do the first formatting of the new X10 Pros via the dashcam or did you do them first via desktop computer..?

Most external HDD/SSD typically come pre-formatted and with various items of drive/bloat software onboard – as I’m Mac based, I normally always wipe this all away and do a clean reformat….
I know the X10 Pro features hardware encryption and password protection etc, so presuming there must be software onboard..? Does the Viofo formatting wipe this 100% clean or is it best to initially do via Mac/PC…?