Note: An updated version of this reader is available: Kingston FCR-HS4.
The Kingston Memory Card Reader FCR-HS3 is a multi-format USB 3.0 card reader. It features slots for Secure Digital (SD, SDHC, SDXC), Compact Flash (Type I, Type II), micro SD (microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC) and Memory Stick (Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memeory Stick DUO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick M2).
The red Kingston logo on top illuminates when a card is inserted and flashes in while a card is being accessed. The CompactFlash card slot operates smoothly and the card is inserts 3/4 inch which should help avoid bent pins. The SD cards slot also operates smoothly.
The case features a combination of black brushed metal and high gloss black plastic. Beveled edges and a decorative honeycomb texture on top add some style. The build feels solid and durable. Two rubber strips on the bottom of the reader hold it in place when inserting cards. The included USB 3.0 cable measures approximately 40 inches long and should reach the back of most computers. The cable connects to the reader with a micro USB 3 plug.
The packaging states the reader supports CompactFlash UDMA 0-6, however the newest version also supports UDMA 7. This can be confirmed by looking at the label on the bottom of the reader. If the revision number printed on the label under the model number is 9931980-001.A00LFA it supports UDMA 7.
The FCR-HS3 was not able to read the SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB CompactFlash card. The card would work in the reader when formatted to 127GB capacity, however other devices could not read the card after it was formatted in the FCR-HS3. This reader may not support LBA48 addressing necessary for cards larger than 128GB.
The highest speeds were recorded using the Lexar Professional 1066X 32GB CompactFlash card, measuring 140.976 MB/s sequential read and 117.567 MB/s sequential write. The fastest SD card was the Extreme Pro 95MB/s UHS-I 32GB SDHC at 92.402 read and 83.926 write. These cards operate marginally faster in other readers.
Reader: Kingston Multi-Card Reader FCR-HS3
Benchmark: CrystalDiskMark 3.0.3 x64
Program settings: 1000 MB, 5 passes, random test data
Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H
Processor: Intel Core i7-3770K @ 4.40GHz
RAM: 32GB DDR3 1600
Operating systems supported: Linux 2.6+, Mac OSX v 10.6.x +, Windows XP (SP3), Vista (SP1,SP2), Windows 7, Windows 8. The Kingston memory card reader has a 2 year warranty. Assembled in China.
Compare prices on the Kingston Multi-Card Reader FCR-HS3 reader. The lowest prices are highlighted in the table below.
Card Reader | Connection | Model Number | Prices | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama | |||
Kingston Multi-Card Reader FCR-HS3 | USB 3.0 | FCR-HS3 | $25.99 | Check price | Check price |
Note: This reader is discontinued as of mid-2015 and has been replaced by the Kingston FCR-HS4.