Using compact flash vs microdrives in embedded pcs

[Goosemaster]

I have (obviously) taken an interest in embedded pc's and was interested in the storage mediums that are available.

Assuming that I would be using proxy, ftp and other services on the device, what would be the pros and cons of using CF vs microdrives.

For example, wouldn't CF be limited to a limited number of writes in its lifetime before it fails?
In addition, how would the reliability and speed of microdrives compare to CF?

Thanks

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[DaveSimmons]

> For example, wouldn't CF be limited to a limited number of writes in its lifetime before it fails?

Yep, so if your temp folders and swapfile aren't on a (DRAM) RAMdisk instead of the flash card, prepare for a quick demise, unless using an embedded OS that essentially does the same thing in system RAM.

> In addition, how would the reliability and speed of microdrives compare to CF?

I know flash controller speed is a bit low for reads, 11 MB/s current and 20 MB/s near future (and writes are slower), but I don't know the speed of microdrives.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
> For example, wouldn't CF be limited to a limited number of writes in its lifetime before it fails?

Yep, so if your temp folders and swapfile aren't on a (DRAM) RAMdisk instead of the flash card, prepare for a quick demise, unless using an embedded OS that essentially does the same thing in system RAM.

> In addition, how would the reliability and speed of microdrives compare to CF?

I know flash controller speed is a bit low for reads, 11 MB/s current and 20 MB/s near future (and writes are slower), but I don't know the speed of microdrives.

Microdrives get around 5-10MB/s, no?

I will be using FreeBSD(acutally pfsense, a m0n0wall derivative)and I'm pretty sure that it knows how to use the RAM😉