Why Does the Actual Storage Differ from the Labelled Capacity?
When assessing storage capacity, it’s common to see a discrepancy between the labeled storage and the actual usable storage. This is due to different definitions of a Megabyte (MB) used by operating systems and flash memory manufacturers. Here’s an explanation of why this happens:
Definitions of a Megabyte (MB)
- Operating System Definition (Binary):
- Kilobyte (KB): 1,024 bytes (2¹⁰)
- Megabyte (MB): 1,048,576 bytes (1,024 × 1,024 = 2²⁰)
- Gigabyte (GB): 1,073,741,824 bytes (1,024 × 1,024 × 1,024 = 2³⁰)
- Flash Memory and Disk Drive Manufacturer Definition (Decimal):
- Kilobyte (KB): 1,000 bytes
- Megabyte (MB): 1,000,000 bytes
- Gigabyte (GB): 1,000,000,000 bytes
Impact on Reported Capacity
Operating systems calculate storage using binary units, while flash memory manufacturers use decimal units. As a result, the actual usable storage appears less than the capacity listed by manufacturers. This is a natural consequence of the difference in measurement systems, not a defect in the product.
Example:
- A 16GB USB flash drive (16,000,000,000 bytes) will show as approximately 14.9GB on the operating system, based on the binary calculation:
16,000,000,000 ÷ 1,073,741,824 = 14.9GB.
This discrepancy is typical and can be explained by understanding the differing measurement standards used by operating systems and manufacturers. By knowing these definitions, users can better understand and interpret the actual storage capacity of their devices.
All SWIVEL USB drives are equipped with an LED light embedded in the PCB board. For units with blue or black casings, the harder material makes it challenging for the light to pass through the casing. As a result, the LED light is most visible from the hole at the end of the case, while it may appear faintly around the sides.
If a drive is detected but not showing up on Desktop nor in My Computer, Please follow below solutions:
Method 1. Reassign a new drive letter to the USB
- Press “Windows + R” simultaneously, input “diskmgmt.msc” and hit “Enter” to open Disk Management.
- Locate the USB disk partition, right click it and choose “Change Drive Letter and Path…”.
- In the pop-up window, click “Change” and assign a new drive letter to the partition.
Always remember that you must assign the name which is not being used by any other drive.
Once drive letter name changed, your USB drive will show up in My Computer and you will able to access data from it. If not then reboot your system and then check.
Method 2. Run CHKDSK to ensure there is no bad sectors on the USB
If the USB flash drive is corrupted or there are some bad sectors on it, then you could not access it, either. However, you can try to run CHKDSK to fix it.
- Click the Search box, type “cmd”, right click Command Prompt icon and select “Run as administrator”.
- In the Command Prompt window, type “chkdsk g: /f /r /x” and press “Enter” (where the “g” stands for the drive letter of your USB flash drive.)
Method 3. Reformat the USB to a compatible file system
If your USB is formatted to be Ext2/3/4 file system, then you be unable to open it in “My Computer”. That’s because the Ext file system is not compatible with Windows operating systems. So you need to reformat it to other compatible file systems, like FAT32, NTFS, exFAT. You can format it in Disk Management.
Warning: since formatting will erase all data stored in the USB drive, please back up your data before formatting.
Custom USB Flash Drives: Artwork Requirements
To ensure the highest quality for your custom USB flash drive design, we request that you submit artwork in specific file formats. Using the correct format guarantees sharp, scalable graphics and optimal compatibility.
Preferred File Formats:
For the best results, we require vector-based files as they offer crisp, scalable graphics without any loss of resolution. These formats include:
Alternative File Formats:
If vector artwork is unavailable, we can work with high-resolution bitmap images. Acceptable formats include:
Please ensure the image is of sufficient resolution to maintain clarity during the printing or engraving process.
Text-Only Designs:
For designs consisting solely of text, please provide the text along with details on the preferred fonts, font sizes, and colors. This will help us accurately capture your vision and produce the perfect final product.
Design Proof:
Once we receive your artwork, we will create a digital proof of your design, free of charge. We will send the proof to you within 1 business day for review and approval before we begin production. This ensures the final product aligns with your expectations.
