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Compact aluminum card reader with built-in USB-C cable

Tripp Lite

Tripp Lite U452-003 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Card Reader

SKU CH-VHB4-2FANC MPN U452-003

A multi-format card reader with a built-in 3-foot USB-C cable transfers photos, documents and high-definition media at up to 5 Gbps

  • Installation TypeExternal
  • Thunderbolt 3Yes
  • InterfaceUSB 3.0
  • CompatibilitySD Cards: Secure Digital (SD), Elite Pro SD, Extreme III SD,
  • Support - Compact FlashYes
  • Support - MMCYes
  • Transfers data at up to 5 Gbps with USB 3.1 Gen 1
  • Works with SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD and CompactFlash cards
  • Built-in 3 ft USB-C cable needs no extra leads
  • Aluminium case fits in a pocket or laptop bag
  • No drivers or external power required

What it is and who it's for

The Tripp Lite U452-003 is an external USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C card reader designed for tablets, laptops, Ultrabooks, Chromebooks, or computers lacking a built-in memory card slot. It enables fast transfer of photos, documents, high-definition audio, video, and other large files between a wide range of memory cards and a USB-C equipped device. No drivers or external power supply are required for operation.

Sustained-load behaviour

Data transfers at USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds up to 5 Gbps, maintaining high-speed throughput for large libraries and high-definition media rather than just short bursts. The reader remains backward compatible with previous USB generations, ensuring data can still move across older ports. Its compact aluminum case and built-in 3-foot cable are built for regular mobile use without performance throttling.

What to check before ordering

Verify that your host device has a USB Type-C port available for the built-in cable connection. Confirm your memory cards fall within the supported formats, which include extensive SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, microSD, and CompactFlash families. The unit operates on bus power alone, so no separate power adapter is needed, but ensure your device can supply sufficient USB power for the cards you use.

Highlights

  • Transfers data at up to 5 Gbps with USB 3.1 Gen 1
  • Works with SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD and CompactFlash cards
  • Built-in 3 ft USB-C cable needs no extra leads
  • Aluminium case fits in a pocket or laptop bag
  • No drivers or external power required

Specifications

BrandTripp Lite
ModelU452-003
Installation TypeExternal
Thunderbolt 3Yes
InterfaceUSB 3.0
CompatibilitySD Cards: Secure Digital (SD), Elite Pro SD, Extreme III SD, Gaming Edition SD, Platinum II SD, SD Pro, SDHC, SDXC, SD-Max, SD-Pleomax, SD-Pro C, Super SD, Turbo SD, Ultima I SD, Ultima II SD, Ultimate SD, Ultra High Speed SD, Ultra II SD, Ultra II SD Plus, Ultra SD, Ultra-X SD, DV-RS MMC, High Speed MMC / RS-MMC, MCCmobile, MMC Pro, MMCplus, MMCplus Turbo, RS-MMC
Micro SD Cards: MicroSD (TransFlash), microSDHC / M2
CF Cards: CompactFlash Type I/II, CF Elite Pro, CF PRO I, CF PRO II, CF Turbo, CF Ultima I, CF Ultima II, Extreme CF, Extreme III CF, HS CF, Ultra II CF
Support - Compact FlashYes
Support - MMCYes
Support - SDYes
FeaturesHigh-Speed Data Transfer
Ideal for transferring photos, documents, hi-def audio and video, and other files between memory card and your tablet, laptop, Ultrabook, Chromebook or computer
Built-in 3 ft. USB-C cable connects to device’s USB-C port
Supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps
Backward compatible with previous USB generations
Plug-and-Play Convenience
No drivers or external power supply necessary
Compact case made from lightweight aluminum
Fits easily into your pocket, backpack, briefcase or laptop bag
Compatible with all USB-enabled operating systems
Package ContentsU452-003 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Multi-Drive Smart-Card Flash-Memory Media Reader/Writer
Shipping weight0.07 kg
Package size152 × 102 × 51 mm

Questions about this item

How much heat or noise does the U452-003 produce when transferring large files all day?

The reader has no fan or moving parts, so it runs silently and generates only minimal warmth during continuous high-speed transfers.

What must my device already have for the built-in 3 ft. USB-C cable to work?

Your tablet, laptop or computer needs a USB Type-C port that supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 or an earlier USB generation for backward-compatible operation.

Will the U452-003 read the older SD and CompactFlash cards I still use alongside newer media?

Yes, it supports a wide range of legacy SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD, MMC and CompactFlash formats so you can keep using your existing cards.

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