Non-Cisco Compact Flash?

[thomascollins]

Hello,

On my production routers and switches I use real Cisco CompactFlash cards.

But for my lab gear, it seems a bit of overkill. I know Cisco does not "support" non-Cisco CompactFlash, but do you know if it will work?

This is for a 4500 switch and 3845 router. I'm looking at a generic SanDisk 128MB card.

[Prashanth Krishnappa]

I can answer for the CAT4500. Sandisk compatible flash cards should work. Lexar, Kingston, SMC will not work. You will have to format the flash card in IOS.

Try Sandisk in your lab in your 3845 and see if it works. You will have to format the flash card in IOS.

[todd.martin-02]

I have used Viking CF cards on sup720's I assumed that any card would work if you format it for the IOS.

However reading the other post proves otherwise.

[Robert Higby]

Hello  All -

     I can conform that the Sandisk 2GB Ultra II CF worked in my router today.  I just installed it into my Cisco 2821 ISR.  I have the IOS on and boting and I am currently loading the CME files now. 

Here is a link to the exact card I purchased today....

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0211155

I hope this helps. 

Robert Higby

[Leo Laohoo]

1.  Not all CF are supported;

2.  Maximum CF size I've tested on ISR G1 is 2Gb, however, some have attested to tried using up to 4 Gb;

3.  Format using the Cisco appliance or format using FAT16

All of my ISR G1 and G2 plus Sup720 are using 2Gb 3rd party CF.

[Robert Higby]

We have established that.  What I did was provide an ACTUAL device people can go out and buy, knowing it will work. 

Robert

[paolo bevilacqua]

I think you have got exactly the answer you have asked for.

+5 to Leo.

[Leo Laohoo]

Thanks for the ratings Paolo.