A CompactFlash Type I memory card is a solid-state disk card with a 50-pin connector. The pins provide a connection between the memory and the CompactFlash drive in your electronic device. CompactFlash cards are used more like a hard drive than RAM. They are designed with flash technology, a non-volatile storage solution that does not lose its information when power is removed from the card. The cards contain no moving parts and are extremely rugged, providing much greater data protection than conventional magnetic disk drives.