CrystalDiskInfo

This is useful if you check an older PC, examine a storage problem or want to track the temperature of a disk. It doesn't allow you to recover missing files. For performance measurement you use a benchmark; for recovery of damaged data you need a different approach.

Make sure you look at the right disk, especially if you have multiple drives. Make sure you have an up-to-date backup before examining a problem further.

Disk information may contain model and serial numbers. Make such data unreadable when placing a screenshot publicly. Use notifications by e-mail only if you want them sent on purpose. The content of your documents is usually not necessary for assessing SMART values in a help request.

Not every USB enclosure transmits all measurement data. The program does not repair your drive and does not predict every malfunction.

Not every USB enclosure, controller or RAID setup transmits all disk data. A missing value does not automatically mean that your disk is healthy or defective. Review SSD wear together with the model and the meaning of the manufacturer's fields. Always store important files in a second, independent place.

CrystalDiskInfo is useful to view the reported state of your hard drive or SSD. You will see temperature and available SMART data. Use that information to notice changes and support a backup decision. A favourable status is not a guarantee that a disk cannot fail; vice versa, a warning calls for an assessment of the relevant measuring field.

Use the outcome to look further, not to save important files without reserve. Compare model, connection and specific warning values. If data becomes illegible, continuing to measure is not the first objective: file retention precedes. For the question of how fast a disc is, you also need a different type of measurement.