CrystalDiskMark

You can use CrystalDiskMark to compare a new SSD, USB drive or external enclosure with an earlier setup. It fits with a technical check of transit speed. If you especially want to know if a drive reports errors, you also need disk status information.

Carefully select the right drive and close heavy background tasks. Write down the test size and settings next to the result.

The test works with data on the selected storage. For a screenshot, share only the measurement results and necessary configuration data. Do not display any other opened windows with personal files. You don't have to share the contents of your own documents to discuss a speed difference.

A benchmark does not say everything about daily use. The tests write data; continuous repetition is of little use.

Writing tests cause additional writing. Do not constantly run them and avoid unnecessary loading of a drive that already gives problems. A short test can benefit from cache memory and therefore be more beneficial than a long copy operation. Also check the cable and USB port used for external storage.

CrystalDiskMark is designed to measure reading and writing performance of storage. The distinction between successive and random access helps you look beyond one large speed cipher. Use it to compare a configuration under the same conditions. A benchmark is not a complete view of how quickly all your programs start or how long a disk lasts.

For example, the app can be used to compare the same disk before and after a configuration change. Keep test settings and background load equal, otherwise you will compare different conditions. Choose based on the question you want to answer. A storage benchmark helps less when the real problem lies with insufficient memory, slow internet connection or a separate program.