Quick Answer
Yes, there are a few different ways to test a solid state drive (SSD) to evaluate its performance and health. Some key ways to test an SSD include:
– Benchmarking software – Runs speed tests and benchmarks to evaluate performance metrics like read/write speeds, access time, etc. Popular tools include CrystalDiskMark, AS SSD Benchmark, Anvil’s Storage Utilities.
– Drive monitoring software – Monitors and analyzes drive health metrics like total bytes written, wears level, bad blocks, temperature. Examples include SSDLife, DiskInfo, Hard Disk Sentinel.
– Manufacturer tools – SSD makers like Samsung and Crucial have their own drive testing and analysis tools. Useful for drive maintenance and diagnostics.
– File transfer tests – Transferring large files to and from the drive tests real-world read/write speeds.
– Analyze S.M.A.R.T. data – The drive’s built-in S.M.A.R.T. data can indicate impending failures or issues.
Thorough testing checks drive performance for your workload and identifies potential faults before they cause data loss or downtime. Periodic testing helps monitor SSD health and performance over time.
Why Should You Test an SSD Drive?
There are a few key reasons why you should take the time to test an SSD drive:
Evaluate real-world performance
SSD manufacturers advertise maximum sequential read/write speeds. But real-world usage often involves a mix of random and sequential operations. Testing the SSD mimicking different types of file operations helps determine if the drive meets expectations for your specific workload.
Check for early signs of failure
While rare, SSDs can and do fail. Tracking S.M.A.R.T. attributes and wear metrics can sometimes detect early signs of issues before outright failure. This provides a chance to take preventative action, like replacing the drive.
Compare drives
Testing SSDs from different manufacturers or models using the same methodology allows direct comparison to see which drive has the best performance for your needs.
Monitor performance over time
An SSD’s performance can slowly degrade over months or years of heavy usage. Periodic testing provides a way to monitor and quantify performance changes over time.
Troubleshoot issues
If an SSD is not performing as expected, testing can help identify the cause – like high fragmentation, interface bottlenecks, or controller errors. Pinpointing the issue makes troubleshooting easier.
How to Test SSD Performance
Here are some recommended methods to test the performance of a solid state drive:
Use benchmarking software
SSD benchmarking tools run a series of standardized tests to measure metrics like:
– Sequential read/write speed – MB/s sustained reading/writing large files.
– Random read/write speed – IOPS for random 4KB data access.
– Access time – Average time to read or write data.
– Thread concurrency – Speed with multiple queued operations.
Popular free SSD benchmark tools include:
| CrystalDiskMark | AS SSD Benchmark |
| Anvil’s Storage Utilities | ATTO Disk Benchmark |
Run several back-to-back benchmark test rounds to check for performance consistency.
Monitor used space vs free space
An SSD’s performance can slow down drastically once total used capacity exceeds around 75%. Test the SSD while nearly full to check maintained speeds.
Test with different queue depths
Higher queue depths allow more pending operations, improving efficiency. Test queue depths from QD1 up to QD32 to find the SSD’s optimal level.
Try different block sizes
Use both small 4KB and large 1MB block transfers to test a mix of scenarios. Larger blocks favor sequential speed, while small blocks test random IOPS.
Test sustained write performance
Continuously writing data to fill the SSD tests sustained write speeds. Performance may drop after the SLC cache is exceeded on some TLC/QLC SSDs.
Compare vs. claimed specs
Compare testing results to the rated specifications to ensure the SSD meets expected performance limits. Watch for throttling or speeds far below ratings.
How to Test SSD Health
To check the current health status and reliability of an SSD, use these diagnostic tests:
Monitor S.M.A.R.T. attributes
S.M.A.R.T. attributes like wear level, bad blocks, and total data written indicate SSD endurance and likelihood of failure. SSD tools like Hard Disk Sentinel can track them.
Check for reallocated sectors
A rising reallocated sectors count indicates the SSD is remapping bad blocks. This suggests worsening drive health.
Test ECC error rate
More frequent or serious ECC error corrections may foreshadow future drive errors.
Verify TRIM and garbage collection
TRIM and garbage collection maintain performance by wiping deleted blocks. Use tools like TrimCheck to verify they are functioning.
Test drive self-monitoring
SMART self-tests or SSD native utilities can diagnose issues the drive firmware detects internally.
Monitor wear percentage
A usefully lifespan metric for SSDs. A high percentage suggests the drive is nearing its write endurance limit.
Regular health checks and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring helps spot problems developing instead of waiting for a sudden failure. It also builds a history baseline to identify abnormal changes.
SSD Tools for Testing and Monitoring
Here is an overview of some popular SSD software tools for benchmarking, diagnostics, optimization, and drive health monitoring:
| Tool | Key Features |
| CrystalDiskMark | – Benchmark read/write speeds – Measure IOPS and access times – Compare different test profiles |
| AS SSD Benchmark | – Focus on random access performance – Simulate file copy/program loading – Score drive performance |
| ATTO Disk Benchmark | – Test with compression and overlapped I/O – Customizable block sizes – Measure max read/write speeds |
| Anvil’s Storage Utilities | – SSD optimization tool – Benchmark read/write speeds – Real-time performance graphs |
| SSDLife | – Monitor disk health metrics – Track wear percentage – Predict remaining lifespan |
| Hard Disk Sentinel | – Track S.M.A.R.T. attributes – SSD health and temperature monitoring – Drive performance tests |
Most SSD manufacturers also offer their own proprietary software for drive maintenance, optimization, diagnostics, and health monitoring. Examples include Samsung Magician, Intel SSD Toolbox, Crucial Storage Executive.
Third-party SSD optimization software like PrimoCache and Intel CAS can also enhance performance. Many of these include benchmarking and testing capabilities as well.
Conclusion
Testing and monitoring an SSD using benchmarking tools, S.M.A.R.T. data, wear metrics, error counts and other diagnostics helps confirm the drive is performing as expected and not at risk of failure.
Periodically re-testing and comparing results identifies performance changes and emerging health issues. This allows preventive action before failure or data loss occurs. Following best practices for SSD testing improves reliability and lifespan.
