![]() ![]() The final test for external drives is a drag-and-drop test. We also use Crystal DiskMark's 4K tests to measure random reads/writes, which reflect data activity in which the drive is fetching and writing scattered files and pieces of files across the hard drive or solid-state drive. Crystal DiskMark's sequential-read tests measure read/write activity with data written in a large contiguous block on the drive, which is similar to how manufacturers themselves test drives to advertise their performance. We also use the Crystal DiskMark utility for a second opinion on throughput. These scores are useful in discovering the theoretical maximum speed that a drive can achieve. But it also returns some useful throughput measurements.īlackMagic offers both a read score and a write score, which we also compare with those of other, similar drives. This utility is typically used to discern whether a given drive has enough throughput to play back specific video formats smoothly. We use the macOS-only BlackMagic Disk Speed Test (Opens in a new window) app from professional media software firm DaVinci to perform this test. Our next test measures a drive's throughput in bits per second. The score is only meaningful relative to other scores. We mention this score in each review and compare it with the scores that other, competing drives received. The PCMark 7 Secondary Storage test results in a proprietary score that is usually in the thousands. ![]() These simulated workloads include a Windows Defender virus scan, an image-import task, a video-editing session, and application launches. The Secondary Storage test is trace-based, which means it measures how quickly software commands are performed during everyday workloads to which you might subject your PC. The company's benchmarking apps are used not only by publications like PCMag, but also by drive and PC manufacturers themselves. Our most wide-ranging benchmark is the PCMark 7 Secondary Storage test. We also test on a 2016 MacBook Pro, using the Type-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, for certain of our tests. We test external drives using an Intel X299-based testbed equipped with all the trimmings, including a USB 3.1 Gen 2 USB Type-C port. So we've designed our drive-testing procedures at PC Labs to approximate the speeds you can expect while accomplishing a comprehensive array of common tasks: reflecting both best-case scenarios, and real-world use. Buying a new internal hard drive can make apps load faster and shorten system bootup times, while springing for a new external drive could shave minutes off your next routine backup or the transfer of your large collection of photos and videos.Ī hard drive's speed can vary significantly based not only on its theoretical top transfer speeds, but also on your usage patterns. ![]() Reading and writing files to and from a hard drive is one of the most crucial choke points in a PC. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages. ![]()
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