Does your Windows 11 PC feel like it's stuck in quicksand? Before you start blaming it on demons or an overstuffed Recycle Bin, let's talk about SSDs (Solid State Drives). These sleek storage devices are some of the best things to happen to computing since Wi-Fi, but like all tech, they can slow down. The key to ensuring your SSD is at its peak performance? Checking its read/write speed.
Below, we'll explore four solid methods to measure the speed of your SSD in Windows 11. But first, let's get the basics out of the way.
But why obsess over speed?
A: Not too often—once every 6 months should suffice unless you're experiencing significant slowdowns.
Q: What’s a "good" SSD read/write speed?
A: This depends on your use case:
Q: Can SSDs “wear out” with use?
A: Yes, due to limited write cycles. Wear-leveling algorithms in modern SSDs help prolong their lifespan, but constant heavy use will eventually wear out the NAND cells.
Before you start tweaking, remember: not every slowdown is caused by SSD performance. Keep your system updated, clear unnecessary files, and, when everything else fails, treat yourself to a shiny new SSD.
Now, tell us—what’s the fastest SSD speed you've ever clocked? Share your results (and bragging rights) in the comments!
Source: Gadget Bridge https://www.gadgetbridge.com/how-to/4-ways-to-check-ssd-read-write-speed-on-windows-11/
Below, we'll explore four solid methods to measure the speed of your SSD in Windows 11. But first, let's get the basics out of the way.
What Is an SSD and Why Does Speed Matter?
An SSD (Solid State Drive) differs significantly from its predecessor, the HDD (Hard Disk Drive). While HDDs use spinning disks to store and retrieve data, SSDs rely on NAND flash memory—kind of like the super-powered cousin of the memory in your USB flash drive. No moving parts mean SSDs are faster, lighter, quieter, and, oh yes—energy efficient.But why obsess over speed?
Why You Should Care About SSD Speed
- System Performance: A sluggish SSD can bottleneck your processor, making even powerful PCs slow.
- Boot Times: SSDs make boot times drop from minutes to seconds... usually.
- Data Transfers: Moving files to external drives? Speed matters.
- Gaming: Faster load times mean fewer coffee breaks waiting for your game to boot up.
4 Effective Methods to Test SSD Speeds in Windows 11
1. Using Command Prompt
Thewinsat tool is already built into Windows 11. It neatly measures both read and write speeds without even requiring additional software. Here’s how:Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator. (Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click, and hit "Run as administrator.")
- For write speed, enter:
Code:bash winsat disk -ran -write -drive [drive_letter] - For read speed, enter:
Code:bash winsat disk -ran -read -drive [drive_letter] - Note down the results displayed in MB/s.
Pros:
- No download required—good ol’ Windows has got you covered.
- Quick execution once you get the syntax right.
Cons:
- Slightly technical for beginners.
- Does not provide in-depth insights, such as sequential/random read and write performance.
2. Using Task Manager
Windows 11’s Task Manager isn’t just for watching apps hog your CPU—it can also monitor storage performance.Steps:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Performance tab.
- Click on your SSD under the list of drives.
- View Active Time, Read, and Write speeds in real-time at the bottom of the screen.
Pros:
- You’re already familiar with Task Manager if you've ever battled unkillable Chrome tabs!
- Real-time speed tracking.
Cons:
- Performance data may not reflect full potential as it's based on current workload, not benchmarks.
3. Using MiniTool Partition Wizard
MiniTool Partition Wizard is a user-friendly software for disk management, and it niftily includes SSD benchmarking features.Steps:
- Download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard from a trusted source.
- Launch the application and click on the Disk Benchmark feature (top menu).
- Choose the drive you’d like to test.
- Configure the test (set file size, number of runs, etc.) and hit Start.
- Results for read and write speeds are displayed upon completion.
Pros:
- Detailed benchmarking options give you more insight into your drive’s capabilities.
- Free software.
Cons:
- Requires installation, which takes some disk space.
- Advanced configurations might intimidate first-time users.
4. Using CrystalDiskMark
When it comes to benchmark testing software, there's one name that pros swear by: CrystalDiskMark. It’s revered for its accuracy and comprehensive analysis.Steps:
- Download and install CrystalDiskMark from the official website.
- Launch the application and configure:
- Number of runs (default: 5).
- File size (default: 1GB works for most users).
- The specific disk drive.
- Hit All to start the benchmarking process.
- CrystalDiskMark will provide speeds for:
- Sequential Read & Write
- Random Read/Write (using various queue depths and thread counts)
Pros:
- Highly customizable benchmarking.
- Industry-standard benchmarking software.
- Free for personal use.
Cons:
- May take some time to run detailed tests depending on the parameters.
How Do These Methods Compare?
| Method | Ease of Use | Level of Detail | Real-Time Results | Free? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Command Prompt | Intermediate | Basic | No | Yes |
| Task Manager | Easy | Basic | Yes | Yes |
| MiniTool Partition Wizard | Moderate | Advanced | No | Free Tier |
| CrystalDiskMark | Moderate | Very Detailed | No | Yes |
FAQs on SSD Performance Testing
Q: How often should I test my SSD speed?A: Not too often—once every 6 months should suffice unless you're experiencing significant slowdowns.
Q: What’s a "good" SSD read/write speed?
A: This depends on your use case:
- SATA SSDs (common in budget laptops/desktops): ~500 MB/s
- NVMe SSDs (used in gaming PCs, ultrabooks): 1,500–7,000 MB/s
Q: Can SSDs “wear out” with use?
A: Yes, due to limited write cycles. Wear-leveling algorithms in modern SSDs help prolong their lifespan, but constant heavy use will eventually wear out the NAND cells.
Final Thoughts
Performing an SSD speed test can be a game-changer when diagnosing a slow PC or optimizing system performance. Windows 11 makes the process easier with features like Task Manager and the built-inwinsat tool. For those looking to go deeper, utilities like MiniTool Partition Wizard and CrystalDiskMark provide a detailed look at what your SSD is truly capable of.Before you start tweaking, remember: not every slowdown is caused by SSD performance. Keep your system updated, clear unnecessary files, and, when everything else fails, treat yourself to a shiny new SSD.
Now, tell us—what’s the fastest SSD speed you've ever clocked? Share your results (and bragging rights) in the comments!
Source: Gadget Bridge https://www.gadgetbridge.com/how-to/4-ways-to-check-ssd-read-write-speed-on-windows-11/
