With this module, you can measure the performance of your PC's storage devices, including (S)ATA or SCSI hard disk drives, RAID arrays, optical drives, solid-state drives (SSD), USB drives, and memory cards. It also allows you to perform write tests, which help detect fake products and errors on the devices. To obtain reliable benchmark results, make sure to close all background applications.

By clicking the “Save” button, you can save the results as a PNG image. Pressing the “Clear” button clears the results and restores the window to its default state.

In the Options menu, you can access the following settings:
 

Block size

This setting allows you to select the block size that the benchmark engine uses to test the storage device. Smaller block sizes typically increase the duration of the test. 

Loop mode

Enabling loop mode causes the benchmark to automatically restart upon completion. This feature is useful for stress testing or for obtaining consistent results over multiple test cycles.

Display performance in KB/s

You have the option to change the data throughput measurement unit from the default megabytes per second (MB/s) to kilobytes per second (KB/s). This can be useful for analyzing performance metrics with greater precision, particularly when dealing with smaller datasets or when detailed granularity is required.

Write tests

Enabling write tests allows access to six additional testing modes: Linear Write, Random Write, Buffered Write, Average Write Access, Linear Write + Verify, and Random Write + Verify. These modes provide comprehensive insights into the write performance of the storage device:
 

• Linear Write: Tests sequential write performance.
• Random Write: Assesses the device's ability to handle random write operations.
• Buffered Write: Evaluates performance when using buffered data.
• Average Write Access: Measures the average time required for write operations.
• Linear Write + Verify: Combines sequential write tests with data verification to ensure integrity.
• Random Write + Verify: Combines random write tests with data verification to ensure integrity.

Important: Performing write tests will result in the loss of all data on the storage device. AIDA64 will issue three separate warnings before initiating the process to ensure you are fully aware of this consequence.

Performance Monitor

Located to the right of the charts, the performance monitoring table provides real-time data on various metrics. You can monitor the current, minimum, maximum, and average read speeds, as well as the current, minimum, maximum, and average CPU usage, expressed as a percentage. Additionally, the table displays the block size used during the test. This comprehensive monitoring enables you to evaluate the performance and resource utilization of the storage device under different conditions.