CrystalDiskMark for Windows

Lightweight and reliable disk benchmarking software

CrystalDiskMark is a simple yet powerful disk benchmarking tool developed by Crystal Dew World, designed to measure the performance of various storage devices including SSDs, HDDs, and USB drives. Known for its clean interface and reliable results, it supports a wide range of architectures and drive types, making it a go-to solution for quick and effective disk performance evaluation.

CrystalDiskMark enables users to measure both sequential and random read/write speeds, offering insight into large-block and small-block performance under real-world conditions. Users can test read, write, or mixed I/O operations to simulate typical workloads, such as loading applications or transferring files. The software supports multiple measurement modes, including Peak for assessing maximum theoretical performance, Real World that reflects more balanced everyday usage, and Demo mode-a lightweight option for brief demonstrations or low-impact testing.

Core features and capabilities

Tests are highly configurable. Users can choose the size of the test file and set the number of passes per test to ensure more accurate benchmarking results. It also supports testing of individual partitions and logical drives. It runs on a wide range of hardware architectures, including x86, x64, and ARM64, and is compatible with most modern PC environments.

Important usage considerations

While CrystalDiskMark is an effective utility, it is important to be aware of certain technical considerations. During benchmarking flash-based storage devices, it can generate many write operations, which may gradually reduce the lifespan of the device. Disk performance results can vary significantly depending on system configuration. Factors such as test file size, storage fragmentation, and CPU performance all influence the outcome.

Moreover, some SSDs can behave differently depending on the data pattern used during the test. Another important aspect involves administrator permissions.  To test a network drive, the application must be launched without elevated privileges. When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) dialog, selecting Yes to run the program with administrator rights, while choosing No launches it with standard user permissions and allows access to network storage.

Accuracy and device longevity balanced

CrystalDiskMark remains one of the most trusted tools for quickly assessing the performance of local storage devices. Its support for modern hardware architectures and customizable test profiles, making it suitable for technicians, PC enthusiasts, and general users alike. While it provides a straightforward and reliable way to measure disk performance, it should be used with an understanding of its limitations and best practices—particularly on SSDs and flash memory—to ensure accurate results and minimize unnecessary wear.