SSDs are becoming more prominent in the modern day. Although many computers still use HDDs as storage drives, it isn’t unusual to see a computer using both hard drives: an SSD as primary and the HDD as secondary.
Previously, SSDs were hugely expensive. However, the prices have been dropping for some time now as more advanced devices have been put for sale.
Although SSDs grant the user with improved performance and a ton of other benefits, these drives are hugely fragile. Therefore, they are prone to errors at any time. And here’s where things become more complicated.
Checking an SSD for errors is not as easy as doing the same for a traditional HDD storage drive. The standard tools won’t function because SSD is built differently, and therefore, you must use something explicitly made for SSDs.
Today, we’ll teach you how to check your SSD for errors and how to verify its state.
Checking your SSD with Windows
Starting from Windows 7 and beyond, there are tools for diagnosing disks available. For starters, we’ll describe CHKDSK. Although this tool is often utilized for HDDs, it can also be useful for SDDs. Let’s see how.
If you’re experiencing problems with files – such as strange behavior whenever you’re modifying files or folders, you can use the CHKDSK tool via the commands. Please follow these steps to begin analyzing your SSD:
- Execute the command tool as an administrator. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R, then typing cmd, and finally pressing enter.
- On that window, write chkdsk C: /f and press enter. You can replace the “C” letter with another one, depending on the one assigned to the drive.
- It will start analyzing your drive automatically. After the process has finished, it will tell you about the errors found and solved within the files system.
You cannot use the same tools that Windows has integrated for HDDs to check your SSD. Still, along with this command, there is another one you can use.
Type “wmic diskdrive get status“ on the CMD window. If everything is OK, the system will tell you “OK” to all drives. If not, something is going on, and you must start repairing it.
Checking your SSD with third-party programs
Sometimes, these tools are not enough for solving the problems that your SSD is having. But there is no need to panic – that is why numerous programs exist. Now you know how to check your SSD with windows without using an external program, but there are third-party tools you can use for this purpose and can be even more effective than what you have near.
Most of these tools are straightforward to use, meaning that you will have them figure out upon installation. Still, we have described the essentials of each device to make your life easier.
In this section, we’ll mention some of the best tools you can use to check your SSD for errors if you think there is something strange going on or want to provide maintenance to your hard drive.
Intel Solid-State Drive Toolbox
For starters, we’ll go with the safe choice. Intel has multiple tools for numerous parts of a computer’s hardware, and hard drives are not the exception. However, this tool is recommended for Intel SSDs specifically. If you have not installed it yet, we suggest doing it as soon as possible.
This tool may not be as fancy as many other options in the market, but it’s accurate and excels in complying with its purpose.
The Solid-State Drive Toolbox will inform you of everything you need to know about your SSD, including its current health status and how much it is estimated to last. You will also get a detailed analysis and will obtain data about its read and write ability. Furthermore, this tool allows you to optimize your SSD’s performance.
This Intel tool will also grant you other features, such as the Secure Erase. If you have any secondary Intel SSD, you will be able to delete any information you may have stored there. The program will ensure that such data is unobtainable, which can be especially useful if you tend to deal with sensitive information.
Crystal Disk Info
If you’re not using an Intel SSD, maybe you should try a different tool. If that’s your case, Crystal Disk Info is one of the best software you can choose.
This application will give you accurate information, such as health and temperature. Additionally, it works for HDDs exceptionally if you have any extra drives. The best part of Crystal Disk Info is that it is for free, and that’s unusual.
Crystal Disk Info offers you compatibility with any brand. Therefore, it doesn’t matter the kind of SSD you’re using. The tool will provide you with precise information about your SSD.
Other data this program gathers include:
- Read or write speed
- How much power is consuming your disk
- SMART information
Furthermore, the program allows you to make certain modifications and improve your SDD’s overall performance.
One of the most significant drawbacks is that this tool is not available for Linux and must update it manually.
Toshiba SSD Utility
We recommend using this tool if you have an OCZ SSD. It works in numerous operating systems and shows you accurate information in real-time about your SSD’s state. Not only can it provides such essential data, but it also is capable of grating you with extra and useful features such as a driver manager and even some optimization tools.
Additionally, if you perform multiple tasks, you can switch modes depending on what you’re using your SSD for – such as gaming or video editing. These modes will allow you to use your computer smoothly. Not only will its performance increase, but also its longevity.
As 32-bit systems are disappearing, the Toshiba SSD Utility is not available in such systems. Therefore, if you do not have a 64-bits system, we recommend upgrading it as soon as possible. Little time will pass until 32-bits systems become obsolete.
Samsung Magician
For the next tool, we have a renowned name. Samsung is one of the most remarkable brands in SSDs, so it’s no surprise they have their software to manage their devices. Unlike most manufacturer tools, this one is hugely precise, and it’s actually one of the best options you can use – it’s even better than Intel’s.
However, Samsung Magician can be quite complicated if you’re not familiar with its interface. This program is hugely similar to a management suite, as there are too many functions available, and some are too specific. You wouldn’t figure out what they are useful for at first glance. For instance, you can modify performance ratings settings or profiles, depending on what you intend to do.
Additionally, Samsung Magician allows you to update the firmware automatically from the interface – or, if there is a problem with the current version, you can downgrade it to match your current operative system’s necessities.
Samsung Magician is exceptional for its purpose. After using this software once, you will never wonder again why Samsung is the current leader in SSDs. There are options for optimizing the disk’s performance and diagnosing it for potential problems, but that’s not the best part.
There is an OS Optimization feature available that makes your SSD from the brand match your system’s needs. Isn’t that great?
We always recommend sticking to the manufacturer’s SDD diagnostic tools. Using third-party tools can be problematic sometimes.
