How Do I Run an External SSD Speed Test on My Own? Your Guide Is Here

Updated by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 22, 2024

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Key Takeaways from External SSD Speed Test:

Testing the read and write speed of an external SSD can be advantageous since the SSD's performance directly impacts your computer's performance. As previously discussed in our previous blog posts on how to test SSD read and write speed, we introduced several simple and effective methods. Today, we will explore how to test the speed of an external SSD. It's equally straightforward, and we'll guide you through the process effortlessly.

We'll guide Windows users on how to test their external SSD's speed and provide the best solutions. If you're using a Mac, search for a Mac disk speed test tool for external SSD speed testing.

Further reading: M.2 SSD Performance

How Do I Test the Speed of My External SSD?

Ever wondered how fast your external SSD performs? You might ask yourself, "How do I test the speed of my external SSD?" If that's the case, now is the time to learn how to measure the speed of an external SSD, why testing it is important, and what advantages you can gain from knowing its true speed.

Testing the speed of your external SSD has numerous reasons and advantages.

Benefits of testing an external SSD's speed: 1. Verification of Performance Claims: Testing the speed of an external SSD allows you to confirm whether the manufacturer's advertised speeds are accurate or not. This is crucial for understanding its real-world performance capabilities. 2. Comparison with Other Devices: By benchmarking the SSD, you can compare its speed with other external storage devices in the market. This helps in making informed purchasing decisions and choosing the best option for your needs. 3. Optimal Usage Scenarios: Testing reveals the ideal conditions for maximum speed, such as specific file types, transfer sizes, or connection interfaces (USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, etc.). This knowledge ensures you use the SSD efficiently for tasks like data backup, video editing, or gaming. 4. Compatibility Assessment: Speed tests can also uncover any compatibility issues between the SSD and your computer system. It helps identify potential bottlenecks in the hardware setup that might affect overall performance. 5. Troubleshooting: If you experience slow transfer rates or performance issues, speed testing can help diagnose the problem. It may be due to the SSD, the cable, the port, or even the software configuration. 6. Future-Proofing: Understanding the SSD's maximum speed gives you an idea of its potential longevity and whether it will keep up with evolving technology demands. 7. Upgrade Decisions: For users considering upgrading their internal storage or replacing an existing external drive, speed tests provide valuable insights into the performance boost they can expect. 8. Consistency and Reliability: Regular testing ensures consistent performance over time, helping you monitor any degradation or changes that might impact the reliability of the SSD. 9. Data Transfer Efficiency: Knowing the speed of your external SSD helps estimate the time required for large file transfers, which can be particularly important for professionals dealing with big datasets. 10. Peace of Mind: Ultimately, testing an external SSD's speed gives you confidence in its performance, allowing you to trust the device with critical data storage tasks.

• Test and confirm if the external SSD is operating normally.
• Determine if the external SSD's read and write speed is slower than average.
• Check if there's a need to optimize the external SSD's speed.
• Obtain immediate speed test results.
• Compare the performance of various drives before buying a new SSD.

It's simple, and we will share some simple and useful tricks and methods to test your external SSD's speed.

Guide to Run External SSD Speed Test in 2024

Follow these two valuable and straightforward approaches to learn how to effectively conduct external SSD speed tests yourself and obtain accurate performance reports for your SSD. Read through the methods and operational steps, and you'll grasp it quickly. Soon, you'll be able to independently carry out SSD speed testing tasks without requiring any specialized technical knowledge.

< strong >1. Download External SSD Speed Test Software< /strong >

The simplest and straightforward method is to download a reliable SSD speed-testing software that can provide accurate reports about your external SSD. Across the internet, you'll come across numerous tools for SSD testing, but many of these can be perplexing, making it challenging to identify the best and most trustworthy option. To spare you the hassle and ensure a smooth experience, we have developed an incredible and reliable tool called Partition Master to conduct an external SSD speed test and yield precise results.

tools Partition Master is a comprehensive partition management tool, with its key feature being DiskMark for SSD speed testing. With this tool, you can carry out various tasks such as:

Translate the following phrases into English:
• Scan the speed, I/O
Scan the speed and Input/Output performance
• Display factors on the target device
Display relevant factors on the target device
• Generate a speed test report
Generate a speed test report

Install the tool Partition Master and run this software to test your external SSD speed with the operational steps in the guide below.

2. Run External SSD Speed Test

tools Partition Master, equipped with its DiskMark feature, offers a simple and swift method to conduct an external SSD speed test without causing any data or disk performance issues. During the testing process, you can remain calm and relaxed while the program effortlessly evaluates your hard drive's speed. It also supports an internal SSD performance test.

So don't worry; everything will proceed smoothly and securely. Here are the simple operational steps to run an external SSD speed test:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click the download button to activate the "DiskMark" feature under the "Tools" section.

Step 2. Click on the drop-down box to select the target drive, test data, and block size.

Step 3. After configuring everything, click "Start" to begin the disk test. You'll then see the Sequential or Random read/write speed, I/O, and Delay data.

You can click the links below to learn more features in Partition Master that help to improve SSD performance: 1. [Optimize SSD with Trim](/partition-master/enable-trim-ssd.html) 2. [Align SSD for better performance](/partition-master/align-partition.html) 3. [Resize/Move SSD partition](/partition-master/move-partition.html) 4. [Create, delete, or format SSD partitions](/partition-master/create-delete-format-partition.html) 5. [Convert MBR to GPT on SSD](/partition-master/convert-mbr-to-gpt.html) 6. [Convert dynamic disk to basic with SSD](/partition-master/convert-dynamic-disk-to-basic.html) These features contribute to enhancing the overall speed and efficiency of your SSD in Windows 11.

You can also follow the video for more information on testing SSD speed:

 

Tips to Determine If External Hard Drive Speed Is Fast or Slow

Have you tested your SSD speed? After getting a report from a particular tool, it's crucial to test the external hard drive speed as well. So, if you've tested your SSD speed using Partition Master, you can compare the read and write speed of your external hard drive with the average speed.

In that vein, to make things easier for you, let me show you some general or average speed ranges for different types of SSDs, so you can quickly assess your external SSD's speed.

After testing, the table below will help you quickly determine your SSD's speed. These are some general speed ranges for different types of SSDs. However, specific models and SSDs from different manufacturers will have varying average speeds.

SSD Type Read Speed Write Speed These terms refer to the specifications of a Solid State Drive (SSD): - SSD Type: This denotes the type or interface of the SSD, such as SATA, NVMe, or M.2, which determines how it connects to the computer's motherboard and its potential performance. - Read Speed: This is the speed at which the SSD can retrieve data from its memory cells. It is usually measured in Megabytes per second (MB/s) and indicates how fast the system can access information stored on the SSD. - Write Speed: This refers to the speed at which the SSD can write new data to its memory cells. Similar to read speed, it is also measured in MB/s and is crucial for tasks like saving files, installing software, or recording video.

It might be disappointing to discover that your external SSD has slow speed after testing it. A sluggish speed negatively impacts the overall performance of your PC or laptop. However, there's no need to worry. We have solutions to enhance the SSD's read and write speed and achieve the desired performance. By implementing the helpful tips and tricks we suggest, you can improve the situation yourself.

Here are some helpful tips to optimize your external SSD in English:

Translate the following into English:
• Align SSD with 4K
• Disable Startup Programs
• Disable Fast Startup
• Verify TRIM is Enabled
• Ensure SSD Firmware is Up-to-Date
• Enable AHCI Mode
• Turn on Write Caching
• Schedule SSD Optimization
• Set Power Plan to High Performance

tools Partition Master is a highly recommended SSD benchmark tool. Download it, and you can enjoy all the benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions about External SSD Speed Test

Do you require additional assistance with an external SSD speed test or wish to learn more about it? The following FAQs will be beneficial to you and address your inquiries.

**1. What is a good read and write speed for an external SSD?** A good read and write speed for an external SSD (Solid State Drive) typically ranges from 500 MB/s to 2,000 MB/s or even higher. High-end external SSDs can reach speeds of 3,500 MB/s or more. These speeds are significantly faster than traditional external HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), which usually operate around 120-150 MB/s. The actual speeds may vary depending on the specific model, interface (USB 3.0, USB 3.1, Thunderbolt, etc.), and the computer's hardware you're using.

The read-write speed of external SSDs can vary depending on various factors and manufacturers. Here's a general overview of their speed capabilities: - SATA III (the latest standard) can reach speeds of up to 600MB/s for reading and 300MB/s for writing. - SATA II supports speeds up to 300MB/s, while the older SATA I has a limit of around 150MB/s. Typically, you can expect an average read speed of around 500MB/s and an average write speed of approximately 300MB/s from an external SSD. However, it's important to note that specific models and different manufacturers may have significantly varying average speeds. Always check the specifications for the exact model you're considering.

< strong >2. How to check SSD performance?

You can check your SSD's performance through Windows built-in features like Task Manager and Command Prompt or through reliable software that can provide real and accurate reports, such as tools like Partition Master.

You can check SSD performance through the Command Prompt for basic results. For instance, open the Command Prompt, type the following command: winsat disk -ran -write -drive (name), and your SSD speed will be displayed in the Command Prompt.

3. How fast are external SSD drives?

External SSDs are 20-25 times faster than external hard drives. Of course, the actual speed varies depending on the different types of SSDs and manufacturers. Nonetheless, it's undeniable that SSDs outperform HDDs in terms of speed, delivering an excellent user experience.