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Windows · System & Disk Utilities

CrystalDiskMark for Windows

Free disk benchmark from Crystal Dew World that measures sequential and random read/write speeds to verify SSD and hard drive performance.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

CrystalDiskMark is a straightforward benchmarking tool that runs configurable read and write tests against a drive and reports throughput in MB/s or IOPS. It's the tool most reviewers and enthusiasts use to sanity-check a new SSD against its advertised specs.

The default test set covers sequential transfers (large, contiguous reads/writes, the number most relevant to copying big files) and random 4K transfers (small, scattered reads/writes, closer to everyday OS and application behavior). Test file size and pass count are adjustable.

It pairs naturally with CrystalDiskInfo, from the same developer — one confirms a drive is healthy, the other confirms it's performing as expected. Neither tool repairs or configures anything; both are read/measure-only.

Benchmarks are sensitive to background activity, drive fill level, and interface (a fast NVMe SSD run through a slow USB enclosure will bottleneck on the enclosure, not the drive). Close other disk-heavy applications before testing for a representative result.

Key features

  • Sequential and random read/write benchmarks with adjustable queue depth and thread count
  • Configurable test file size and number of passes
  • Results in MB/s or IOPS
  • Support for testing internal drives, external drives, and network shares
  • Windows Store and standalone editions available
  • Portable build that requires no installation

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (older Windows releases also supported)
Architecture
x64, x86, or ARM64 build
Disk space
Test files are written temporarily during a benchmark run and require free space on the target drive

How to install CrystalDiskMark

  1. 1. Download the standard edition

    Choose the installer without a sponsor offer, or grab the portable ZIP from the developer's page.

  2. 2. Install or unpack

    Run the installer or unzip the portable build; no special configuration is needed to get started.

  3. 3. Close background disk activity

    Pause cloud sync, antivirus scans, and other disk-heavy tasks before running a benchmark for accurate numbers.

How to use it

  1. 1. Select the target drive

    Use the drive dropdown at the top of the window to pick the disk you want to test.

  2. 2. Run the default profile

    Click the play button next to the SEQ1M Q8T1 (sequential) and RND4K Q32T1 (random) rows for the standard read/write numbers most reviews quote.

  3. 3. Compare against the spec sheet

    Check the drive manufacturer's advertised sequential speeds against your SEQ1M results — a large shortfall can indicate a thermal, interface, or cache issue.

  4. 4. Adjust test size for SSDs with cache

    Increase the test file size beyond the drive's DRAM/SLC cache size to see sustained, rather than cached, write speeds.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from crystalmark.info or the official Microsoft Store listing.
  • Running a write benchmark creates temporary test files on the target drive; make sure you have adequate free space.
Bundled software
The developer offers a plain installer alongside a sponsor-bundled option; choose the standard edition to avoid extras.
Privacy
Runs entirely locally with no account requirement and no data uploaded.

Known risks

  • Write benchmarks add wear cycles to SSDs, though the amount from occasional testing is negligible for normal use.
  • Testing a drive that's nearly full can produce misleadingly low results on some SSD controllers.

What's new

  • Current release series

    Recent releases have added ARM64 builds and refined NVMe test profiles. Check the developer's page for the current version and change log.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free, fast, and the de facto standard benchmark for casual drive testing
  • Configurable test profiles for sequential and random performance
  • Works on internal drives, external drives, and network shares
  • Portable build available

Cons

  • Results can be misread without understanding cache and interface effects
  • Write tests add minor wear to SSDs
  • No drive health or SMART reporting — pair it with CrystalDiskInfo for that

Verdict

CrystalDiskMark is the quickest way to confirm a drive performs close to its advertised speed, and it's become the standard number reviewers cite for exactly that reason. Use it alongside CrystalDiskInfo for a full health-and-performance picture.

Frequently asked questions

Is CrystalDiskMark free?

Yes, it's free, including the Microsoft Store edition.

Will benchmarking damage my SSD?

Occasional benchmarking adds negligible wear. Avoid running large write tests repeatedly for no reason if you're concerned about SSD write endurance.

Why are my results lower than the advertised speed?

Advertised speeds are often burst or cached figures. Background activity, drive fill level, and connection interface (like a slow USB port) can all reduce real-world results.

Can I test an external or network drive?

Yes, both are supported, though results will reflect the connection's bottleneck as much as the drive itself.