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CrystalDiskMark

CrystalDiskMark is a free disk benchmarking utility for Windows that measures the sequential and random read and write performance of storage devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and USB drives. Developed by Noriyuki Miyazaki under the hiyohiyo, the software was first released on March 31, 2007, and has since evolved into an open-source tool hosted on , with its available for public contribution. It supports Windows operating systems from XP through 11, as well as various server editions, across x86, x64, and ARM64 architectures, and requires no installation as a . Key features include configurable test profiles for peak, real-world, and demonstration modes; support for multiple queue depths and thread counts; and options for test data types such as random or zero-filled patterns to simulate different workloads. Since version 4.0.0 in 2015, it has been based on Microsoft's DiskSpd benchmarking engine, enabling advanced measurements like NCQ (Native Command Queuing) tests with queue depths up to 32. The latest version, 9.0.1 released on June 19, 2025, incorporates updated benchmarks, such as a dedicated profile, multi-language support including and , and customizable themes like the Shizuku Edition.

Introduction

Purpose and Functionality

CrystalDiskMark is a free, open-source disk benchmark software designed for Windows, developed by hiyohiyo under the Crystal Dew World project. Its primary function is to measure sequential and random read/write speeds of storage devices, reporting results in MB/s where 1 MB equals 1,000,000 bytes. The tool supports a wide range of devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, and other storage media, allowing users to assess performance across various hardware types. It offers three benchmarking modes—Peak for maximum throughput, Real World for typical usage simulations, and Demo for quick overviews—to cater to different evaluation needs. Key use cases include evaluating performance prior to upgrades, diagnosing potential issues during , and comparing devices for selection purposes. In a basic , users select a target drive, configure test parameters such as file size and number of passes, and execute the benchmark to obtain graphical visualizations and textual summaries of results. The software is compatible with through , as well as editions from 2003 to 2025, across x86, x64, and ARM64 architectures; however, installer support is unavailable for and 2003 x64 editions. It briefly references related tools like CrystalDiskInfo for health monitoring, but focuses primarily on performance benchmarking.

Development Background

CrystalDiskMark was created by hiyohiyo, the pseudonym of Japanese independent developer Noriyuki , as part of the Crystal Dew World project launched in 2007. , born in 1978 and based in or , , developed the software as a focused on programming utilities for storage devices. The project emphasizes free, accessible tools for disk management and performance evaluation, with CrystalDiskMark serving as a core component alongside monitoring and retro analysis software. Technically, the software was initially built with custom code for disk but transitioned in 4.0 to integrate Microsoft's open-source Diskspd , which is MIT-licensed and provides standardized, accurate performance measurements. This shift enhanced reliability by leveraging Diskspd's robust I/O simulation capabilities, with subsequent updates incorporating newer s of the , such as Diskspd 2.2 by 2025. CrystalDiskMark itself is open-source under the , a permissive model that allows free use, modification, and distribution without restrictive requirements; its source code is hosted on in the hiyohiyo/CrystalDiskMark repository. The UI framework, known as Project , further supports cross- consistency within Crystal Dew World. The development philosophy prioritizes simplicity and portability, enabling the software to run without installation across various Windows architectures from XP onward, while maintaining a lightweight footprint suitable for non-expert users. Community-driven improvements are facilitated through contributions and sponsorships, fostering ongoing enhancements like multilingual support in English and Japanese. Within the broader Crystal Dew World ecosystem, CrystalDiskMark complements tools such as CrystalDiskInfo for health monitoring and CrystalMark Retro for legacy benchmarking, collectively promoting straightforward access to diagnostics for everyday users.

History

Initial Release and Early Versions

CrystalDiskMark was first released on March 31, 2007, as version 1.0.0, developed by Japanese programmer Noriyuki Miyazaki under the pseudonym hiyohiyo as a tool to measure the read and write performance of hard disk drives (HDDs) and emerging solid-state drives (SSDs). The software emerged during a period of increasing interest in SSD technology, providing users with an accessible way to evaluate storage speeds on Windows systems, particularly as SSDs began transitioning from niche enterprise use to consumer markets. In its initial 1.x series, CrystalDiskMark offered basic sequential and random read/write benchmarks using predefined test sizes, such as 100 MB files, to simulate real-world disk operations. Subsequent updates in the 2.x line, culminating with version 2.2.0 on September 15, 2008, primarily addressed bugs related to inaccurate performance readings and stability issues on early and installations. By version 3.0.0, released on March 21, 2010, the tool introduced key enhancements including Native Command Queuing (NCQ) tests with a queue depth of 32 to better assess SSD optimization, selectable test data patterns (random, 0-fill, 1-fill), a zoomable viewer (100% to 400% scale, requiring or later), digital for improved security, and an updated high-resolution icon. The software's motivations stemmed from the need for a no-cost, intuitive alternative to complex professional suites, emphasizing random I/O patterns that more accurately reflected application performance compared to sequential transfers alone. Early adoption grew within tech enthusiast communities, such as hardware forums where users shared benchmark results to compare storage devices by 2010, though precise download figures from that era remain undocumented. Initial challenges included its restriction to fundamental sequential and random tests without advanced multi-threading capabilities, limiting depth for high-end evaluations, and compatibility primarily with through 7.

Major Updates and Modern Developments

In 2015, CrystalDiskMark underwent a significant technical transition with the release of 4.0.0 on April 30, which replaced the previous benchmarking core with Microsoft's DiskSpd tool under the to enhance accuracy and reliability in performance measurements. This update also introduced configurable queues and threads settings, supporting up to 32 queues and 32 threads to better simulate diverse real-world workloads on modern storage devices. Later that year, 5.0.0 on July 27 reordered the benchmark tests to prioritize all reads before all writes for improved logical flow, updated DiskSpd options to enable hardware caching (-S flag replacing -h), and migrated to Visual C++ 2015 for better compatibility. Mid-period developments from 2017 focused on expanding support for emerging NVMe SSD technologies. Version 5.5.0, released on October 25, 2017, added queues and threads options specifically for random tests (up to Q8T8) tailored to NVMe drives, alongside theme additions in the Shizuku Edition and an update to Visual C++ 2017 Update 4. This was followed by version 6.0.0 on November 5, 2017, which fully integrated Q8T8 random tests for SSD benchmarking and extended maximum speed reporting to 999,999 MB/s to accommodate high-performance NVMe SSDs. A major UI and compatibility overhaul occurred in 2019 with version 7.0.0 on November 1, which rebuilt the from HTML-based to GDI for enhanced performance and responsiveness. Key enhancements included adjusting sequential benchmarks from 128 KiB to 1 block sizes and random tests from Q8T8 to Q32T16 for more representative modern hardware evaluations, the introduction of tests combining read and write operations, customizable and Real World profiles, font options, and native ARM64 architecture support. Building on this, version 8.0.0 released on November 20, 2020, upgraded the UI library via Project to include dark mode, DPIv2 scaling, and 16-bit for better visual fidelity across displays. It also revised default benchmark settings, such as SEQ1M Q8T1, added a profile for introductory testing, and introduced read-only and write-only modes to isolate specific performance aspects. Recent releases have emphasized edition expansions and core refinements. Version 8.0.5 on February 26, 2024, introduced the Edition while maintaining full compatibility with 8.0.0 and improving OS version detection functions. Version 8.0.6, released on November 20, 2024, added Dark Mode menu support and updated themes. In 2025, version 9.0.0 launched on June 16 with updates to the copyright holder as CrystalMark Inc., an upgrade to DiskSpd 2.2 for advanced I/O , a default shift to three measurement passes for more robust results, the addition of a profile optimized for emerging storage types, and new themes in the and Shizuku Editions. This was promptly followed by version 9.0.1 on June 19, which addressed a bug in certain environments by correcting compile options for DiskSpd 2.2 . By 2025, CrystalDiskMark's official GitHub repository continues to receive community contributions for bug fixes and enhancements, including improved compatibility with recent Windows versions, such as Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025.

Features and Usage

Benchmarking Profiles and Tests

CrystalDiskMark offers three primary benchmarking profiles designed to evaluate storage performance under different conditions: Peak, Real World, and Demo. The Peak profile targets maximum performance metrics, utilizing aggressive settings such as smaller block sizes like 128 KiB and high queue depths up to 32 with multiple threads, ideal for showcasing the upper limits of NVMe SSDs in synthetic scenarios. In contrast, the Real World profile simulates everyday usage with more conservative configurations, such as 1 MiB block sizes and lower queue depths like Queue=1 Thread=1, providing a balanced assessment of typical workloads including mixed read/write operations. The Demo profile employs lightweight or default settings for quick demonstrations, minimizing impact on the drive while still generating representative results for illustrative purposes. The software supports several test types to measure various aspects of behavior. Sequential tests, denoted as SEQ1M Q8T1, focus on large, contiguous transfers using 1 blocks across 8 queues and 1 , simulating scenarios like video streaming or large file copies where throughput is prioritized. Random tests, such as RND4K Q32T1, employ 4 KiB blocks with up to 32 queues and 1 to mimic small, scattered I/O operations common in or application loading. tests, introduced to reflect workloads, combine read and write operations in ratios like 70% read/30% write, evaluating balanced performance under concurrent access; these support up to 32 queues and multiple threads for comprehensive and throughput analysis. Measurements are reported in megabytes per second (/s) for throughput and operations per second () for , highlighting differences in sustained versus burst capabilities. Key parameters allow users to customize benchmarks for specific needs. Test file sizes range from 16 to 64 GiB, influencing result consistency by determining the volume of processed. The number of passes can be set from 1 to 9, with a default of 3 in version 9 and later, ensuring repeatable averages by iterating the test multiple times. sizes vary by test type: 128 KiB to 1 for sequential operations to capture large- efficiency, and 4 KiB for random tests to assess small-file . Queue and thread counts extend up to 32 and 16 respectively, enabling simulation of multi-tasking environments. Benchmark outputs provide clear visualizations and data exports for . Results are color-coded, with blue indicating read speeds and for write speeds, displayed alongside numerical values in /s and . Graphical trends illustrate performance variations across passes, while text logs capture detailed including timestamps, drive model, and capacity for reproducibility. Users can export results to for spreadsheet integration or for formatted reports, facilitating comparisons across devices. For optimal results, best practices include running CrystalDiskMark as to ensure proper creation on the target drive, while closing background applications to minimize interference from system processes. Interpretation focuses on contextual relevance: random serve as a key indicator for operating system boot times and application responsiveness due to their alignment with real-world small- access patterns, whereas sequential MB/s metrics best represent large transfers like backups or media editing. These guidelines help users derive meaningful insights without overemphasizing isolated peak values.

User Interface and Customization

CrystalDiskMark features a straightforward main designed for ease of use in disk . The interface includes a dropdown at the top for selecting the from a list of recognized devices. Below this, users can configure basic test parameters such as the number of test runs (ranging from 1 to 9) and the test (from to 64 GiB). The central area displays a results table with up to nine slots for outcomes, showing read, write, and mixed performance metrics for sequential and patterns. To the left, five prominent allow initiation of tests: an "All" button to execute the full of benchmarks, and for specific profiles like SEQ1M Q8T1, SEQ1M Q1T1, RND4K Q32T16, and RND4K Q1T1. During execution, a appears to indicate the status of file preparation and testing phases. The application's menu bar provides essential navigation and export functions. The File menu includes options to copy benchmark results to the clipboard in text format, save results as a UTF-16LE text file with BOM, or export as a PNG image. The Edit menu supports actions like selecting all results (via Ctrl+A shortcut) and copying them. The Settings dropdown, accessible from the menu or toolbar, opens a dialog for advanced configurations, including buffer size adjustments (equivalent to test file size), specification of the test file location to avoid system folders or other restricted paths, and selection of profile presets such as Peak, Real World, or Demo modes. The Help menu offers access to an FAQ, version information via the About dialog, and keyboard shortcuts for common tasks like Ctrl+O for opening saved results. These menus have been refined over versions, with improved support for high-DPI displays and window resizing introduced in v3.0. Customization options enhance user experience across different environments. Since v8.0, the software supports light and dark themes, including integration with and later system themes for automatic mode switching. Additional themed variants, such as and Shizuku editions, offer stylized visual elements while maintaining core functionality. Language support extends to over 20 options, including English, , Simplified and Traditional , , , , and others added progressively from v4.0 onward, with multilingual tooltips for better . Font adjustments for improved readability were added in v7.0, allowing users to modify text rendering in the . Accessibility features ensure broader compatibility. High-contrast modes, introduced in v8.0.4, aid users with visual impairments by enhancing element visibility. The portable version allows installation-free operation, ideal for temporary use on shared or restricted systems without altering registry or requiring admin rights beyond testing needs. Per-monitor DPI awareness and zoom support, refined in v8.0 via the Project Priscilla UI library, enable flexible window scaling on multi-display setups. These elements collectively prioritize intuitive interaction without compromising performance data accuracy.

Software Editions

Standard Edition

The Standard Edition of CrystalDiskMark represents the base, unthemed iteration of the disk software, emphasizing core functionality without incorporating artwork or aesthetic customizations. This prioritizes a straightforward , making it suitable for environments where visual elements are unnecessary. It is distributed in two primary formats: a setup installer () for standard and a portable archive for direct execution without . Downloads for the Standard Edition are hosted exclusively on the official Crystal Dew World website at crystalmark.info. The most recent release, version 9.0.1 from June 2025, has a compact file size of approximately 3.5 MB for the portable ZIP, ensuring quick acquisition even on slower connections. The x64 installer does not support or Server 2003, but the portable ZIP does; overall compatibility spans through and corresponding Server editions (2003 onward), across x86, x64, and ARM64 architectures. Users can enable auto-updates directly from the application's menu to receive notifications and apply patches seamlessly. Distinct from its variants, the Standard Edition employs a default light theme and omits any bundled promotional or extraneous content, rendering it optimal for professional workflows or minimalist configurations. It encompasses the full suite of capabilities—such as sequential and random read/write tests—unencumbered by visual distractions like custom icons or themed splash screens. This neutral presentation aligns with users seeking unadorned performance evaluation tools. In terms of operation, the Standard Edition shares the identical underlying engine with themed counterparts, differing solely in the absence of character-based graphical elements. It accommodates scripting through command-line arguments, enabling automated runs. As the foundational offering, it serves as the primary choice for the majority of downloads, reflecting its appeal for functional reliability over stylistic enhancements.

Themed Editions

CrystalDiskMark offers several themed editions that incorporate anime-inspired artwork and visual customizations to engage communities, featuring mascots such as Suisho Shizuku and . These variants include the Shizuku Edition, which utilizes crystal droplet visuals centered around the Suisho Shizuku mascot and offers multiple sub-themes like Sakura, , and ; the Edition, introduced in version 8.0.5 and featuring a blue-themed interface with the Suisho Aoi mascot in light and dark modes; and the Tsukumo Tokka Edition, added in version 8.0.2 as a with PC retailer Tsukumo, featuring character-focused elements based on their virtual salesperson mascot. While sharing the identical benchmarking engine with the standard edition, these themed releases differ primarily in , including customized screens, icons, artwork, and color schemes—for instance, the Aoi Edition incorporates a prominent palette. The Shizuku Edition serves as the original themed variant, dating back to version 3.0.2 in 2012, while others like Tsukumo Tokka emphasize collaborative character integrations. All themed editions are available as separate downloads from the official Crystal Dew World website, alongside the standard edition, and are updated in tandem with major releases such as version 8.0.6 in 2024 and 9.0.0 in 2025. Introduced progressively since 2020 to diversify user engagement without modifying the core codebase, these editions have evolved to include expanded options, such as the addition of and themes in Shizuku updates. They hold particular appeal in and , where the fun, culturally resonant visuals attract enthusiasts seeking an entertaining twist on .

Related Software

CrystalDiskInfo

CrystalDiskInfo is a free, open-source utility developed by hiyohiyo for monitoring the health of hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) using S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology). Initially released on May 22, 2008, it provides users with detailed insights into drive conditions to help predict potential failures and prevent data loss. The software displays key metrics such as drive temperature, overall health status (ranging from 100% for optimal to lower values indicating degradation toward failure), and specific S.M.A.R.T. attributes like reallocated sector count, which tracks the number of defective sectors remapped to spare areas. It supports graphical visualizations of attribute trends over time, customizable alerts including email notifications for threshold breaches (requiring 4.8 or later), and compatibility with USB/external drives, RAID configurations, and NVMe interfaces on /Server 2016 and newer. These features enable proactive maintenance by highlighting issues like rising error rates before they lead to complete drive failure. CrystalDiskInfo integrates seamlessly with CrystalDiskMark, sharing a similar style and themed editions for aesthetic customization, allowing users to with CrystalDiskMark and then long-term with CrystalDiskInfo to assess any post-testing. Available in portable and installer formats, the latest , 9.7.2 released on August 31, 2025, includes enhancements like NVMe status improvements and dark mode menu support for better usability in modern Windows environments. Unlike performance benchmarking tools, CrystalDiskInfo emphasizes predictive maintenance through ongoing S.M.A.R.T. surveillance rather than measuring read/write speeds, helping users maintain drive reliability over time.

Amorphous Tools

AmorphousDiskMark is a macOS disk benchmarking application developed by Katsura Shareware, first released in 2016 as a functional equivalent to CrystalDiskMark for Apple computers. It replicates the original's user interface and test methodology, evaluating sequential and random read/write performance of storage devices in megabytes per second (MB/s) and input/output operations per second (IOPS). The tool supports both Intel-based and Apple Silicon Macs, running on macOS 10.9.5 and later, and is available as a free download from the developer's website or via the Mac App Store. Key features include configurable queue depths of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, or 1024 for sequential tests using 1 MiB blocks—updated from 128 KiB in (released November 3, 2019) and later to match CrystalDiskMark's version 7 standards—and 4 KiB blocks for random tests. While there is no shared codebase with the original Windows software, AmorphousDiskMark pays homage through its layout and profiles, making it a popular choice for cross-platform comparisons adjusted for macOS file systems such as APFS and HFS+. For instance, it has been widely used to assess SSD performance on and chips, often reporting sequential read speeds exceeding 6.5 GB/s on M1 Pro systems. Complementing the disk tool, AmorphousMemoryMark, introduced in January 2020 by the same developer, benchmarks RAM read/write speeds in gigabytes per second (/s). It employs sequential and random tests with 1 blocks for multi-threaded operations (supporting up to 64 threads) and 4 KiB blocks for , maintaining a consistent with AmorphousDiskMark for ease of use across and evaluations. Like its counterpart, it targets both and architectures on macOS 10.9 or later and is offered free on the developer's site and . These tools adapt CrystalDiskMark's for the macOS environment without direct code integration, incorporating platform-specific optimizations for accurate results on modern hardware like M-series chips. They are commonly employed by users and reviewers for SSD and testing, enabling methodology-aligned comparisons to Windows benchmarks while accounting for macOS filesystem behaviors. However, updates occur less frequently than for the original CrystalDiskMark, with the latest version of AmorphousDiskMark (4.0.1) released on June 17, 2023, and AmorphousMemoryMark (3.0) on January 5, 2022.

Marketing and Community

Mascot Characters

CrystalDiskMark and its related software from Crystal Dew World feature several anime-style mascot characters, primarily designed in a aesthetic to engage users through themed editions and promotional materials. These characters, created by various illustrators, embody themes of clarity, performance, and technology, drawing from pop traditions where cute, relatable figures enhance software appeal. The mascots appear in user interfaces, wallpapers, and visuals, fostering a sense of personality around the otherwise technical benchmarking tool. Suisho Shizuku serves as the primary , depicted as a 17-year-old girl embodying a droplet motif that symbolizes purity and clarity in . Introduced as a supporting character for Crystal Dew World in 2012, she features in the Shizuku Edition of CrystalDiskMark, where her illustrations integrate into the and promotional art. Her design, characterized by flowing , droplet accessories, and ethereal attire, was created by kirino kasumu, with a in developer lore portraying her as a "dew spirit" guardian of digital integrity. Suisho Aoi, Shizuku's cousin and a blue-haired 18-year-old high , was introduced in 2023 to commemorate Crystal Dew World's 25th anniversary, appearing in the Edition of CrystalDiskMark and CrystalDiskInfo. Her design emphasizes cool, efficient performance through icy blue tones and streamlined features, crafted by illustrator nijihashi sola. Aoi's role highlights themes of reliability and speed, with her images used in updated software themes to evoke a sense of modern, refreshing technology. Kurei Kei, also known as Pronama-chan, represents a dual-persona tech enthusiast: a formal, knowledgeable side and an informal, playful one, targeted at . Added to CrystalDiskInfo's Kurei Kei Edition in 2017, she features in related CrystalDiskMark promotions with illustrations by Ixy and official by Uesaka Sumire for interactive elements like alerts. Her energetic, gadget-loving design, often shown with tech accessories, appeals to audiences through community events and themed downloads. Tsukumo Tokka, an energetic salesperson for the PC retailer Tsukumo, was incorporated into CrystalDiskMark's Tsukumo Tokka Edition in . Depicted with vibrant, youthful features and storage-themed motifs like circuit patterns on her clothing, she targets younger users with her relatable, high-spirited personality. Tokka's design integrates promotional elements from Tsukumo's branding, emphasizing accessibility and fun in hardware benchmarking. These mascots, rendered in moe anime style by their respective artists, contribute to a vibrant community aspect, inspiring fan art and discussions on platforms like Pixiv, where users create derivative works featuring Shizuku and others in storage-related scenarios. While Kurei Kei includes official voice elements, the characters lack canonical voice acting beyond that, leading to unofficial fan dubs in online content.

Distribution and Support

CrystalDiskMark is distributed primarily through the official website at crystalmark.info, where users can download the standard edition and themed variants in installer or portable formats. The software is completely free with no advertisements or bundled offers, ensuring a clean installation process. For wider accessibility, mirrors host the downloads on reputable sites such as MajorGeeks, , and TechSpot. The open-source code is available on , allowing users to report issues, access releases, and contribute to development. Community support revolves around active discussions on platforms like , where users share troubleshooting tips and benchmark results, and for technical queries. The developer's site provides a section for common issues, supplemented by user-contributed translations that enable support for multiple languages, broadening its global reach. Development is sustained through voluntary donations via PayPal, Ko-fi, and Sponsors, a model in place since the project's early years. Maintenance involves regular updates to address bugs and enhance compatibility, such as the 9.0.1 release in June 2025, which fixed benchmarking issues in certain environments. Beta versions and testing occur through releases, ensuring timely patches for emerging hardware. The software maintains broad compatibility with Windows versions from XP to 11, including editions up to 2025 and ARM64 architectures. Feedback mechanisms handle common challenges, including reports of antivirus false positives, particularly from Windows Defender flagging temporary files during benchmarks. The developer encourages community contributions via GitHub for features like improved ARM support and enterprise-grade options. CrystalDiskMark has influenced storage benchmarking practices in the industry, frequently cited in professional reviews for its reliable sequential and random I/O metrics. Its widespread adoption underscores its role as a standard tool for evaluating drive performance across consumer and professional contexts.