HDD testing software

[dryfly]

What are the available options for free programs out there to test the integrity of a new drive? I want to determine the number of bad sectors, etc.

Also, what should I look for to determine if a new SATA drive is acceptable as far as bad sectors?

 

[FishAk]

For testing a new drive, I recommend reading: http://forums.storagereview.com/ind...ead-this-first-before-putting-anything-on-it/

 

[Blain]

Boot from MHDD and check your HD.

 

[joetekubi]

You can boot any linux live distro, partition the drive, and run "mke2fs -v -c -c" to run a read-write test that extensively checks the drive for any unreadable sectors. What I don't know if is the bad block list survives any subsequent partition and reformat - say with ntfs or another file system. But the test is very thorough and time consuming

 

[razel]

What are the available options for free programs out there to test the integrity of a new drive? I want to determine the number of bad sectors, etc.

Also, what should I look for to determine if a new SATA drive is acceptable as far as bad sectors?

To test integrity or determine whether a drive is acceptable, I'd use the manufacturer's diagnosis utility which are often available online. It'll certify the drive before sending it off for RMA. It often will scan of the HDD's surface and when it encounters a bad sector, it'll map a new one or tell you to send it for RMA.

If you're interested in reading SMART values and determiniing it's health for yourself for Windows, there's plenty. Try HDDScan or CrystalDiskInfo.

 

[Emulex]

just long format in windows and fill it up they fail quite rapidly.

after a week it is going to be solid or not. based on my 2TB experience.