what's the best (paid or free) diagnostic tool for HDD and SSD?

[giantbucket]

as per subject - free or paid version is fine. would like a proper diagnostic tool that works on traditional hard drives as well as on SSDs, and ideally one that allows a portable install so that I can use it on my desktop and laptop machines, and MAYBE even on my office machine.

 

[animal]

if you have Seagate or Western digital hard drives, go to their respective manufacturer's website and download their diagnostic program. For WD it's called "Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows" (other versions available). For Seagate it's called "SeaTools for Windows" (other versions available). Not sure if they provide anything for SSDs.

 

[giantbucket]

ideally i'd want one that isn't brand-specific. i have drives from WD, Seagate, Hitachi, and SSDs from a bunch of mfg / brands. and i could likely come across / buy drives made by Toshiba as well.

oh, and upon thinking more, some drives are internal while others i can only access using a USB caddy of some sort.

 

[animal]

you might look into something like what SalvationData offers, here's a link to their website:

http://www.salvationdata.com/

there are other companies out there, but be prepared to spend some big bucks

 

[Y0GI]

I just found out about Hard Disk Sentinel in another thread: http://www.hdsentinel.com/
In spite of its name, it also has diagnostics and monitoring for SSDs.

I just downloaded and installed the trial version and I am considering purchasing the paid version. Have a look at it and see what you think!

Yogi

 

[giantbucket]

I just found out about Hard Disk Sentinel in another thread: http://www.hdsentinel.com/
In spite of its name, it also has diagnostics and monitoring for SSDs.

I just downloaded and installed the trial version and I am considering purchasing the paid version. Have a look at it and see what you think!

Yogi

ya, i came across it in another thread here, and also my local computer shop recommended it, so i just bought the Pro version (paid, not trial).

 

[Y0GI]

Looks like a very good product.

How much do they charge for the Pro version?

Yogi

 

[giantbucket]

the "BUY NOW" link says 28Eur/$35US, so i paid $44Cad. it's close enough to today's exchange rate.

from what i learned by emailing them, the Pro (single license) can be done either as a install OR as a portable. the Family (5 license) can be done in any combination of install & portable (eg 1 install + 4 portable, or 3 install + 2 portable), which is kinda cool. evidently one can also upgrade from Pro to Family for just the approx price difference, which was good enough to get me to get the Pro for now.

initial scans of my installed hard drives indicate that both of my old Seagate 7200.11 drives are iffy - one is "ok for now" and the other is "yeah, you should start backing up and get a replacement soon". i figured i'd need to replace them anyways, but at least now i know more and know which drive should get priority.

 

[Y0GI]

I was hoping that it was more like $20 US, but I may buy it anyway.

Thanks for the info on pricing and your experience! Good luck with it!

Yogi

 

[eaval]

ideally i'd want one that isn't brand-specific. i have drives from WD, Seagate, Hitachi, and SSDs from a bunch of mfg / brands. and i could likely come across / buy drives made by Toshiba as well.

oh, and upon thinking more, some drives are internal while others i can only access using a USB caddy of some sort.

Eurosoft's Tools are hands-down the best commercial hardware diagnostic software.
http://www.eurosoft-uk.com/qawin32.html
http://www.eurosoft-uk.com/pccheck.html