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Question

How do i find the read/write spead of my usb drive?

Dec 15, 2014 8:06AM PST

I don't know how to do this. also besides storage capacity is there any other specs I should consider if I want to buy a new one?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
In particular...
Dec 15, 2014 9:52AM PST

are you thinking of "flashdrive". I don't think I have ever seen specification given to those devices. Maybe I am just not paying attention.

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Yes but how do I find my current usb drives speed?>
Dec 18, 2014 5:17AM PST

I cant find it online its an old geeksquad 16 gb flashdrive

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Too easy....just do a WEB search using your favorite search
Dec 18, 2014 10:40AM PST

engine.

VAPCMD

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I am curious now.
Dec 18, 2014 11:07AM PST

What's the story behind this information seeking. I think I know why I never pay attention is because I use it because of its convenient..not its speed. You know Geeksquad is Bestbuy and the flash drive was made by PNY.

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Answer
People want to measure this all the time. HOWEVER!!!
Dec 18, 2014 11:24AM PST

The raw speed is one thing but you know that block sizes change the speed as well as if we put 100 files in a folder then what happens to the speed as we place the 1,000th, 10,000th file and so on. (speed goes off the cliff!)

So there are benchmarks to test the speed but let's be clear the spec is not just 2 numbers but many!!!

Example at http://www.slashroot.in/linux-file-system-read-write-performance-test

Notice all the numbers from IOZONE?
Ever take a sip from a fire hose?
Bob

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Answer
Look at the USB 2 vs USB 3 specs
Dec 18, 2014 11:29AM PST

If your drive is USB 3 compatible, you'll be able to READ from it a lot faster than if it's USB 2. If your drive is older than about 2 years, it's in all likelihood USB 3. My USB 3 flash drive WRITES about the same speed as the USB 2 ones, but I can READ from it much faster due to the faster speed of the USB 3 ports.