AJA System Test

Overview

AJA System Test is a drive benchmark for checking whether storage can keep up with demanding video work. It is best suited to production and postproduction users who need results tied to a particular media format or AJA video device. The free Lite edition makes drive checks accessible, while PCIe bandwidth measurement requires the full version.

Key features

The graphical interface lets users choose a test type, drive, video size, frame rate, file size and connected video device. That focus on media settings makes the results more useful for estimating recording and playback capacity than a single generic speed figure. It can test network mapped drives as well as local storage.

Results are shown in MB/sec or FPS with graphs. Text reports can be copied into spreadsheets or other software for analysis and archiving, and results can be exported as text, PDF or SPX. Custom test profiles help users reuse configurations for recurring checks. The absence of CLI or automation makes it a weaker fit for scripted benchmarks or unattended test runs.

The full version adds PCIe bandwidth checks for PCIe based I/O devices and is included in AJA Desktop Software downloads. The tool is also included in retail software downloads for KONA, Io and T-TAP products. Users can continue to a download without signing up, and AJA offers technical support free of charge.

Pricing

AJA System Test Lite v16.0 costs nothing. The standalone Apple Store and Windows versions cover drive performance testing; the full version adds PCIe bandwidth testing. That makes Lite a sensible starting point for storage checks, but users assessing PCIe I/O need the full version through AJA Desktop Software downloads.

There is no free trial because the product is free, and no paid plan or seat limit is stated. The download path without signup also keeps the initial step straightforward.

Platforms

AJA System Test supports macOS and Windows. That covers common desktop environments in video production, though users on Linux will need another tool.

Who it's for

This is a practical choice for editors, postproduction teams and video operators who need to estimate whether a drive, including a network mapped drive, can sustain particular resolutions and codecs. Its configurable media tests and exportable reports suit repeatable evaluation and documentation. It is less appropriate for general purpose benchmarking that needs command line automation, or for PCIe bandwidth checks using Lite.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free drive testing on macOS and Windows makes it easy to assess storage without a paid plan.
• Pros: Media size, frame rate and device choices connect benchmark results to recording and playback needs.
• Pros: Graphs and text, PDF and SPX output support review, archiving and further analysis.
• Cons: PCIe bandwidth measurement is reserved for the full version, so Lite cannot answer that specific hardware question.
• Cons: No CLI or automation means repeated or scripted testing requires manual interaction.

Alternatives

For a broader directory of storage tools, browse Disk Benchmark Software or PC Benchmark Software.

• DaVinci Resolve is a freemium alternative for users who also need video editing; its free plan supports 60 fps Ultra HD at 3840 x 2160, while Studio costs $295, paid once.
• fio is a free option for Linux users or anyone preferring a command line disk benchmark.
• Buddi is free budgeting software, rather than a drive benchmark.
• Parkdale is another free option, with Android support alongside macOS and Windows.
• simple-disk-benchmark is a free, MIT licensed command line tool for users who want terminal based testing across Linux, macOS and Windows.
• Storage Benchmark Kit is a free option for Linux, macOS, Windows, API and self hosted use.
• AmorphousDiskMark is a free alternative for macOS users.
• AS SSD Benchmark is a free Windows freeware option.

Verdict

Choose AJA System Test if you need a free way to gauge drive capacity against video formats and report results on macOS or Windows. Its tailored test settings and export options are the strongest reasons to use it; look elsewhere for Linux support, scripted runs or PCIe testing without the full version.