Parkdale is a free utility for measuring read and write speeds on hard disks, CD-ROM devices and network servers. It offers QuickAccess, FileAccess and BlockAccess modes. QuickAccess tests sequential and random access with 4KB blocks and 32 concurrent threads. FileAccess reads and writes test data in a regular file through the filesystem, while BlockAccess works directly with disk sectors and shows transfer rates over time. Users can compare and submit drive results on the Benchmark page. The Windows version includes command-line options for selecting a drive, file size and block size, and creating a log file. Parkdale supports Windows, macOS and Android; the maker lists operating systems ranging from Windows 11 through Windows 98, macOS 27 through 10.7, and Android 12 through 4.4. Supported interface languages include English, French, German, Greek, Italian and Russian. The maker says the software has no hidden data collection, though crash reporting and automatic update checks send a non-personal ID and operating-system version. Those features can be disabled. The software is free to download and use, with development supported by donations.
Who it is for
Parkdale suits people who want to measure drive or network-server read and write speeds on Windows, macOS or Android. Windows users can also use its command-line options.
What is good
- Provides three drive access modes.
- QuickAccess tests sequential and random access.
- Windows version includes command-line options.
- Available for Windows, macOS and Android.
- Crash reporting and update checks can be disabled.
What to know first
- Does not measure IOPS.
- Does not measure latency.
- Command-line options are listed for Windows only.
Verdict
Parkdale offers several ways to measure read and write speeds, including direct disk-sector tests and a Windows command line. It is free to use, though it does not provide IOPS or latency measurements.
Parkdale plans and pricing
All plansCompared on PC benchmark software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Random I/O tests
- Yes
- Sequential tests
- Yes
- IOPS measurement
- No
- Latency measurement
- No
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Android
- Command-line interface
- Yes
