verifydump

Overview

verifydump is a command-line verifier for compressed CHD and RVZ disc images, aimed at emulator users maintaining collections against Redump preservation data. It is a focused, free tool, but it suits users willing to install format-specific utilities and work from a command line.

Key features

Provide a Redump Datfile, zipped or uncompressed, followed by compressed dumps or folders. verifydump converts each image to the format the Datfile describes, adjusts it to Redump conventions, and checks the result. This gives collection owners a way to check compressed images against preservation records without keeping a converted copy.

CHD verification depends on MAME’s chdman and binmerge; RVZ verification depends on DolphinTool. The relevant tools must be installed and available on the system PATH, so setup is part of the job. verifydump says it does not modify original files and stops checking a dump after finding an error. For troubleshooting, --verbose provides more process output.

Some Redump cue metadata cannot be represented in CHD. Supplying original cue files with --extra-cue-source can address that gap; --allow-cue-file-mismatches lets users continue despite a mismatch, which is less suitable when exact cue metadata matters. Verification creates temporary converted files and deletes them afterward. Frequent checks or large collections can therefore mean repeated writes; the project suggests using a RAM drive to reduce SSD writes.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and covers the open-source command-line tool for checking CHD and RVZ images against Redump Datfiles. There is no free trial because the software is already free. No paid tier is needed to use the core verifier.

Platforms

verifydump supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Windows users can get an executable; Linux and macOS users can install it with pipx or another Python package installation method. The package requires Python 3.10 or later and below 3.16. The latest GitHub release is v1.0.1, with bug fixes and compatibility updates for newer tool versions.

Who it's for

This is best for emulator users who already keep compressed disc images and want to check them against Redump data. It is less compelling for anyone seeking a graphical collection manager or unwilling to arrange command-line dependencies. Bug reports and questions go through GitHub issues.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Checks both CHD and RVZ against Redump conventions, making it useful for validating compressed collections.
• Pro: Original files are not modified, and cue options provide a route through CHD metadata mismatches.
• Con: CHD and RVZ each require separate external utilities on the PATH, adding setup and maintenance.
• Con: Temporary conversions write files before deleting them, a consideration for frequent checks or large collections.
• Con: CHD cannot carry some Redump cue metadata, so exact matching may require original cue files.

Alternatives

For a broader ROM-management workflow, compare ROM Management Software. Igir is another free option across Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted setups; no usage or collection-size limit is stated for its free plan. OxyROMon has a free plan with no paid tiers or usage limits stated, and adds API, web, and self-hosted platforms. RomM is free forever, AGPL-3.0 licensed, and has no paid features, with Android, iOS, web, and self-hosted platforms among its supported options.

ClrMamePro is a free alternative for Linux and Windows. Gaseous is a free, open-source, AGPL-3.0 self-hosted server option. RomForge is a free MIT-licensed desktop app for Linux, macOS, and Windows. ROMie is free to download and use, with no paid plans stated. ROMSorter is a free MIT-licensed option, though its current release is Windows x64 only.

Verdict

Choose verifydump if you want a free, focused check of CHD or RVZ images against Redump and are comfortable setting up the required command-line tools. Its main advantage is validating compressed images without altering originals; look elsewhere if dependency setup, temporary conversion writes, or CHD cue limitations do not fit your workflow.