Crystal Disk Info is an open source software that reads raw SMART values, displays them as a table and displays the most important values - temperature, operating hours and number of starts – in an overview page. In addition, Crystal Disk Info can create graphs that allow you to see how a disk’s health deteriorates over time.
CrystalDiskInfo: Use only the portable version
Crystal Disk Info has a tray or warning mode, but it is only active if the program is always executed by Autostart. CrystalDiskInfo is an adware-financed installer and an ad-free portable variant. Access the portable version despite the slightly greater installation effort!
HD Tune: Pro version with self-test
HD Tune is available in a free and a paid version (about 25 Euro) on the market. While the fee-based variant is able to handle all types of SMART tests, the free version can only read current operating parameters. After all, the measured values are very good. The Pro variant can also run self-tests, access external hard disks and warn critical values.
Acronis Drive Monitor: Warns when data is at risk
The free Drive Monitor program from the hard disk specialist Acronis is characterized by a reduced, but very well adapted to the requirements in the SOHO (Small Office Home Office) range of functions. It provides an overview of the health status of drives, detects events that can cause data loss, and alerts you via tasklist or email when there is a risk of data loss. When the limits are reached, the tool informs about the respective parameter and refers to the forum and knowledge base.
SeaTools: Only for Seagate and Maxtor hard drives
Somewhat confusing: The Critical Events tab also contains software threats to data, such as Microsoft's Malware Removal Tool.
Not a pure SMART monitor, but a comprehensive diagnostic tool for Seagate and Maxtor hard drives are the SeaTools from Seagate. The main task of this program is to give customers the possibility to determine whether a hard disk defect actually exists - and therefore the sending of the disk to Seagate is worthwhile or an unusual behavior has other causes (viruses, power failure). Of course, the identification of SMART parameters and the start of self-tests is an essential part.
Positive: The SeaTools provide a way to force sector remapping. This is especially useful with plates that have first defects, but have the warranty period behind them. Such records can still be used for a while to exchange data ("film for friends"). SeaTools require .Net 4.0.
Similar to the SeaTools, Western Digitals Data Lifeguard is the diagnosis and repair tool of a large hard disk manufacturer. The program reads SMART values, performs self-tests, and prepares the collected information as a pass or fail. Like the SeaTools, it has no tray mode. The program must be started explicitly via context menu and "Start as administrator".
Ultimately, you do not have to test yourself. Whether a software is suitable for your own purposes, stands and falls with the stored drive database. The best SMART tool does not use anything if your harddisk is supported only rudimentarily - this is especially true for USB hard disks, because not every USB-to-SATA bridge with SMART transfer is recognized correctly.
The free programs of HDD Health and Acronis are a good choice for everyday use. Crystal Disk Info and HD Tune help you identify details.
WD Data Lifeguard: Western Digital only
Conclusion: Try it yourself!
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