### 2. How can I verify the performance of my hard disk?

Run the benchmark functions and compare the results with the results from the database.
The graph should show that the hard disk starts at its maximum speed and slows down towards the end of the test.
A few downward spikes in the graph are not a problem. It means that another application or Windows was accessing the hard disk during the test.
An important parameter of the test is the Burst Rate. This value should always be higher than the maximum transfer rate.
A lower value is usually an indication of a configuration problem.
Some common problems are:

#### a) UDMA mode not active

Symptoms:

- the transfer rate is a flat line at +/- 3 MB/sec
- burst rate is +/- 3 MB/sec
- CPU usage is very high

Solution:
Enable Ultra DMA:

- Click on the Start button
- Select Run...
- Type devmgmt.msc in the dialog box and press enter

This will bring up the Device Manager.

- Expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers
- Double-click on either the Primary IDE Channel or Secondary IDE Channel
- Go to the Advanced Settings and make sure DMA if available is selected

Usually the hard disk is connected to the primary IDE channel.

#### b) UDMA mode 2 active

Symptoms:

- the transfer rate is a flat line at 20-30 MB/sec
- burst rate is +/- 30 MB/sec

Solution:
The maximum data transfer mode is UDMA mode 2 if a 40-wire IDE cable is used. Use an 80-wire IDE cable to use the full potential of your drive.