How to use the command `f3write` (with examples)
f3write is a command-line tool that allows users to write test files to a given directory in order to fill a drive and test its real capacity. This command is part of the F3 package, which includes other helpful tools such as f3read, f3probe, and f3fix. By using f3write, users can easily generate data on a drive for testing purposes.
Use case 1: Write test files to a given directory
Code:
f3write path/to/mount_point
Motivation:
The motivation behind using this example is to fill a drive with test files in order to check its real capacity. This can be useful when testing new drives, verifying the capacity of existing drives, or ensuring accurate data storage. By writing test files to a given directory, users can simulate real-world conditions and assess the drive’s performance and capacity.
Explanation:
f3write: This is the command used to initiate the write test files operation.path/to/mount_point: This argument specifies the directory location where the test files will be written. It should point to the mount point directory of the drive that needs to be tested.
Example output:
Filling 953 GiB (1008488105984 bytes), 1567 mins remaining
In this example, the command is writing test files to a drive with a capacity of 953 GiB. The output message indicates the size of the drive being filled and estimates the remaining time for the operation to complete.
Use case 2: Limit the write speed
Code:
f3write --max-write-rate=kb_per_second path/to/mount_point
Motivation:
The motivation behind using this example is to control the write speed during the test file writing process. By limiting the write speed, users can mimic specific conditions and assess the performance and behavior of the drive under different scenarios. This can be particularly useful for benchmarking drives or analyzing their behavior under high or low write speeds.
Explanation:
--max-write-rate=kb_per_second: This argument allows users to specify the maximum write rate in kilobytes per second. The “kb_per_second” value should be replaced with the desired write rate (e.g., 5000 for 5000 kilobytes per second).
Example output:
Filling 953 GiB (1008488105984 bytes), 1567 mins remaining
Write speed limited to 5000 kb/s
In this example, the command is writing test files to a drive with a capacity of 953 GiB. The output message indicates the size of the drive being filled and estimates the remaining time for the operation to complete. Additionally, the write speed is limited to 5000 kilobytes per second, as specified in the command.
Conclusion:
The f3write command is a powerful tool for filling drives with test files and assessing their real capacity. By following the provided examples, users can easily generate data, control the write speed, and analyze the performance and behavior of their drives. Whether testing new drives or validating the capacity of existing ones, f3write is a valuable command-line tool for drive testing and analysis.
