Storage Maintenance on Arch Linux

INFO

Learn how to check hard drive properties and health using hdparm and smartctl or configure trim on Arch Linux.

Installation

1. Install the required packages:

   sudo pacman -S hdparm smartmontools

Package Info:

• hdparm → View and set hard drive parameters.
• smartmontools → Monitor hard drive health using S.M.A.R.T.

Checking Hard Drive Properties with hdparm

1. List all drives:

   lsblk

2. Check basic drive information:

   sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX

   Replace sdX with your actual drive (e.g., sda).

TIP

Use sudo hdparm -tT /dev/sdX to test drive read speed.

Checking Drive Health with smartctl (Simple)

1. Check if S.M.A.R.T is supported and enabled on your drive:

   sudo smartctl -i /dev/sdX

2. Get an overall health summary:

   sudo smartctl -H /dev/sdX

Checking Drive Health with smartctl (Advanced)

1. Check detailed S.M.A.R.T. data:

   sudo smartctl -a /dev/sdX

2. Perform a short self-test:

   sudo smartctl -t short /dev/sdX

   INFO

   You can also perform a long self-test.

3. View test results:

   sudo smartctl -l selftest /dev/sdX

Enabling TRIM for SSDs

INFO

TRIM improves SSD longevity and speed by clearing unused data blocks.

IMPORTANT

The tool hdparm works for SATA drives but doesn't work well with NVMe drives.

1. Check if your drive supports TRIM:

   sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdX | grep TRIM

2. Manually run TRIM:

   sudo fstrim -v /

3. Enable automatic TRIM:

   sudo systemctl enable --now fstrim.timer