Download PSXReality Memory Stick Tester v1.0

PSXReality.net Memory Stick Tester v 1.0
Date : 1/2007
Author: mavy
website: http://www.psxreality.net
eMail: <nick> at psxreality.net   ( I doesn't look it too much...)

Portions of code using (graphics library, libpng, zlib, pspsdk) are property
of their authors.

The author (mavy) doesn't take any responsability of any damage nor issues that
could arise with the use of this software.

Memory Stick Tester is based on MSTest 1.0 by MIB42 (although I could only find
his .PBP)

==========================================================================
Introduction

Memory Stick Tester is created in order to provide a stable test for
check the throughput of memory stick cards.

It is well know that a bunch of ebay and now websites are selling  fake memory
sticks.

One of them was selled to me last week although the 'ticket' says SONY
( However I will no say its name, because I'm waiting a response from them...)

While testing MSTest I found that I had to convert the PBP to be able to run
it, and that some of the options (and results that some websites publishes)
are too random.

First, I have limited the test to 20 Megabytes. There is no sense in checking
further than this because the sceIoRead/Write needs a buffer in memory and
we have no more than this. Second small test should be repeated and measured in
a batch big enough to be able to compute his individual times. Third we should
compute stdev (better will be a c.i.) to see if the results are stable enough.

An example of the third point can be seen on some sticks, while we have
a good average, write throughput variates from 1 to 4 Mb. Now we can see this
with the stdev. High variability could mean a sign for some cache on mstick or
some bad components on it. As this kind of sticks are not stable, test will
last a bit more in order to provide some good result.

Fourth, memory stick performance depends of the size of the cluster, typically
the original psp format (on the system menu) give best results.

Finally all the test are running on a batch, and the results are saved as a text
file in the root of the ms0. As an extra we can generate a plot, saved on the
ms0:/PSP/PHOTO directory.

Please, in order to compare results with other people take some precautions :

  !) Most important, copy all your files to the harddrive, format the memory
  using the system menu from PSP, and copy again the files to the memory stick.
  As it happens on a real HD, fragmentation can affect.
  A just formatted ultra-II can get more throughput (2MB/s) than a dirty one.


  a) Let the test finish
  (the duration of the test is proportional at the stability of your ms)
  In Sony ones, small block sizes last more than other brands. Please be
  patient.
   If possible disconnect running plugins
  c) Share the result.txt (Five columns, they are important)
  d) As a summary, result.png is a good way to share results.
  
=================================
USAGE

1. Simply execute it.
2. Put the memory stick under test on PSP
3. Press START to start the test
4. Look the results and wait.
You are now on the main menu and the results.txt is saved in the root.
5. Now you can press SQUARE to see the plot of the results
6. You can press SELECT in order to save an image of the
  previous plot to post on a webpage p.ex.
7. Triangle exits the application

Whenever you are on the main menu, you can switch the memory stick and
start another test with START.

================================
results...txt FORMAT

BlockSize  MeanWrite  StDevWrite   MeanRead  StDevRead


================================
FAQ :
  Q) Can the test be faster ?
  A) Yes, but it could be less reliable. We're seeking reliability.
  In my opinion it should be slower than this...

================================
TODO:
- Find a command to flush buffers to memory stick, although it seems
  not important, is very convenient. Real results could be a bit lower.
  sceIoSync doesn't seem to work.
  
- When no bugs are found, code will be released. Meanwhile I prefer
  to wait some weeks.