Older Linux tuning guides often used hdparm to inspect or change hard disk transfer settings. This topic is mostly historical now because modern kernels, SATA controllers and SSDs handle most performance settings automatically.
Check disk information
sudo hdparm -I /dev/sdXReplace /dev/sdX with the actual disk. Use lsblk first if you are unsure.
Benchmark carefully
sudo hdparm -tT /dev/sdXThis gives a rough read-performance check. Do not treat it as a full storage benchmark.
Avoid old tuning flags
Old options for 32-bit transfers, DMA or interrupt-unmasking should not be copied blindly to current systems. Wrong disk settings can cause instability or data problems. For modern systems, prefer distribution defaults, SMART monitoring and proper storage drivers.