What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer rates from gigabyte per second (GB/s), a modern high-speed measurement, to IDE (PIO mode 0), an older ATA/IDE interface timing mode known for slow CPU-driven transfers. It helps compare contemporary storage throughput with legacy device speeds.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer rate value in gigabyte per second [GB/s]
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Select the target unit as IDE (PIO mode 0)
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Click convert to see the equivalent IDE (PIO mode 0) value
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Use the result for hardware compatibility checks or performance comparisons
Key Features
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Converts data transfer speeds from gigabyte per second [GB/s] to IDE (PIO mode 0)
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Offers understanding of the speed difference between modern and legacy hardware interfaces
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Browser-based and easy to use without requiring software installation
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Provides example conversions to illustrate rate differences
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Supports users analyzing compatibility or performance with vintage storage devices
Examples
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0.5 GB/s equals approximately 162.69 IDE (PIO mode 0)
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2 GB/s converts to about 650.75 IDE (PIO mode 0)
Common Use Cases
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Assessing sequential read/write throughput of contemporary storage devices compared to legacy IDE devices
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Conducting diagnostics and data recovery on vintage computers with IDE PIO mode 0 drives
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Ensuring BIOS or firmware compatibility with old ATA/IDE hardware
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Designing embedded or low-cost systems relying on CPU-driven ATA data transfers
Tips & Best Practices
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Clarify which gigabyte definition (decimal GB or binary GiB) applies to your data for accurate comparisons
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Use the tool primarily for understanding relative speed differences rather than precise performance predictions
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Consider the low maximum throughput of IDE (PIO mode 0) when planning data transfer tasks
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Be aware that actual IDE (PIO mode 0) speeds can differ due to hardware and system conditions
Limitations
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The IDE (PIO mode 0) unit represents a very slow maximum throughput (~3.3 MB/s) unsuitable for high-speed transfers
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Conversion assumes standard gigabyte definitions without adjusting for binary gibibyte variations
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Real-world IDE PIO mode 0 performance may vary, so theoretical rates might not reflect practical speeds
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does one gigabyte per second represent?
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One gigabyte per second (GB/s) indicates the rate of transferring one gigabyte of data every second, using a standard definition where 1 GB equals 10^9 bytes.
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Why is IDE (PIO mode 0) much slower than GB/s rates?
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IDE (PIO mode 0) uses CPU-driven transfers without DMA, resulting in a low maximum throughput around 3.3 megabytes per second, far below modern gigabyte per second speeds.
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When is converting GB/s to IDE (PIO mode 0) useful?
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This conversion is helpful when comparing modern transfer speeds to old IDE interfaces for compatibility analysis, vintage hardware diagnostics, and embedded system development.
Key Terminology
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Gigabyte per second [GB/s]
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A data transfer rate unit representing the movement of one gigabyte (10^9 bytes) of data per second.
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IDE (PIO mode 0)
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An ATA/IDE data transfer mode using CPU-driven programmed input/output with low maximum throughput, suited for legacy hardware.