What Is This Tool?
This converter enables users to translate data transfer rates expressed in gigabytes per second into IDE (PIO mode 2) units, allowing for the comparison and evaluation of modern throughput values against legacy ATA/IDE interface timing specifications.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in gigabyte per second (GB/s) you wish to convert.
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Select the conversion to IDE (PIO mode 2) units.
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Click convert to see the equivalent IDE (PIO mode 2) value.
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Use the results to compare or evaluate legacy device transfer timings.
Key Features
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Converts data transfer rates from GB/s to IDE (PIO mode 2).
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Supports evaluations for legacy computer hardware configurations.
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Browser-based and easy to use with clear unit definitions.
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Includes example calculations for quick reference.
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Helps relate modern transfer speeds with older device timing modes.
Examples
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Converting 0.5 GB/s results in approximately 64.68 IDE (PIO mode 2).
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A transfer rate of 2 GB/s converts to about 258.73 IDE (PIO mode 2).
Common Use Cases
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Configuring or interpreting legacy BIOS and firmware drive timing settings for older IDE drives.
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Diagnosing performance or compatibility problems on vintage PCs or when systems revert from DMA to PIO mode.
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Analyzing reports from device drivers or utilities that indicate the active IDE transfer mode.
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Understanding transfer capabilities when working with both modern and older storage technologies.
Tips & Best Practices
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Clarify whether your gigabyte values use SI or binary conventions before conversion.
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Use the converter primarily for evaluation rather than precise benchmarking due to legacy limitations.
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Consider system-specific factors when interpreting results, especially in vintage hardware contexts.
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Cross-check results when comparing multiple devices or configurations involving different transfer modes.
Limitations
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The conversion equates a modern data transfer rate to a legacy timing mode which was not standardized for bandwidth, so values are approximate.
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Device and system differences, as well as SI versus binary gigabyte distinctions, can affect conversion applicability.
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IDE (PIO mode 2) transfers are CPU-driven and inherently slower, limiting direct performance comparisons with contemporary GB/s speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does gigabyte per second (GB/s) represent?
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Gigabyte per second describes the transfer of one gigabyte of data every second, with definitions varying between SI and binary conventions.
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Why convert GB/s to IDE (PIO mode 2)?
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To compare modern data transfer rates with legacy IDE interface timings, especially for troubleshooting or configuring older systems.
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Is the conversion exact?
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No, because IDE (PIO mode 2) is a legacy timing mode, not a direct bandwidth unit, so the conversion is approximate and context-dependent.
Key Terminology
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Gigabyte per second (GB/s)
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A unit measuring data transfer rate of one gigabyte per second, with SI unit 1 GB = 10^9 bytes or sometimes binary gigabytes (gibibytes).
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IDE (PIO mode 2)
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A legacy ATA/IDE interface timing specification for CPU-driven data transfers, representing an older PIO mode used by IDE hard drives and optical drives.
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PIO (Programmed Input/Output)
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A method where the CPU controls data transfers without DMA, used in older IDE interface modes including PIO mode 2.