What Is This Tool?
This converter helps you translate data transfer values from IDE (DMA mode 0), a basic direct memory access mode for ATA/IDE devices, to IDE (UDMA mode 2), a faster Ultra DMA mode known as ATA/33. It aids in understanding and comparing transfer capabilities between these legacy modes.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in IDE (DMA mode 0) units you want to convert.
-
Select IDE (DMA mode 0) as the source unit and IDE (UDMA mode 2) as the target unit.
-
Click the convert button to get the equivalent value in IDE (UDMA mode 2).
-
Use the result to assess or configure device data transfer modes.
Key Features
-
Converts data transfer rates between IDE (DMA mode 0) and IDE (UDMA mode 2).
-
Supports legacy PATA/IDE hard drives and embedded systems with ATA interfaces.
-
Facilitates performance comparison and troubleshooting of older ATA devices.
Examples
-
5 IDE (DMA mode 0) translates to approximately 0.6364 IDE (UDMA mode 2).
-
10 IDE (DMA mode 0) converts to about 1.2727 IDE (UDMA mode 2).
Common Use Cases
-
Setting or verifying legacy PC BIOS and drive controller DMA modes.
-
Benchmarking and comparing throughput of older PATA drives.
-
Troubleshooting hardware and driver issues on PATA systems.
-
Configuring embedded or industrial systems with legacy IDE interfaces.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Verify the device supports the target UDMA mode before configuration.
-
Use the converter to estimate transfer mode improvements.
-
Check BIOS or driver settings after conversion to ensure proper negotiation.
-
Remember this tool reflects theoretical modes, actual performance may vary.
Limitations
-
Conversion expresses relative transfer mode speeds, not exact throughput.
-
Applicable only to legacy PATA/IDE devices, not modern SATA or NVMe.
-
Hardware and firmware factors can influence actual data transfer rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does IDE (DMA mode 0) mean?
-
IDE (DMA mode 0) is the first and slowest direct memory access transfer mode defined for ATA/IDE devices, enabling data moves without CPU-driven input/output.
-
Why convert to IDE (UDMA mode 2)?
-
Converting to IDE (UDMA mode 2) helps compare and configure older drives for faster ATA/33 transfers, improving performance in legacy systems.
-
Is this conversion valid for modern drives?
-
No, this conversion only applies to legacy PATA/IDE devices and not to newer SATA or NVMe storage technologies.
Key Terminology
-
IDE (DMA mode 0)
-
The lowest-speed direct memory access mode defined for ATA/IDE devices, moving data blocks into system memory without CPU-driven I/O.
-
IDE (UDMA mode 2)
-
An Ultra DMA transfer mode for PATA interfaces, also called ATA/33, offering a theoretical maximum transfer rate of about 33.3 MB/s.
-
PATA
-
Parallel ATA, a legacy interface standard for connecting storage devices like hard drives and optical drives.