What Is This Tool?
This converter translates the data transfer speed defined by IDE (DMA mode 0), a low-speed DMA transfer mode for legacy ATA/IDE devices, into kilobyte per second using the decimal (SI) unit. It helps bridge older hardware speed measures with modern standard units.
How to Use This Tool?
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Input the value in IDE (DMA mode 0) units to convert.
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Select kilobyte per second (SI definition) as the output unit.
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Run the conversion to obtain the equivalent data transfer rate.
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Review the output to analyze or compare with standard data speeds.
Key Features
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Converts IDE (DMA mode 0) data transfer speeds to kilobyte/second (SI definition).
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Uses a direct conversion rate of 1 IDE (DMA mode 0) = 4200 kB/s (SI).
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Supports clear understanding of legacy device throughput in contemporary units.
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Ideal for diagnostics, driver development, and embedded system interfacing.
Examples
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2 IDE (DMA mode 0) equals 8400 kilobyte/second (SI def.).
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0.5 IDE (DMA mode 0) equals 2100 kilobyte/second (SI def.).
Common Use Cases
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Relating legacy ATA device DMA modes to standardized data speed units for reporting.
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Evaluating throughput of older PATA hard drives during hardware diagnostics.
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Integrating legacy storage speed data in embedded or industrial system analysis.
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Configuring and testing OS or BIOS drivers handling IDE device DMA modes.
Tips & Best Practices
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Always confirm unit definitions before conversion to avoid misinterpretation.
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Use the tool for legacy device analysis rather than modern storage benchmarks.
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Interpret the kilobyte/second (SI) outputs as decimal-based rates, distinct from binary values.
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Apply conversions for performance comparisons and reports involving older ATA devices.
Limitations
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IDE (DMA mode 0) applies only to older ATA/IDE devices and does not reflect speeds of modern interfaces.
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Kilobyte/second (SI) is decimal-based and may slightly deviate from binary-based units.
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Conversion does not cover performance attributes beyond throughput rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (DMA mode 0)?
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IDE (DMA mode 0) is the earliest direct memory access transfer mode for ATA/IDE devices that moves data blocks directly to system memory without CPU intervention, defined in the ATA multiword DMA specification.
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What does kilobyte/second (SI def.) mean?
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A kilobyte per second (SI def.) is a data rate equal to 1000 bytes per second, quantifying the amount of data transmitted or processed each second using decimal prefixes.
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Why convert IDE (DMA mode 0) to kilobyte/second (SI def.)?
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Converting helps understand legacy IDE drive speeds in standard, widely used units for easier comparison, analysis, and reporting in modern contexts.
Key Terminology
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IDE (DMA mode 0)
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The first direct memory access transfer mode for ATA/IDE devices, defining a low-speed method for moving data blocks directly to system memory without CPU-driven I/O.
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Kilobyte/second (SI def.)
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A data transfer rate unit representing 1000 bytes transferred per second, using decimal prefixes distinct from binary-based units.
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Direct Memory Access (DMA)
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A data transfer technique that allows hardware devices to send data directly to system memory without CPU involvement.