What does IDE (DMA mode 1) mean?

IDE (DMA mode 1) is a legacy ATA transfer mode where device data moves directly to system memory using Direct Memory Access, reducing CPU involvement and operating at moderate speeds.

How is IDE (PIO mode 4) different from IDE (DMA mode 1)?

IDE (PIO mode 4) is a CPU-driven transfer mode that uses programmed input/output timing with a theoretical maximum throughput of about 16.7 MB/s, contrasting with the CPU-offloading DMA mode 1.

Can this conversion be used for modern storage devices?

No, this conversion applies only to legacy IDE/ATA transfer modes and is not suitable for modern storage interfaces such as SATA or NVMe.

How to Convert from IDE (DMA mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4)

Learn how to convert data transfer rates from IDE (DMA mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4) for legacy ATA storage devices. Understand the differences between DMA and PIO modes and their common use cases.

IDE (DMA mode 1)

IDE (PIO mode 4)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

IDE (DMA mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4) Conversion Table

IDE (DMA mode 1)	IDE (PIO mode 4)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

IDE (DMA mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4) Conversion Table
IDE (DMA mode 1)	IDE (PIO mode 4)

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What Is This Tool?

This unit converter helps you translate data transfer values from IDE (DMA mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4), two legacy transfer modes on IDE/ATA storage devices. It clarifies relative throughput and timing differences between these modes, aiding performance tuning and troubleshooting of older storage systems.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in IDE (DMA mode 1) you wish to convert.
Select IDE (DMA mode 1) as the input unit and IDE (PIO mode 4) as the output unit.
Click convert to see the equivalent value in IDE (PIO mode 4).

Key Features

Converts legacy IDE data transfer rates between DMA mode 1 and PIO mode 4.
Provides a clear conversion factor for comparing throughput and timing modes.
Supports use in BIOS and driver configuration for legacy ATA devices.
Browser-based tool with straightforward input and output.
Handles conversions relevant to older PCs, embedded systems, and retro-computing.

Examples

2 IDE (DMA mode 1) equals 1.6024096386 IDE (PIO mode 4).
5 IDE (DMA mode 1) equals 4.0060240965 IDE (PIO mode 4).

Common Use Cases

Comparing transfer rates to tune legacy IDE/ATA device performance.
Configuring or troubleshooting BIOS and OS driver settings for older hardware.
Ensuring compatibility and benchmarking in embedded or industrial retro-computing environments.

Tips & Best Practices

Use this converter to understand relative speed differences rather than exact physical throughput.
Consider hardware and system configuration variations when interpreting results.
Apply conversions primarily to legacy IDE systems; newer protocols like SATA or NVMe are not compatible.
Verify BIOS and driver settings in conjunction with your conversion for accurate performance tuning.

Limitations

Conversion indicates relative throughput and timing differences, not exact physical data rates.
Actual performance can be affected by system configuration and hardware variations.
The maximum throughput of IDE (PIO mode 4) is limited to around 16.7 MB/s.
This conversion is valid only for legacy ATA/IDE interface protocols, not modern storage technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IDE (DMA mode 1) mean?: IDE (DMA mode 1) is a legacy ATA transfer mode where device data moves directly to system memory using Direct Memory Access, reducing CPU involvement and operating at moderate speeds.
How is IDE (PIO mode 4) different from IDE (DMA mode 1)?: IDE (PIO mode 4) is a CPU-driven transfer mode that uses programmed input/output timing with a theoretical maximum throughput of about 16.7 MB/s, contrasting with the CPU-offloading DMA mode 1.
Can this conversion be used for modern storage devices?: No, this conversion applies only to legacy IDE/ATA transfer modes and is not suitable for modern storage interfaces such as SATA or NVMe.

Key Terminology

IDE (DMA mode 1): A DMA transfer mode allowing ATA devices to move data directly to or from system memory with reduced CPU use, set for moderate-speed transfers.
IDE (PIO mode 4): A CPU-controlled programmed input/output timing mode for ATA devices characterized by specific timing and handshaking with a max throughput near 16.7 MB/s.
Conversion Rate: The factor used to convert quantities from IDE (DMA mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4), which is 1 IDE (DMA mode 1) = 0.8012048193 IDE (PIO mode 4).

Quick Knowledge Check

What type of transfer mode is IDE (DMA mode 1)?

A CPU-intensive mode controlling data directly

A Direct Memory Access mode minimizing CPU involvement

A network-based data transfer protocol

What is the maximum theoretical throughput of IDE (PIO mode 4)?

Approximately 33 MB/s

Approximately 16.7 MB/s

No throughput limit

Is this conversion valid for SATA or NVMe devices?

Yes, it works for SATA and NVMe devices

No, it’s exclusive to legacy ATA/IDE protocols

Only for NVMe devices, not SATA

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