What Is This Tool?
This tool helps convert data transfer rates from IDE (DMA mode 2), a faster DMA-based transfer mode, to IDE (PIO mode 0), a slower CPU-driven transfer mode, to compare performance and compatibility in legacy IDE storage devices.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in IDE (DMA mode 2) units
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Select IDE (DMA mode 2) as the source unit and IDE (PIO mode 0) as the target unit
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Click convert to see the equivalent value in IDE (PIO mode 0)
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Use results to compare transfer speeds or configure legacy hardware
Key Features
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Converts values specifically between IDE (DMA mode 2) and IDE (PIO mode 0) transfer units
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Supports legacy PATA/IDE interface standard modes
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Facilitates understanding of transfer rate differences
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Browser-based and easy to use without installation
Examples
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1 IDE (DMA mode 2) equals approximately 5.03 IDE (PIO mode 0)
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2 IDE (DMA mode 2) equals approximately 10.06 IDE (PIO mode 0)
Common Use Cases
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Configuring or diagnosing legacy PATA/IDE hard drives and optical drives
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Firmware, BIOS, and device driver negotiation for transfer modes on older systems
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Benchmarking or troubleshooting legacy storage interfaces to explain observed transfer rates and CPU usage
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Connecting vintage IDE devices to systems that only support PIO modes
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Diagnostics and data recovery on older hardware without DMA support
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this converter to balance performance and compatibility on legacy systems
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Verify mode support in device BIOS or firmware before changing transfer configurations
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Understand that conversion reflects idealized rates rather than exact real-world throughput
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Consider CPU overhead and potential latency differences when interpreting results
Limitations
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Applies only to legacy IDE data transfer modes, not modern storage technologies
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Actual throughput can differ due to CPU overhead and latency between modes
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Driver and hardware compatibility may limit practical switching between modes
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Conversion results are comparative and do not guarantee exact performance
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (DMA mode 2)?
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It is a Multiword DMA mode 2 for Parallel ATA (IDE) devices that allows faster data transfers with minimal CPU load compared to PIO modes.
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Why convert IDE (DMA mode 2) to IDE (PIO mode 0)?
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To compare transfer rates and ensure compatibility or proper configuration of legacy hardware that may only support slower PIO modes.
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Does conversion represent actual data throughput?
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No, the conversion provides an idealized comparison and real throughput depends on CPU overhead, latency, and system compatibility.
Key Terminology
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IDE (DMA mode 2)
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A Parallel ATA data-transfer mode using Multiword DMA mode 2 that enables faster data transfers by minimizing CPU involvement.
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IDE (PIO mode 0)
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An ATA/IDE Programmed Input/Output timing mode that uses CPU-driven data transfers with lower throughput used for compatibility with old drives.
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PIO
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Programmed Input/Output - a data transfer method where the CPU actively manages data exchange with the storage device.