What Is This Tool?
This converter allows users to translate transfer mode values from IDE (DMA mode 2), a Multiword DMA mode, to IDE (UDMA mode 1), an Ultra DMA mode. Both relate to legacy Parallel ATA (PATA/IDE) interfaces commonly found in older storage devices and help balance transfer speed and compatibility.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (DMA mode 2) units you want to convert.
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Select IDE (UDMA mode 1) as the target unit for conversion.
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent value in IDE (UDMA mode 1).
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Use the converted result to aid in device configuration or performance analysis.
Key Features
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Supports conversion between two legacy IDE data transfer modes.
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Based on defined theoretical conversion rate between IDE (DMA mode 2) and IDE (UDMA mode 1).
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Useful for configuring or diagnosing older PATA/IDE hard drives and optical drives.
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Facilitates benchmarking and troubleshooting vintage storage devices.
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Browser-based tool that is easy to use with instant conversion.
Examples
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1 IDE (DMA mode 2) equals 0.664 IDE (UDMA mode 1).
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5 IDE (DMA mode 2) converts to 3.32 IDE (UDMA mode 1) by multiplying 5 by 0.664.
Common Use Cases
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Configuring legacy PATA/IDE hard drives and optical drives to use DMA transfer modes.
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BIOS or firmware setup for selecting appropriate IDE transfer modes on vintage PCs.
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Benchmarking older IDE devices by relating DMA and UDMA mode performance values.
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Troubleshooting data transfer errors or compatibility issues in legacy storage systems.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this tool to verify or compare transfer modes during hardware configuration.
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Consult device documentation when adjusting BIOS or driver settings for IDE devices.
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Keep in mind cable quality and controller compatibility can affect real-world transfer rates.
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Use the conversion as a guide to balance throughput and error handling on legacy systems.
Limitations
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Both IDE (DMA mode 2) and IDE (UDMA mode 1) are legacy modes with limited modern hardware support.
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The conversion rate represents theoretical maxima and actual performance may differ based on cable and system factors.
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Conversion reflects relative throughput but cannot guarantee exact data rates in all environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (DMA mode 2) mean?
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It is a Multiword DMA transfer mode in the Parallel ATA (IDE) interface that allows the device to transfer data directly to or from system memory with less CPU usage.
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Why convert IDE (DMA mode 2) to IDE (UDMA mode 1)?
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Users convert between these to compare or set compatible transfer modes on legacy systems, balancing throughput performance and timing/error management.
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Are these transfer modes supported on modern hardware?
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No, both are legacy modes primarily used in older PATA/IDE devices with limited or no support in current hardware.
Key Terminology
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IDE (DMA mode 2)
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A Multiword DMA transfer mode in the Parallel ATA interface that enables efficient data movement with minimal CPU overhead on legacy devices.
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IDE (UDMA mode 1)
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An Ultra DMA transfer mode for PATA devices offering a theoretical throughput of about 25 MB/s used for timing and error-checking.
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PATA/IDE
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Parallel ATA, also known as IDE, is an interface standard for connecting storage devices to a computer, used predominantly in legacy systems.