What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to convert data transfer rates between IDE (DMA mode 2), a legacy PATA/IDE transfer mode, and SCSI (Fast Wide), a SCSI-2 interface mode offering higher throughput with a wider data bus. It helps users understand and compare transfer rates across these legacy storage interfaces.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the data transfer value in IDE (DMA mode 2) units
-
Select IDE (DMA mode 2) as the input unit if needed
-
Choose SCSI (Fast Wide) as the output unit
-
Click the convert button to see the equivalent SCSI (Fast Wide) rate
-
Review the results for comparing storage interface speeds
Key Features
-
Converts data transfer rates from IDE (DMA mode 2) to SCSI (Fast Wide)
-
Based on legacy PATA/IDE and SCSI-2 interface standards
-
Provides straightforward conversion using established nominal rates
-
Suitable for benchmarking and system configuration tasks
-
Browser-based and easy to use without installation
Examples
-
1 IDE (DMA mode 2) equals 0.83 SCSI (Fast Wide)
-
10 IDE (DMA mode 2) converts to 8.3 SCSI (Fast Wide)
Common Use Cases
-
Configuring or troubleshooting legacy PATA/IDE drives using DMA modes
-
Comparing throughput between IDE devices and SCSI-2 interfaces in older systems
-
Benchmarking transfer rates for storage performance analysis
-
Assisting in system configuration for legacy servers and workstations
-
Translating device transfer speeds to support interoperability analysis
Tips & Best Practices
-
Verify device transfer modes before conversion to ensure accurate input
-
Use this converter when working with legacy hardware configurations
-
Consider factors such as hardware quality and setup to interpret results
-
Compare nominal values cautiously with actual device performance
-
Use the tool to support troubleshooting and benchmarking efforts
Limitations
-
Conversion values represent theoretical transfer rates, not exact operational speeds
-
Actual throughput depends on hardware details like cable quality and signal integrity
-
Device negotiation settings may affect achievable transfer rates
-
Results do not account for specific hardware implementation variances
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does IDE (DMA mode 2) refer to?
-
IDE (DMA mode 2) is a Multiword DMA transfer mode for legacy PATA/IDE devices enabling direct memory data movement with minimal CPU use.
-
What is SCSI (Fast Wide)?
-
SCSI (Fast Wide) is a SCSI-2 interface mode using a 16-bit data bus with Fast timing, aimed at higher sustained device transfer rates compared to original 8-bit SCSI.
-
Why convert between IDE (DMA mode 2) and SCSI (Fast Wide)?
-
Conversion helps compare and translate data rates for configuring, benchmarking, and troubleshooting legacy storage systems using different interfaces.
Key Terminology
-
IDE (DMA mode 2)
-
A legacy Parallel ATA data transfer mode that uses Multiword DMA to move data with minimal CPU involvement for higher throughput than PIO modes.
-
SCSI (Fast Wide)
-
A SCSI-2 interface mode featuring Fast timing at 10 MHz and a 16-bit wide data bus enabling higher sustained transfer rates compared to original 8-bit SCSI.
-
Multiword DMA
-
A method allowing IDE devices to transfer multiple words of data directly to or from system memory with reduced CPU overhead.