What Is This Tool?
This tool helps you convert data transfer values from IDE (PIO mode 0) to IDE (DMA mode 1), two modes used in legacy ATA/IDE storage interfaces. It supports users involved in diagnostics, system tuning, and compatibility checks on vintage hardware.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in IDE (PIO mode 0) units.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 0) as the source unit.
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Select IDE (DMA mode 1) as the target unit.
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Click convert to see the equivalent value in IDE (DMA mode 1).
Key Features
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Converts data transfer values between IDE (PIO mode 0) and IDE (DMA mode 1).
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Supports legacy IDE/ATA hardware performance analysis.
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Browser-based and easy to use without installation.
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Includes example calculations for reference.
Examples
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Convert 1 IDE (PIO mode 0) to IDE (DMA mode 1): 1 × 0.2481203008 = 0.2481203008 IDE (DMA mode 1).
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Convert 4 IDE (PIO mode 0) to IDE (DMA mode 1): 4 × 0.2481203008 = 0.9924812032 IDE (DMA mode 1).
Common Use Cases
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Connecting legacy IDE hard drives or optical drives in computers that only support PIO mode transfers.
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Troubleshooting and configuring BIOS or OS settings for ATA driver DMA modes.
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Performing system performance tuning on older controllers supporting legacy IDE devices.
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Conducting diagnostics and data recovery on vintage computing hardware.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this conversion when assessing differences between CPU-driven PIO transfers and DMA-based transfers.
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Consider the hardware environment as actual throughput may vary from theoretical values.
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Apply this tool primarily in legacy or embedded system contexts where these modes are relevant.
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Use the conversion to inform tuning or compatibility decisions for IDE/ATA devices.
Limitations
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This conversion assumes standard ATA timing modes; real-world results may differ based on hardware.
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IDE (PIO mode 0) offers significantly slower throughput compared to DMA modes.
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Modern systems generally do not use these modes, limiting use to specialized legacy scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (PIO mode 0) represent?
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It is an ATA/IDE PIO timing mode where data transfers occur under CPU control with slow throughput, mainly for compatibility with old hardware.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 0) to IDE (DMA mode 1)?
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To evaluate differences in data transfer efficiency and to aid system tuning or diagnostics when switching from PIO to DMA modes.
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Is IDE (DMA mode 1) faster than IDE (PIO mode 0)?
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Yes, IDE (DMA mode 1) allows direct memory access transfers reducing CPU load and offering higher data transfer speeds.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 0)
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A slow, CPU-controlled ATA/IDE data transfer mode for compatibility with old storage devices.
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IDE (DMA mode 1)
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An ATA/IDE data transfer mode allowing devices to perform direct memory access with minimal CPU load.
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Conversion Rate
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The multiplier (0.2481203008) used to convert from IDE (PIO mode 0) units to IDE (DMA mode 1) units.