What Is This Tool?
This tool allows users to convert data transfer values from IDE (PIO mode 0), a CPU-driven ATA timing mode for legacy devices, to IDE (UDMA mode 4), a faster Ultra DMA transfer mode with higher throughput. It is designed to assist with understanding and comparing transfer speeds between these standards.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the desired value in IDE (PIO mode 0) units
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Select IDE (PIO mode 0) as the source unit and IDE (UDMA mode 4) as the target unit
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Click convert to see the equivalent data transfer value in IDE (UDMA mode 4)
Key Features
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Converts values between IDE (PIO mode 0) and IDE (UDMA mode 4) data transfer rates
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Browser-based and easy to use with a clean interface
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Includes context and use cases relevant to legacy and embedded systems
Examples
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Converting 10 IDE (PIO mode 0) yields 0.5 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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Converting 20 IDE (PIO mode 0) yields 1 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
Common Use Cases
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Connecting legacy IDE drives in old PCs that only support PIO modes
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Configuring or troubleshooting DMA modes in BIOS or firmware for older hardware
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Benchmarking or maintaining vintage storage devices and recovering data
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure your hardware supports the required 80-conductor IDE cable for UDMA mode 4
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Use this tool for theoretical conversion; verify real-world performance with hardware tests
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Reference the converter when upgrading or comparing legacy drive configurations
Limitations
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Conversion values reflect theoretical maximum speeds and do not include real-world overhead
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Effectiveness depends on hardware and firmware capability to handle UDMA transfers
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Physical cable and device quality can affect actual data transfer performance
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (PIO mode 0)?
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IDE (PIO mode 0) is a CPU-driven ATA data transfer mode with slow timing, used primarily for compatibility with very old drives and controllers.
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Why use IDE (UDMA mode 4)?
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IDE (UDMA mode 4) offers much faster block data transfer using Ultra DMA at a maximum theoretical speed around 66.7 MB/s, requiring an 80-conductor IDE cable.
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Can this conversion reflect real device speeds?
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No, the conversion shows theoretical maximum rates and does not account for real-world factors like hardware condition or overhead.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 0)
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A slow ATA Programmed Input/Output timing mode where data transfer is CPU-driven and compatibility is prioritized for old devices.
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IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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A faster Parallel ATA transfer mode using Ultra DMA protocol with a higher maximum theoretical throughput requiring specific cabling.
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Ultra DMA
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A data transfer protocol used in IDE (UDMA mode 4) that moves blocks of data efficiently between host and storage device.