What is the difference between IDE (PIO mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 4)?

IDE (PIO mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 4) are CPU-controlled data transfer modes for ATA devices, with mode 4 supporting higher theoretical data throughput and different timing characteristics.

Why would I need to convert between these IDE PIO modes?

Converting helps compare data transfer speeds for diagnostics, firmware development, and benchmarking legacy devices in vintage computing or embedded systems.

Can I use this tool to predict real hardware transfer speeds?

No; the tool provides theoretical conversion values. Actual speeds depend on hardware conditions, configurations, and system factors.

How to Convert from IDE (PIO mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4)?

Convert data transfer rates between IDE (PIO mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 4), legacy CPU-driven timing modes for ATA storage devices, useful for diagnostics and benchmarking in vintage and embedded systems.

IDE (PIO mode 1)

IDE (PIO mode 4)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

IDE (PIO mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4) Conversion Table

IDE (PIO mode 1)	IDE (PIO mode 4)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

IDE (PIO mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4) Conversion Table
IDE (PIO mode 1)	IDE (PIO mode 4)

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What Is This Tool?

This tool enables conversion between IDE (PIO mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 4), two legacy Programmed Input/Output timing modes used by ATA/IDE storage devices. It helps users compare and analyze data transfer speeds under different CPU-driven timing configurations common in older computers and embedded systems.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the data transfer value in IDE (PIO mode 1) units
Select IDE (PIO mode 1) as the source unit and IDE (PIO mode 4) as the target unit
Click convert to see the equivalent value in IDE (PIO mode 4)
Use the results for diagnostics, development, or performance comparison

Key Features

Converts data transfer rates between IDE (PIO mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 4)
Based on defined conversion ratio to assist vintage computing and industrial use
Supports analysis and benchmarking of legacy ATA/PATA device performance
Browser-based and easy to use with no installation required

Examples

1 IDE (PIO mode 1) equals approximately 0.313 IDE (PIO mode 4)
5 IDE (PIO mode 1) equals approximately 1.566 IDE (PIO mode 4)

Common Use Cases

Configuring or diagnosing legacy PATA hard drives and optical drives in older or industrial PCs
Firmware development and debugging requiring CPU-driven data transfer modes
Benchmarking data transfer performance on vintage or embedded systems
Comparing legacy storage device performance for upgrade assessment
Ensuring system compatibility in retro-computing and industrial environments

Tips & Best Practices

Verify the exact mode and device specifications before conversion
Use the tool for analytical purposes rather than precise real-world throughput predictions
Cross-reference conversion results with hardware documentation for diagnostics
Be aware that device condition and configuration can affect actual transfer speeds

Limitations

The modes represent CPU-driven transfer speeds which may involve significant overhead
Actual throughput can vary due to system hardware, configuration, and device state
Conversion values are theoretical and do not guarantee exact real-world performance
Applicable only to legacy IDE/ATA devices operating in PIO timing modes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IDE (PIO mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 4)?: IDE (PIO mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 4) are CPU-controlled data transfer modes for ATA devices, with mode 4 supporting higher theoretical data throughput and different timing characteristics.
Why would I need to convert between these IDE PIO modes?: Converting helps compare data transfer speeds for diagnostics, firmware development, and benchmarking legacy devices in vintage computing or embedded systems.
Can I use this tool to predict real hardware transfer speeds?: No; the tool provides theoretical conversion values. Actual speeds depend on hardware conditions, configurations, and system factors.

Key Terminology

IDE (PIO mode 1): A legacy Programmed Input/Output mode where the CPU controls data transfer cycles with moderate throughput and higher CPU overhead in ATA/PATA devices.
IDE (PIO mode 4): A CPU-driven Programmed Input/Output timing mode with higher theoretical throughput, defining timing and handshaking between host and drive in older ATA/IDE devices.
Programmed Input/Output (PIO): A method of data transfer where the CPU directly manages each data transfer cycle with timing and control signals.

Quick Knowledge Check

What controls the data transfers in IDE (PIO) modes?

Direct Memory Access controller

The CPU

The graphics card

What is the conversion rate from IDE (PIO mode 1) to IDE (PIO mode 4)?

1 IDE (PIO mode 1) = 3.13 IDE (PIO mode 4)

1 IDE (PIO mode 1) = 0.313 IDE (PIO mode 4)

1 IDE (PIO mode 1) = 1 IDE (PIO mode 4)

For which systems is converting between these modes particularly useful?

Modern gaming PCs

Vintage computing and industrial embedded systems

Mobile smartphones

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