What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms values between IDE (PIO mode 2) and IDE (PIO mode 3), two legacy CPU-driven data transfer modes used by older IDE storage devices. It's designed to assist users in comparing performance and configuring device timing.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter a value in IDE (PIO mode 2) to convert.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 2) as the source unit and IDE (PIO mode 3) as the target unit.
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Click convert to see the equivalent value in IDE (PIO mode 3).
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Use results for performance analysis or configuring older IDE devices.
Key Features
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Converts data transfer units from IDE (PIO mode 2) to IDE (PIO mode 3).
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Useful for legacy BIOS and firmware drive timing interpretation.
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Supports diagnostics and compatibility checks for vintage IDE drives.
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Browser-based and easy to use for retrocomputing applications.
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 2) equals approximately 0.7477 IDE (PIO mode 3).
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5 IDE (PIO mode 2) converts to roughly 3.7387 IDE (PIO mode 3).
Common Use Cases
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Interpreting legacy BIOS or firmware drive timing settings for old IDE drives.
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Diagnosing performance or compatibility issues on vintage personal computers.
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Validating device driver reports showing IDE transfer modes.
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Supporting embedded systems that interface with older IDE devices.
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Comparing historical storage mode speeds in retrocomputing projects.
Tips & Best Practices
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Always confirm the current PIO mode before conversion for accurate results.
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Use the converter to support troubleshooting on older IDE-based hardware.
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Remember that results reflect theoretical transfer ratios and not exact speeds.
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Consider context such as hardware and system environment when interpreting results.
Limitations
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Conversion expresses theoretical timing and speed ratios, not precise throughput.
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Both IDE (PIO mode 2) and PIO mode 3 are legacy standards replaced by DMA and SATA.
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Real-world performance may vary due to hardware and environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (PIO mode 2)?
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PIO mode 2 is a legacy ATA/IDE timing standard for CPU-driven data transfer between host and storage devices, used mainly in older IDE hard drives and optical drives.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 2) to PIO mode 3?
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Converting helps compare or transition between these legacy transfer modes for performance diagnostics and compatibility assessments on vintage IDE devices.
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Is the conversion value exact?
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The conversion reflects theoretical transfer timing differences and may not precisely represent actual throughput due to hardware or environmental factors.
Key Terminology
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PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode
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An ATA/IDE interface timing specification defining CPU-driven data transfer between a host and storage devices without DMA.
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IDE (Parallel ATA)
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An older interface standard for connecting storage devices like hard drives and optical drives to a computer.
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DMA (Direct Memory Access)
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A method of data transfer that allows devices to communicate directly with memory, bypassing CPU involvement.