What Is This Tool?
This converter translates data transfer rates measured in IDE (PIO mode 2), an older programmed input/output transfer standard for IDE drives, into kilobytes per second (kB/s). It helps interpret legacy device performance by expressing it in a widely recognized data rate unit.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 2) transfer mode units
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Select the target unit as kilobyte per second [kB/s]
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Click convert to see the equivalent transfer rate in kB/s
Key Features
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Converts IDE (PIO mode 2) transfer rates to kilobyte per second units
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Supports legacy computing and vintage hardware analysis
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Browser-based, easy to use without installation
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Provides clear, standardized output for comparing old and new data rates
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 2) equals 8105.46875 kB/s
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0.5 IDE (PIO mode 2) equals 4052.734375 kB/s
Common Use Cases
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Configuring or interpreting BIOS/firmware settings on older IDE hardware
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Diagnosing performance or compatibility issues on vintage computers
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Translating device driver reports indicating which PIO mode is active
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Comparing legacy data transfer speeds with current throughput standards
Tips & Best Practices
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Understand that IDE (PIO mode 2) reflects a legacy, non-DMA transfer mode
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Use kilobyte per second to standardize speeds for easier comparison
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Be aware of kilobyte size differences depending on SI or binary definitions
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Consider additional factors like overhead and media quality beyond raw rates
Limitations
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Conversion involves a legacy transfer mode with relatively low speed
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Reported kilobyte values may vary due to differing definitions (1000 vs 1024 bytes)
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Results do not include real-world factors such as error correction or overhead
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Does not predict actual file transfer durations or system performance
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (PIO mode 2)?
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It is an ATA/IDE interface timing standard for programmed input/output data transfers used by older drives without DMA support.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 2) to kilobyte per second?
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To express legacy transfer speeds in a modern, standardized unit that is easier to understand and compare.
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Does this conversion reflect actual file copy speeds?
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No, the conversion shows theoretical transfer rates and does not account for overhead, errors, or physical media conditions.
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What causes discrepancies in kilobyte per second measurements?
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Different definitions of a kilobyte—SI standard at 1,000 bytes and binary standard at 1,024 bytes—can cause slight variations.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 2)
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A legacy programmed input/output timing mode for ATA/IDE drives defining data transfer rates without DMA.
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Kilobyte per second [kB/s]
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A rate unit representing one kilobyte of data transmitted each second, typically 1,000 bytes according to SI, sometimes 1,024 bytes in binary context.
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PIO (Programmed Input/Output)
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A method where the CPU controls data transfers directly between the host and a storage device without using direct memory access.