What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer speeds measured in IDE (PIO mode 3), a legacy storage device transfer mode, into gigabit per second using the SI standard. It helps relate older storage device throughput to modern network data rates.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer rate value in IDE (PIO mode 3) units.
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Select gigabit/second (SI definition) as the target unit.
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Click convert to receive the equivalent data transfer rate in gigabits per second.
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Use the conversion results to compare or integrate legacy and modern data rates.
Key Features
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Converts IDE (PIO mode 3) transfer rates to gigabit/second (SI def.) units.
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Provides clear unit definitions and real-world use contexts.
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Handles legacy storage and modern networking comparisons with ease.
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Browser-based and straightforward interface for quick conversions.
Examples
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5 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals 0.444 gigabit per second (SI def.).
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10 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals 0.888 gigabit per second (SI def.).
Common Use Cases
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Comparing legacy desktop or laptop hard drive speeds to modern network rates.
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Converting transfer speeds for embedded or industrial systems using older IDE devices.
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Performance testing and benchmarking in retrocomputing environments.
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Relating storage device throughput to fiber-optic or broadband network link rates.
Tips & Best Practices
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Consider that IDE (PIO mode 3) uses theoretical maximum throughput, so actual speeds may vary.
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Use conversions to get approximate comparisons but be aware of differences in data transfer protocol overhead.
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Ideal for integration and benchmarking when comparing byte-based and bit-based transfer rates.
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Apply the tool for educational, development, or testing scenarios involving legacy devices.
Limitations
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The conversion is based on theoretical maximum throughput and excludes overhead or inefficiencies.
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IDE (PIO mode 3) transfer is byte-based and non-continuous, unlike bit streams in networking.
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Direct numeric comparisons may not fully reflect practical performance differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (PIO mode 3)?
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IDE (PIO mode 3) is a programmed input/output transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE devices defined by ATA standards, driven by the CPU with a theoretical maximum throughput of about 11.1 megabytes per second.
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How is gigabit/second (SI def.) defined?
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A gigabit per second (SI definition) equals 1 billion bits per second and is commonly used in networking to measure link capacity and data throughput.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 3) to gigabit/second (SI def.)?
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Conversion helps express legacy storage device speeds in standard network data rates for comparisons, integration, and benchmarking against modern transfer speeds.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 3)
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A programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE storage devices, driven by the CPU with a theoretical max throughput around 11.1 MB/s.
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Gigabit per second (SI def.)
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A data transfer speed equal to 10^9 bits per second, commonly used in networking and communications.
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Data Transfer Rate
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The speed at which data is transmitted or processed, measured in units such as megabytes per second or gigabits per second.