What Is This Tool?
This converter allows users to transform data transfer speeds measured in IDE (PIO mode 3), a legacy CPU-driven transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE devices, into gigabyte per second (GB/s), a common unit for modern data transfer rates. It helps facilitate performance comparisons between older and current storage technologies.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value representing the data transfer rate in IDE (PIO mode 3)
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Select IDE (PIO mode 3) as the source unit and gigabyte/second [GB/s] as the target unit
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Click convert to see the equivalent data rate in gigabytes per second
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Use the results to compare legacy device speeds with modern transfer rates
Key Features
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Converts IDE (PIO mode 3) transfer rates to gigabytes per second (GB/s)
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Supports legacy device benchmarking and performance analysis
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Employs the SI decimal definition of gigabyte (1 GB = 10^9 bytes)
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Browser-based and easy to use without installation
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Useful for embedded, industrial, and retrocomputing contexts
Examples
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5 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals approximately 0.051688403 GB/s
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10 IDE (PIO mode 3) converts to about 0.103376806 GB/s
Common Use Cases
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Evaluating performance of legacy IDE hard drives and optical drives
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Retrocomputing and historical storage mode comparisons
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Embedded systems interfacing with older IDE devices without DMA support
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Planning and benchmarking data transfer rates in IT and industrial environments
Tips & Best Practices
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Confirm the gigabyte definition used when comparing rates (decimal vs binary)
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Use this conversion for theoretical maximum speeds, as real-world rates may differ
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Apply this tool for legacy devices rather than modern DMA-based systems
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Always cross-check converted values when planning system performance
Limitations
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IDE (PIO mode 3) speeds represent theoretical maxima and are CPU-driven, so actual speeds can be slower
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The GB/s unit here assumes the decimal SI gigabyte definition (1 GB = 10^9 bytes)
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Modern hardware predominantly uses DMA and faster transfer modes, limiting IDE (PIO mode 3) relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (PIO mode 3)?
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IDE (PIO mode 3) is a CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE storage devices, with a theoretical maximum speed of about 11.1 MB/s.
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How does this converter handle gigabyte definitions?
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This converter uses the decimal SI definition where 1 GB equals 10^9 bytes; be aware some systems use binary gigabytes (gibibytes).
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 3) speeds to GB/s?
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Converting to GB/s helps compare older IDE device speeds with modern data transfer rates for benchmarking and system planning.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 3)
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A legacy programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE drives driven by the CPU, with a theoretical max throughput around 11.1 MB/s.
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Gigabyte per second (GB/s)
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A unit measuring data transfer speed, indicating how many gigabytes of data pass every second, based here on the decimal system of 10^9 bytes per gigabyte.
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DMA (Direct Memory Access)
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A technique allowing hardware to transfer data independently of the CPU, which is not employed in IDE (PIO mode 3).