What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer rates between IDE (PIO mode 3) and IDE (PIO mode 4), two CPU-driven programmed I/O modes for ATA/IDE storage devices with distinct maximum throughput values. It helps users assess, compare, and translate transfer speeds in legacy and embedded systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 3) units you want to convert.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 3) as the starting unit and IDE (PIO mode 4) as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent value in IDE (PIO mode 4).
Key Features
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Converts data transfer rates based on theoretical maximum throughput values.
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Supports legacy IDE storage timing modes: PIO mode 3 and PIO mode 4.
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Useful for benchmarking, diagnostics, and compatibility testing on older systems.
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals approximately 0.6687 IDE (PIO mode 4).
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10 IDE (PIO mode 3) converts to about 6.6867 IDE (PIO mode 4).
Common Use Cases
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Maintaining or testing legacy desktops and laptops running in BIOS or compatibility mode.
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Embedded or industrial development involving older IDE devices without DMA support.
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Benchmarking and comparing performance of historical ATA/IDE storage modes.
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Retrocomputing projects requiring accurate timing and transfer rate comparisons.
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure you understand that these modes are CPU-driven and non-DMA.
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Use the converter for theoretical rate comparisons, not actual data volume.
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Apply conversions primarily for compatibility analysis and legacy system diagnostics.
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Remember the conversion is based on maximum throughput and may not reflect real conditions.
Limitations
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The conversion rate is theoretical and does not account for actual hardware performance variations.
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Both IDE modes are legacy, CPU-driven protocols with inherent constraints.
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These represent timing modes focused on transfer rates, not storage capacity or data size.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (PIO mode 3) mean?
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IDE (PIO mode 3) is a CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode for ATA/IDE devices with a theoretical max throughput of about 11.1 MB/s.
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Why convert from IDE (PIO mode 3) to IDE (PIO mode 4)?
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Users convert between these modes to compare data transfer rates for legacy hardware compatibility, benchmarking, or retrocomputing purposes.
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Does this converter measure actual transfer speeds?
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No, conversions are based on theoretical maximum throughput rates and are for comparison, not real-world performance measurement.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 3)
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A CPU-controlled programmed I/O mode for parallel ATA/IDE devices with a theoretical throughput around 11.1 MB/s.
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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An older timing mode for ATA/IDE devices managed by the CPU, offering a maximum throughput near 16.7 MB/s.
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Transfer Rate
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The speed at which data is transferred between a storage device and the host system, typically measured in megabytes per second (MB/s).