What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate data transfer speeds from IDE (PIO mode 3), a legacy CPU-driven transfer mode for Parallel ATA devices, into kilobytes per second based on the SI standard. It helps express older device speeds in a modern, widely recognized unit.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in IDE (PIO mode 3) units
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Select the output unit as kilobyte per second (SI definition)
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Click convert to see the equivalent rate in kB/s
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Use the results to compare or document transfer speeds accurately
Key Features
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Converts IDE (PIO mode 3) transfer rates to SI-defined kilobytes per second
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Supports comparisons between legacy hardware and current data rate units
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Browser-based and easy to use without specialized software
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Includes contextual use cases for embedded, retrocomputing, and testing scenarios
Examples
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2 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals 22200 kilobyte/second (SI def.)
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0.5 IDE (PIO mode 3) equals 5550 kilobyte/second (SI def.)
Common Use Cases
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Comparing legacy IDE storage device speeds in standardized units
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Analyzing performance in embedded or industrial systems using older IDE hardware
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Conducting retrocomputing performance tests and compatibility assessments
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Reporting transfer rates for backup or storage I/O with SI prefixes
Tips & Best Practices
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Always note the unit definition to avoid confusion between decimal and binary prefixes
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Use this conversion primarily for throughput comparisons and not other storage characteristics like latency
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Double-check device modes and ensure accurate input values for correct conversions
Limitations
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The theoretical IDE (PIO mode 3) throughput may not reflect actual speeds due to CPU usage and hardware overhead
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Kilobyte/second in SI uses decimal-based prefixes differing from binary-based units, which can cause misunderstanding if unspecified
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This conversion focuses on throughput and does not capture other performance aspects such as access times
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 storage devices defined by ATA standards, with a maximum theoretical throughput of about 11.1 MB/s.
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What does kilobyte/second (SI def.) mean?
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A kilobyte per second in SI terms is a data transfer rate equal to 1000 bytes per second, distinct from binary-based units like kibibytes per second.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 3) to kilobyte/second (SI def.)?
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Converting allows users to express legacy device transfer rates in a standard unit to facilitate easier comparison with modern data transfer speeds.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 3)
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A CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA devices with a theoretical max throughput of approximately 11.1 megabytes per second.
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Kilobyte/second (SI def.)
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A data transfer rate unit equal to 1000 bytes per second, using decimal prefixes distinct from binary units like kibibyte per second.
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Throughput
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The rate at which data is successfully transferred from one location to another over a medium or interface, often measured in bytes per second.