What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer measurements from IDE (PIO mode 4), a legacy CPU-controlled ATA timing mode, into gigabyte per second using SI standard units. It enables comparison between older storage device throughput and current data rate units.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the numerical value in IDE (PIO mode 4) units.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 4) as the source unit and gigabyte/second (SI def.) 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 performance with modern standards.
Key Features
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Converts IDE (PIO mode 4) data transfer rates to gigabyte/second (SI definition).
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Uses a conversion rate based on theoretical maximum transfer speeds.
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Browser-based and easy to use for legacy system analysis.
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Supports comparisons between outdated and modern data rates.
Examples
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10 IDE (PIO mode 4) converts to 0.166 gigabyte/second (SI def.).
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50 IDE (PIO mode 4) converts to 0.83 gigabyte/second (SI def.).
Common Use Cases
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Benchmarking legacy ATA/IDE drive performance against modern devices.
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Configuring or diagnosing older PC and embedded system storage settings.
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Comparing historical throughput in industrial and retro-computing environments.
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Expressing legacy device speeds in standardized SI data rate units for upgrade planning.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use the tool to convert theoretical transfer rates when evaluating older storage technology.
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Cross-reference converted results with actual device performance for accuracy.
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Apply conversions to assist in upgrading legacy systems to modern standards.
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Understand the limitations of IDE (PIO mode 4) as an outdated mode with lower throughput.
Limitations
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IDE (PIO mode 4) represents an older CPU-driven mode with maximum throughput around 16.7 MB/s, much lower than modern speeds.
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Conversion values reflect theoretical maxima and may not represent real-world performances affected by CPU load and hardware condition.
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Gigabyte/second (SI def.) uses decimal units differing from binary-based storage measurements sometimes used in similar contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (PIO mode 4) represent?
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IDE (PIO mode 4) is a CPU-controlled data transfer timing mode for ATA/IDE drives characterized by specific timing and handshaking protocols, mainly used for older hardware.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 4) to gigabyte/second (SI def.)?
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Converting allows comparison between legacy ATA device speeds and modern data transfer rates, useful for benchmarking and upgrade decisions.
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Are the converted speeds actual performance measurements?
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No, the conversion is based on theoretical maximum throughput and real speeds can vary due to CPU load and device condition.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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A programmed input/output timing mode for ATA/IDE drives where the CPU directly controls data transfers, associated with older hardware.
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Gigabyte/second (SI def.)
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A data rate measuring 1 gigabyte equal to 10^9 bytes transferred every second, using decimal-based SI prefixes.
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Data Transfer Rate
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The amount of data moved from one place to another in a given amount of time, expressed in units like bytes per second.