What Is This Tool?
This tool helps convert data transfer units from IDE (PIO mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 1), which are CPU-controlled transfer modes for legacy ATA/IDE storage devices. It assists in comparing and configuring storage timing modes used in older or embedded systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 4) units you want to convert.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 4) as the source unit.
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Choose IDE (PIO mode 1) as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent units in IDE (PIO mode 1).
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Use the results to compare or configure legacy device performance accordingly.
Key Features
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Converts between two CPU-driven IDE PIO transfer modes.
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Supports benchmarking and diagnostic tasks for legacy storage devices.
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Provides quick and easy calculations based on the standard conversion rate.
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Ideal for use in retro-computing and industrial embedded equipment.
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Browser-based and user-friendly interface.
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 4) is equal to 3.1923076923 IDE (PIO mode 1).
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2 IDE (PIO mode 4) corresponds to 6.3846153846 IDE (PIO mode 1).
Common Use Cases
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Configuring or diagnosing legacy IDE/ATA or PATA drives in older PCs or embedded systems.
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Benchmarking storage device performance across different PIO modes for upgrade assessment.
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Developing or debugging firmware and device drivers requiring CPU-driven data transfer modes.
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Ensuring compatibility in industrial or retro-computing environments relying on historical timing standards.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this conversion mainly for benchmarking and configuration purposes rather than real throughput estimation.
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Remember both modes represent timing standards, so hardware and system overhead impact actual performance.
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Validate conversions with physical tests when diagnosing legacy device behaviors.
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Apply the tool for compatibility checks in embedded and legacy computing platforms.
Limitations
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Conversion is theoretical and does not indicate actual data throughput.
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Performance may vary due to hardware and system overhead beyond timing mode specifications.
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The tool only converts between these two specific IDE PIO timing modes.
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 devices with a maximum theoretical throughput of about 16.7 MB/s used mainly in legacy systems.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 1)?
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Conversion helps compare performance, configure compatibility, and diagnose storage behavior when using different legacy CPU-driven PIO modes.
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Does this tool measure actual storage speed?
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No, the tool converts between timing standards only and does not measure actual data transfer rates or device performance.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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A CPU-driven Programmed Input/Output timing mode for ATA/IDE devices with maximum theoretical throughput around 16.7 MB/s.
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IDE (PIO mode 1)
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A programmed input/output transfer mode controlled by the CPU for PATA devices, offering lower throughput and higher CPU use compared with DMA modes.
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Programmed Input/Output (PIO)
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A method where the CPU directly manages data transfers between host and storage devices through defined timing and handshaking.