What does IDE (PIO mode 4) mean?

IDE (PIO mode 4) is a CPU-driven data transfer timing mode for ATA/IDE devices, offering a maximum theoretical throughput around 16.7 MB/s.

How is IDE (UDMA mode 2) different from PIO mode 4?

IDE (UDMA mode 2) is an Ultra DMA mode, also called ATA/33, with higher theoretical transfer rates of about 33.3 MB/s, utilizing different signaling and timing for better performance.

Why convert between these two IDE modes?

Conversion helps compare performance, configure legacy hardware, or diagnose issues by translating between older CPU-driven and faster UDMA transfer modes.

How to Convert from IDE (PIO mode 4) to IDE (UDMA mode 2)?

Convert IDE (PIO mode 4) timings to IDE (UDMA mode 2) transfer rates. Understand key differences and practical applications of these legacy ATA transfer modes.

IDE (PIO mode 4)

IDE (UDMA mode 2)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

IDE (PIO mode 4) to IDE (UDMA mode 2) Conversion Table

IDE (PIO mode 4)	IDE (UDMA mode 2)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

IDE (PIO mode 4) to IDE (UDMA mode 2) Conversion Table
IDE (PIO mode 4)	IDE (UDMA mode 2)

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What Is This Tool?

This tool helps users convert between IDE (PIO mode 4) and IDE (UDMA mode 2) data transfer modes commonly used in legacy ATA/IDE storage devices. It aids in comparing the timing modes and transfer rates of older storage interfaces.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 4) units you want to convert
Select IDE (PIO mode 4) as the source unit if not preselected
Choose IDE (UDMA mode 2) as the target unit
Click convert to get the equivalent IDE (UDMA mode 2) value
Use the result to assess or compare transfer speeds and compatibility

Key Features

Converts IDE (PIO mode 4) values to IDE (UDMA mode 2) using a precise conversion rate
Supports legacy ATA timing mode comparisons and upgrades
Provides examples for easy understanding of the conversion process
Browser-based and simple to use without requiring installation
Suitable for configuring or diagnosing older PCs, embedded systems, and industrial environments

Examples

2 IDE (PIO mode 4) equals 1.006060606 IDE (UDMA mode 2)
5 IDE (PIO mode 4) equals 2.515151515 IDE (UDMA mode 2)

Common Use Cases

Configuring legacy ATA drive timings for older PCs or embedded devices
Benchmarking or comparing storage device performance using historical modes
Troubleshooting and diagnosing compatibility or driver issues on PATA systems
Supporting retro-computing and industrial automation reliant on ATA standards

Tips & Best Practices

Understand that this conversion reflects timing modes, not physical storage capacities
Use the conversion to evaluate upgrade paths to faster transfer modes
Consider hardware limitations affecting actual throughput in legacy systems
Refer to manufacturer or BIOS settings for accurate IDE mode configurations

Limitations

Conversion assumes ideal operating conditions and does not reflect real-world bottlenecks
Both modes have maximum theoretical speeds limited by hardware age and quality
Applicable only to timing and transfer rate modes, not to physical storage metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IDE (PIO mode 4) mean?: IDE (PIO mode 4) is a CPU-driven data transfer timing mode for ATA/IDE devices, offering a maximum theoretical throughput around 16.7 MB/s.
How is IDE (UDMA mode 2) different from PIO mode 4?: IDE (UDMA mode 2) is an Ultra DMA mode, also called ATA/33, with higher theoretical transfer rates of about 33.3 MB/s, utilizing different signaling and timing for better performance.
Why convert between these two IDE modes?: Conversion helps compare performance, configure legacy hardware, or diagnose issues by translating between older CPU-driven and faster UDMA transfer modes.

Key Terminology

IDE (PIO mode 4): A CPU-driven timing mode for ATA/IDE devices with direct CPU control and a maximum throughput around 16.7 MB/s.
IDE (UDMA mode 2): An Ultra DMA mode also called ATA/33, providing about 33.3 MB/s transfer rate with specific signaling profiles for legacy PATA controllers.
Programmed Input/Output (PIO): A data transfer method where the CPU directly manages read and write operations with a device.
Ultra DMA (UDMA): A transfer protocol for PATA devices that uses synchronous signaling to improve data throughput and reduce CPU overhead.

Quick Knowledge Check

What is the maximum theoretical transfer rate of IDE (PIO mode 4)?

About 33.3 MB/s

About 16.7 MB/s

About 50 MB/s

IDE (UDMA mode 2) is commonly known as:

ATA/33

ATA/100

ATA/66

What does this conversion between IDE modes primarily compare?

Physical storage capacity

Transfer timing and theoretical throughput

Cache memory size

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