What Is This Tool?
This converter helps you transform values from IDE (PIO mode 4), a CPU-driven ATA/IDE transfer mode, into IDE (UDMA mode 3), a DMA-driven transfer mode with higher throughput. Ideal for legacy hardware performance comparisons and configurations.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 4) units you wish to convert
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Choose IDE (PIO mode 4) as the source unit and IDE (UDMA mode 3) as the target unit
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Click the convert button to view the equivalent data transfer rate in IDE (UDMA mode 3)
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Use the output to benchmark or configure legacy IDE/ATA device settings
Key Features
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Converts IDE (PIO mode 4) data transfer rate values into IDE (UDMA mode 3) units accurately
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Supports legacy PATA/IDE interface modes used in older PC and embedded systems
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Provides clear conversion examples to assist with benchmarking and diagnosis
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Browser-based, user-friendly interface requiring no installation
Examples
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1 IDE (PIO mode 4) = 0.332 IDE (UDMA mode 3)
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5 IDE (PIO mode 4) equals 1.66 IDE (UDMA mode 3) by multiplying 5 × 0.332
Common Use Cases
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Configuring BIOS or firmware settings for older IDE/ATA storage devices
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Benchmarking legacy storage device performance during hardware upgrades
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Comparing transfer rates between CPU-driven and DMA-driven modes in retro-computing
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Troubleshooting and refurbishing vintage PCs and embedded systems
Tips & Best Practices
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Always verify which IDE mode your device supports before conversion
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Use conversion results to inform configuration changes in system BIOS or firmware for optimal legacy device performance
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Consider system overhead factors when comparing theoretical transfer rates
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Retain legacy mode compatibility for industrial or retro-computing use cases
Limitations
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Conversion reflects theoretical maximum throughput, not actual sustained transfer speeds
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Performance may vary due to system overhead, hardware condition, or software factors
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Applicable only to legacy PATA/IDE interfaces, not modern SATA or NVMe devices
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 ATA/IDE transfer mode with older timing and handshaking used in legacy storage devices, offering a maximum theoretical throughput of about 16.7 MB/s.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 4) to IDE (UDMA mode 3)?
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Converting helps compare transfer rates between older CPU-driven and newer DMA-driven modes, assisting in benchmarking, upgrades, and maintaining compatibility in legacy systems.
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Can this converter be used for modern storage devices?
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No, this tool is designed specifically for legacy PATA/IDE modes and is not applicable to modern SATA or NVMe storage technologies.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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A CPU-driven Programmed Input/Output transfer mode for ATA/IDE devices with about 16.7 MB/s theoretical throughput.
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IDE (UDMA mode 3)
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An Ultra DMA transfer mode for PATA devices with approximately 44.4 MB/s maximum rate and reduced CPU involvement.
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Data Transfer Rate
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The speed at which data is transmitted between a storage device and the host system.