What Is This Tool?
This unit converter transforms data transfer rates from IDE (PIO mode 4), a legacy ATA timing mode controlled by the CPU, into megabytes per second defined by SI units (decimal-based), used widely in modern storage performance measurements.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (PIO mode 4) you want to convert.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 4) as the from-unit and megabyte/second (SI def.) as the to-unit.
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Submit or click convert to get the equivalent data transfer rate in megabytes per second.
Key Features
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Converts legacy IDE (PIO mode 4) data transfer timing mode values into decimal megabyte/second units.
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Displays results in megabytes per second using the SI standard (1 MB/s = 1,000,000 bytes).
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Supports practical benchmarking and performance comparison between older and modern storage devices.
Examples
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2 IDE (PIO mode 4) equals 33.2 Megabyte/second (SI def.).
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0.5 IDE (PIO mode 4) converts to 8.3 Megabyte/second (SI def.).
Common Use Cases
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Diagnosing legacy IDE/ATA drives and adjusting BIOS or driver configurations in older systems.
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Benchmarking and comparing storage device speeds for upgrade assessments.
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Maintaining compatibility in industrial or retro-computing environments using historic ATA modes.
Tips & Best Practices
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Understand that IDE (PIO mode 4) reflects a timing mode, so conversion approximates throughput rather than exact speeds.
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Use this tool when translating older CPU-driven transfer data to standard SI data rates for clearer comparison.
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Apply conversions carefully in contexts involving legacy hardware diagnostics and performance evaluation.
Limitations
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IDE (PIO mode 4) indicates a timing mode, not absolute data quantity, so actual throughput may vary significantly.
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Theoretical maximum rates may not represent sustained real-world speeds due to CPU control and system differences.
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This mode is outdated and less efficient compared to modern transfer standards and protocols.
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-driven timing mode used in older ATA/IDE storage devices to control data transfer speeds.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 4) to megabyte per second (SI)?
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Conversion helps translate legacy drive timing modes into contemporary, decimal-based data transfer rates for performance reporting and comparisons.
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Is the converted megabyte/second value always accurate in real scenarios?
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No, since IDE (PIO mode 4) is a timing mode and actual throughput depends on system factors, the conversion provides an approximate maximum theoretical rate.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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A CPU-controlled ATA/IDE data timing mode defining maximum theoretical transfer throughput of about 16.7 MB/s.
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Megabyte per second (SI definition)
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A decimal data transfer rate unit equal to 1,000,000 bytes transferred per second.