What Is This Tool?
This tool allows users to convert data transfer metrics from IDE (PIO mode 4), an older CPU-driven ATA timing mode, to SCSI (Ultra-3), a parallel SCSI interface standard used in enterprise storage systems.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in IDE (PIO mode 4) units.
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Select IDE (PIO mode 4) as the source unit.
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Select SCSI (Ultra-3) as the target unit.
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Click convert to see the equivalent value in SCSI (Ultra-3).
Key Features
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Converts data transfer values between IDE (PIO mode 4) and SCSI (Ultra-3) based on interface throughput characteristics.
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Supports benchmarking and performance comparison between legacy ATA and parallel SCSI storage technologies.
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Provides simple input and output for quick compatibility and performance translation.
Examples
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5 IDE (PIO mode 4) units equal 0.51875 SCSI (Ultra-3) units.
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10 IDE (PIO mode 4) units convert to 1.0375 SCSI (Ultra-3) units.
Common Use Cases
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Configuring or diagnosing legacy ATA drives and BIOS settings in older systems.
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Benchmarking or assessing performance upgrades between CPU-driven ATA and parallel SCSI interfaces.
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Ensuring compatibility in industrial, retro-computing, or data center backup environments using legacy storage devices.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this conversion for performance comparison rather than exact data volume measurement.
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Consider hardware and environmental factors that affect actual transfer speeds beyond theoretical values.
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Apply conversions carefully when working with legacy systems or designing storage subsystem compatibility.
Limitations
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Conversion is theoretical and based on interface timing and maximum throughput, not exact data size.
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Actual transfer speeds depend on hardware implementation, protocol overhead, and system conditions.
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IDE (PIO mode 4) and SCSI (Ultra-3) represent interface standards, not direct units of data transfer quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (PIO mode 4) represent?
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It is a CPU-driven timing mode for ATA/IDE storage devices defining how the CPU controls data transfers with a maximum theoretical throughput of about 16.7 MB/s.
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What is SCSI (Ultra-3)?
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SCSI (Ultra-3) denotes a parallel SCSI standard used for block-level data transfers between hosts and storage devices, common in enterprise and backup storage systems.
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Why convert IDE (PIO mode 4) to SCSI (Ultra-3)?
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Converting helps compare and translate performance metrics between legacy ATA and parallel SCSI interfaces for benchmarking and compatibility purposes.
Key Terminology
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IDE (PIO mode 4)
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A legacy CPU-driven timing mode controlling ATA/IDE data transfers with defined handshaking and a max theoretical throughput of ~16.7 MB/s.
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SCSI (Ultra-3)
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A parallel SCSI interface revision specifying signalling and command framing for block-level data transfers in enterprise systems.
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Data Transfer
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The movement of data between storage devices and hosts, often measured or compared via interface-specific standards.