What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate data transfer measurements from IDE (UDMA mode 1) to IDE (DMA mode 2), which are legacy transfer modes used by older Parallel ATA (IDE) hardware. It helps in diagnosing, configuring, and benchmarking vintage PC storage interfaces.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 1) units you wish to convert.
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Select IDE (UDMA mode 1) as the source unit.
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Select IDE (DMA mode 2) as the target unit.
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent data transfer rate.
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Use the results to aid in configuring or diagnosing legacy IDE device settings.
Key Features
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Converts between IDE (UDMA mode 1) and IDE (DMA mode 2) data transfer rates.
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Based on recognized standards for older Parallel ATA (IDE) devices.
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Supports benchmark and configuration tasks for legacy PATA hardware.
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Browser-based tool requiring no installation.
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Presents conversion results in an easy-to-understand format.
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 1) equals approximately 1.506 IDE (DMA mode 2).
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2 IDE (UDMA mode 1) converts to roughly 3.012 IDE (DMA mode 2).
Common Use Cases
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Tuning BIOS or drive settings for vintage PCs using different IDE modes.
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Benchmarking transfer speeds of older IDE hard disks and optical drives.
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Troubleshooting transfer errors related to cable or controller compatibility.
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Assisting firmware or driver development for legacy storage devices.
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Confirming active DMA modes to understand throughput and CPU load.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this converter to ensure legacy devices run with appropriate transfer settings.
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Verify cable quality and controller compatibility alongside mode adjustments.
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Compare conversion results with actual performance metrics for diagnosis.
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Maintain backups before changing BIOS or firmware settings.
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Be mindful that these modes are obsolete in modern computing contexts.
Limitations
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Conversion reflects theoretical maximum transfer rates, not actual speeds.
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Performance depends on hardware age, cable quality, and system factors.
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Both IDE (UDMA mode 1) and IDE (DMA mode 2) belong to legacy Parallel ATA interfaces.
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These modes are generally not applicable to current modern storage technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (UDMA mode 1)?
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It is an Ultra DMA transfer mode of the Parallel ATA interface offering a theoretical maximum transfer rate around 25 MB/s, used in older PATA devices for timing and error-checking.
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How does IDE (DMA mode 2) differ from IDE (UDMA mode 1)?
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IDE (DMA mode 2) is a Multiword DMA mode allowing direct memory access with less CPU overhead, providing higher throughput compared to certain PIO modes in legacy PATA devices.
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Why convert between these two transfer modes?
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Users convert to compare and optimize legacy PATA transfer settings, assist BIOS or driver configuration, and troubleshoot performance or compatibility issues.
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 1)
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An Ultra DMA mode for Parallel ATA devices allowing about 25 MB/s theoretical maximum transfer rates, used for controlling timing and error-checking in legacy PATA hardware.
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IDE (DMA mode 2)
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A Multiword DMA transfer mode in the Parallel ATA family that allows IDE devices to move data directly with less CPU intervention and higher throughput than PIO modes.
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Parallel ATA (PATA)
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A legacy computer bus interface standard for connecting storage devices like hard drives and optical drives, using parallel signaling.