What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer units from IDE (UDMA mode 1), a DMA-based mode used in older Parallel ATA devices, to IDE (PIO mode 3), a CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer mode. It assists in comparing transfer performance metrics between these legacy IDE standards.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 1) units you want to convert.
-
Select IDE (UDMA mode 1) as the source unit and IDE (PIO mode 3) as the target unit.
-
Submit or trigger the conversion to see the equivalent value in IDE (PIO mode 3).
Key Features
-
Converts transfer rates between IDE (UDMA mode 1) and IDE (PIO mode 3).
-
Supports legacy Parallel ATA device modes only.
-
Browser-based and easy to use for vintage computing applications.
Examples
-
1 IDE (UDMA mode 1) equals approximately 2.25 IDE (PIO mode 3).
-
3 IDE (UDMA mode 1) converts to about 6.76 IDE (PIO mode 3).
Common Use Cases
-
Comparing DMA and programmed I/O transfer performance in legacy IDE devices.
-
Troubleshooting BIOS or drive transfer settings on vintage PCs and PATA drives.
-
Benchmarking and retrocomputing analysis involving older IDE hard disks and optical drives.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Use this conversion to assist in vintage PC repair and retrocomputing diagnostics.
-
Verify BIOS or controller configurations when switching between DMA and PIO modes.
-
Consider practical system factors as actual throughput may differ from theoretical rates.
Limitations
-
Conversion uses theoretical maximum rates and does not reflect real-world speeds affected by hardware or system overhead.
-
IDE (PIO mode 3) is slower and more CPU-intensive than UDMA modes, so results are approximate.
-
Not applicable to modern storage technologies such as SATA or NVMe devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is IDE (UDMA mode 1)?
-
It is an Ultra DMA transfer mode for Parallel ATA devices providing a theoretical maximum raw transfer rate of about 25 MB/s, mainly used in legacy PATA hardware.
-
How does IDE (PIO mode 3) differ from IDE (UDMA mode 1)?
-
IDE (PIO mode 3) is a CPU-driven programmed I/O mode with a theoretical max throughput of around 11.1 MB/s, generally slower and more CPU-intensive than the DMA-based UDMA mode 1.
-
Why would I convert between these modes?
-
Converting helps compare performance metrics, troubleshoot compatibility issues, and configure transfer modes on vintage computing systems using Parallel ATA drives.
Key Terminology
-
IDE (UDMA mode 1)
-
An Ultra DMA transfer mode for Parallel ATA devices with a theoretical max raw transfer rate of about 25 MB/s, used in legacy PATA hardware.
-
IDE (PIO mode 3)
-
A programmed I/O transfer mode for Parallel ATA/IDE drives; CPU-driven with a theoretical maximum throughput near 11.1 MB/s.
-
Parallel ATA (PATA)
-
An older interface standard for connecting storage devices such as hard drives and optical drives, prior to SATA technology.