What Is This Tool?
This converter allows users to transform data transfer values between IDE (UDMA mode 2), known as ATA/33, and IDE (UDMA mode 4), also called Ultra DMA/66, aiding in legacy hardware performance evaluation and configuration.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the data value in IDE (UDMA mode 2) units you want to convert
-
Select IDE (UDMA mode 2) as the source unit and IDE (UDMA mode 4) as the target unit
-
Click the convert button to get equivalent data transfer values in IDE (UDMA mode 4)
-
Review the conversion results to assist with configuration or comparison tasks
Key Features
-
Converts data transfer units between two specific Ultra DMA modes for Parallel ATA interfaces
-
Supports legacy PC BIOS/firmware setting adjustments related to ATA/33 and ATA/66 modes
-
Provides instant conversion examples to simplify benchmarking and troubleshooting
-
Browser-based and easy to use without any installation
-
Helps compare transfer rates relevant to vintage and embedded system hardware
Examples
-
Converting 2 IDE (UDMA mode 2) results in 1 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
-
Converting 4 IDE (UDMA mode 2) results in 2 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
Common Use Cases
-
Configuring older PC BIOS or drive-controller settings for optimal data transfer rates
-
Benchmarking and comparing throughput between ATA/33 and ATA/66 legacy devices
-
Troubleshooting device compatibility and driver or firmware DMA mode negotiations
-
Maintaining and recovering data from vintage PATA/IDE hard drives or optical drives
Tips & Best Practices
-
Verify that an 80-conductor IDE cable is used for reliable IDE (UDMA mode 4) performance
-
Use this conversion as a theoretical guide, considering real-world hardware variations
-
Cross-check BIOS or firmware settings to match the intended DMA mode for stable operation
-
Compare benchmark results using both units to understand device capabilities and limits
Limitations
-
Conversion reflects theoretical maximum throughput speeds and may differ in practice
-
Actual transfer rates depend on hardware quality and system conditions
-
Compatibility challenges may occur when mixing devices with different UDMA modes
-
Proper cabling is essential to achieve reliable performance especially for IDE (UDMA mode 4)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is IDE (UDMA mode 2)?
-
It is an Ultra DMA transfer mode, commonly called ATA/33, providing a maximum theoretical throughput of about 33.3 MB/s for PATA/IDE interfaces.
-
What distinguishes IDE (UDMA mode 4) from mode 2?
-
IDE (UDMA mode 4), known as ATA/66, doubles the theoretical speed to about 66.7 MB/s and requires an 80-conductor IDE cable for proper signaling.
-
Why convert between these two modes?
-
Converting helps compare transfer speeds, configure system BIOS settings, troubleshoot device negotiations, and benchmark legacy hardware performance.
Key Terminology
-
IDE (UDMA mode 2)
-
An Ultra DMA mode (ATA/33) providing up to 33.3 MB/s transfer speed for PATA interfaces.
-
IDE (UDMA mode 4)
-
An Ultra DMA mode (ATA/66) offering up to 66.7 MB/s transfer speed and requiring an 80-conductor cable.
-
Ultra DMA
-
A protocol for fast synchronous data transfer between drives and hosts in Parallel ATA systems.