What Is This Tool?
This converter helps you translate data transfer speeds from IDE (UDMA mode 3), a legacy parallel ATA signaling mode, to FireWire (IEEE-1394), a high-speed serial bus interface commonly used for external devices.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the value to convert in the IDE (UDMA mode 3) unit field.
-
Select FireWire (IEEE-1394) as the target unit.
-
Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent FireWire transfer rate.
-
Use the results to compare or configure data transfer speeds.
Key Features
-
Converts transfer rates between IDE (UDMA mode 3) and FireWire (IEEE-1394).
-
Supports comparisons between legacy internal drives and modern external interfaces.
-
Browser-based and straightforward conversion process.
-
Displays results based on theoretical maximum transfer rates.
-
Assists in system performance benchmarking and compatibility checks.
Examples
-
2 IDE (UDMA mode 3) ≈ 2 FireWire (IEEE-1394)
-
0.5 IDE (UDMA mode 3) ≈ 0.5 FireWire (IEEE-1394)
Common Use Cases
-
Comparing data throughput for legacy PATA/IDE hard drives with modern FireWire external storage.
-
Configuring or troubleshooting older PCs with IDE drives and external FireWire devices.
-
Benchmarking performance during system upgrades or refurbishments.
-
Setting up audio/video capture workflows using both IDE and FireWire interfaces.
Tips & Best Practices
-
Verify device compatibility when matching IDE and FireWire transfer rates.
-
Consider real-world factors like bus overhead and protocol differences in practical scenarios.
-
Use this tool as a reference for theoretical maximum speeds, not exact performance metrics.
-
Check device specifications to select appropriate transfer modes or interfaces.
Limitations
-
Conversion reflects theoretical maximum transfer rates only, excluding overhead or contention effects.
-
FireWire supports various speeds beyond IDE (UDMA mode 3), requiring specific conversions for other grades.
-
IDE (UDMA mode 3) is outdated and might not be compatible with current hardware or software.
-
This tool does not account for protocol efficiency differences between the two interfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does IDE (UDMA mode 3) represent?
-
It is a transfer mode for Parallel ATA interfaces offering a theoretical maximum rate of about 44.4 MB/s with minimal CPU use via DMA.
-
What is FireWire (IEEE-1394) used for?
-
FireWire is a standardized serial bus interface designed for high-speed data transfers, commonly used for connecting external drives, digital camcorders, and audio devices.
-
Can I use this converter for real-time performance measurements?
-
No, the conversion is based on theoretical speeds and does not reflect real-world performance impacted by overhead or device specifics.
Key Terminology
-
IDE (UDMA mode 3)
-
A legacy Ultra DMA mode for Parallel ATA interfaces offering a theoretical transfer rate of about 44.4 MB/s and low CPU load.
-
FireWire (IEEE-1394)
-
An IEEE-standard serial bus interface designed for high-speed, peer-to-peer data transfer with support for isochronous and asynchronous streams.
-
Theoretical Maximum Transfer Rate
-
The highest possible data transfer speed a standard or interface can achieve under ideal conditions without accounting for overhead.