What Is This Tool?
This tool allows you to convert data transfer values from IDE (UDMA mode 3) to IDE (UDMA mode 4) — two Parallel ATA transfer modes used in legacy PATA/IDE hardware. It helps you compare theoretical maximum transfer rates and analyze performance differences for older storage devices.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the data transfer value in IDE (UDMA mode 3) units you want to convert
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Select IDE (UDMA mode 4) as the target conversion unit
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Click the convert button to get the equivalent transfer rate in IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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Review the results and use them to compare or configure legacy PATA/IDE devices
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Refer to examples for guidance on typical conversion values
Key Features
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Converts between IDE (UDMA mode 3) and IDE (UDMA mode 4) units for data transfer rates
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Supports legacy PATA/IDE hardware transfer modes used in older PCs and embedded systems
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Browser-based and easy to use without additional software
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Provides example conversions for quick reference
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Designed for system maintenance, benchmarking, and data recovery scenarios
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 3) equals approximately 0.76 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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10 IDE (UDMA mode 3) equals about 7.58 IDE (UDMA mode 4)
Common Use Cases
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Specifying or comparing throughput of legacy PATA/IDE hard drives and optical drives in technical documentation
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Configuring BIOS or drive firmware transfer modes on older PCs for compatibility and performance
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Benchmarking and troubleshooting storage speed in vintage computing and embedded systems
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Maintaining and recovering data from legacy IDE storage devices
Tips & Best Practices
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Ensure you use an 80-conductor IDE cable when working with IDE (UDMA mode 4) for reliable signaling
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Verify your system BIOS supports the selected Ultra DMA mode before configuration
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Use the conversion results as a relative measure of throughput rather than exact performance values
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Cross-check conversions with benchmark data when troubleshooting older hardware
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Keep in mind real transfer rates may vary due to hardware conditions and cable quality
Limitations
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Conversion is based on theoretical maximum transfer rates and does not guarantee actual throughput
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Applies only to legacy Parallel ATA standards, not suitable for modern SATA or NVMe drives
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Real-world rates can be affected by system setup, hardware quality, and cable integrity
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does converting from IDE (UDMA mode 3) to IDE (UDMA mode 4) mean?
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It means translating data transfer rates between two legacy Parallel ATA Ultra DMA modes to compare their theoretical throughput and understand performance differences in older IDE hardware.
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Can I use this converter for modern SATA drives?
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No, this tool only applies to legacy Parallel ATA transfer modes and is not designed for modern SATA or NVMe storage devices.
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Why is an 80-conductor cable required for IDE (UDMA mode 4)?
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IDE (UDMA mode 4) needs an 80-conductor cable to ensure reliable signaling at its higher throughput compared to older cables used with IDE (UDMA mode 3).
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 3)
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A Parallel ATA Ultra DMA transfer mode with about 44.4 MB/s maximum throughput, used in legacy PATA/IDE interfaces.
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IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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Also known as Ultra DMA/66 or ATA-4, a PATA transfer mode with roughly 66.7 MB/s maximum throughput requiring 80-conductor IDE cables.
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Ultra DMA
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A protocol allowing high-speed block data transfers between drives and host with minimal CPU involvement.
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PATA
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Parallel ATA, an older interface standard for connecting storage devices like hard drives and optical drives.