What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to transform data transfer values measured in IDE (UDMA mode 4) to equivalent values in IDE (DMA mode 1), facilitating comparisons and configuration of legacy IDE storage device transfer modes.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 4) you want to convert
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Select IDE (DMA mode 1) as the target unit
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Click convert to see the corresponding transfer rate
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Use the output to compare or configure DMA settings on legacy systems
Key Features
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Converts data transfer rates between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and IDE (DMA mode 1)
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Supports legacy IDE/ATA storage interface measurements
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Browser-based and easy-to-use interface
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Helpful for BIOS/firmware troubleshooting and performance tuning
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Provides practical examples for immediate reference
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 4) converts to approximately 4.96 IDE (DMA mode 1)
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2 IDE (UDMA mode 4) converts to roughly 9.92 IDE (DMA mode 1)
Common Use Cases
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Connecting or troubleshooting PATA/IDE drives in older PCs supporting ATA-66
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Benchmarking or maintaining vintage storage hardware
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Configuring BIOS or OS DMA transfer modes for legacy devices
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Performing data recovery on older IDE drives
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Optimizing performance in embedded systems with legacy IDE controllers
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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Use this conversion to verify compatibility and optimize transfer speeds on legacy hardware
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Consult BIOS or firmware settings after conversion to apply the appropriate DMA mode
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Consider hardware and system health factors which may affect actual transfer speeds
Limitations
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Conversion rates represent theoretical maximum throughput and may not reflect real-world speeds
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Actual data transfer can be influenced by device condition, cable quality, and system configuration
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The tool does not model variations due to hardware aging or firmware differences
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (UDMA mode 4)?
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IDE (UDMA mode 4), also called Ultra DMA/66 (ATA-4), is a transfer mode in the IDE/ATA standard with a maximum theoretical throughput of about 66.7 megabytes per second, requiring an 80-conductor IDE cable.
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How does IDE (DMA mode 1) differ from IDE (UDMA mode 4)?
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IDE (DMA mode 1) is a Direct Memory Access mode for moderate-speed transfers on legacy IDE hardware with specific timing constraints, whereas IDE (UDMA mode 4) offers higher throughput with Ultra DMA protocol support.
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Why would I need to convert between these IDE modes?
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Converting helps compare transfer rates, configure BIOS or firmware settings, and optimize or troubleshoot data transfers on legacy IDE devices.
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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A Parallel ATA transfer mode supporting Ultra DMA at about 66.7 MB/s, requiring an 80-conductor cable for stable signaling.
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IDE (DMA mode 1)
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A Direct Memory Access mode for IDE devices enabling moderate-speed data transfers with specific timing within the ATA specification.
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DMA (Direct Memory Access)
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A method allowing devices to transfer data to system memory with minimal CPU involvement.