What is IDE (UDMA mode 4)?

It is a Parallel ATA transfer mode using Ultra DMA protocol with a maximum theoretical speed of about 66.7 megabytes per second, requiring an 80-conductor IDE cable for reliable signaling.

Why would I convert IDE (UDMA mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 2)?

To understand differences in data transfer timing and throughput, troubleshoot legacy hardware issues, and compare performance when devices fall back to PIO mode.

Is IDE (PIO mode 2) faster than IDE (UDMA mode 4)?

No, IDE (PIO mode 2) is slower and CPU-intensive compared to the faster IDE (UDMA mode 4) transfer mode.

How to Convert from IDE (UDMA mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 2)?

Convert data transfer rates from IDE (UDMA mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 2) to understand legacy IDE/ATA transfer mode differences, aiding troubleshooting and configuration of older hardware.

IDE (UDMA mode 4)

IDE (PIO mode 2)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

IDE (UDMA mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 2) Conversion Table

IDE (UDMA mode 4)	IDE (PIO mode 2)

Custom Unit Conversion Table Generator – Instant Printable Conversion Tables

Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

IDE (UDMA mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 2) Conversion Table
IDE (UDMA mode 4)	IDE (PIO mode 2)

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What Is This Tool?

This tool allows you to convert data transfer values between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and IDE (PIO mode 2), two different transfer modes used in legacy IDE/ATA storage devices. It helps clarify the differences in timing and throughput for troubleshooting and configuration purposes within vintage or legacy computer systems.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 4) units you want to convert.
Select IDE (PIO mode 2) as the target unit.
Click the convert button to see the equivalent value in IDE (PIO mode 2).
Use the result to interpret transfer timing and throughput differences.
Apply the conversion in troubleshooting or performance analysis of legacy IDE systems.

Key Features

Converts data transfer rates between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and IDE (PIO mode 2).
Supports legacy IDE/ATA transfer mode calculations relevant for vintage hardware.
Provides examples to understand transfer mode comparisons.
Browser-based and easy to use for quick conversions.
Helpful for troubleshooting and configuring BIOS/firmware settings in older systems.

Examples

1 IDE (UDMA mode 4) equals approximately 7.95 IDE (PIO mode 2).
2 IDE (UDMA mode 4) converts to about 15.9 IDE (PIO mode 2).

Common Use Cases

Configuring and troubleshooting DMA modes in BIOS or firmware on legacy PCs.
Benchmarking and maintaining older storage devices using IDE protocols.
Diagnosing performance issues when a device falls back from DMA to PIO mode.
Interpreting device driver reports showing negotiated IDE transfer modes.
Supporting data recovery tasks and embedded system configurations involving legacy IDE hardware.

Tips & Best Practices

Always verify the hardware supports the selected transfer mode before configuration.
Use this conversion to understand relative performance differences, not absolute speeds.
Consider the impact on CPU load when devices switch to IDE (PIO mode 2).
Refer to BIOS or firmware documentation when adjusting IDE timing settings.
Keep conversions for legacy hardware archival and troubleshooting purposes only.

Limitations

Does not consider factors such as device health or driver efficiency.
IDE (PIO mode 2) is much slower and more CPU-intensive than IDE (UDMA mode 4).
Primarily relevant for older systems; modern hardware rarely uses these modes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IDE (UDMA mode 4)?: It is a Parallel ATA transfer mode using Ultra DMA protocol with a maximum theoretical speed of about 66.7 megabytes per second, requiring an 80-conductor IDE cable for reliable signaling.
Why would I convert IDE (UDMA mode 4) to IDE (PIO mode 2)?: To understand differences in data transfer timing and throughput, troubleshoot legacy hardware issues, and compare performance when devices fall back to PIO mode.
Is IDE (PIO mode 2) faster than IDE (UDMA mode 4)?: No, IDE (PIO mode 2) is slower and CPU-intensive compared to the faster IDE (UDMA mode 4) transfer mode.

Key Terminology

IDE (UDMA mode 4): A Parallel ATA transfer mode using Ultra DMA protocol providing up to 66.7 MB/s transfer rates with an 80-conductor cable.
IDE (PIO mode 2): An ATA/IDE timing mode specifying CPU-driven programmed I/O transfer timing, used in older legacy IDE devices.
Ultra DMA (UDMA): A transfer protocol allowing faster data transfer rates by moving blocks of data directly between drive and host with less CPU intervention.

Quick Knowledge Check

Which cable is required for IDE (UDMA mode 4) to operate reliably?

40-conductor IDE cable

80-conductor IDE cable

SATA cable

What does IDE (PIO mode 2) primarily define?

Signal timing and max transfer for CPU-driven data transfers

Maximum bus speed for SATA connections

Power consumption of IDE devices

Why is converting IDE (UDMA mode 4) to PIO mode 2 useful?

To improve transfer speeds on modern systems

To interpret legacy hardware transfer modes and troubleshoot performance

To upgrade hardware firmware automatically

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