What Is This Tool?
This converter allows you to translate data transfer speeds from IDE (UDMA mode 4), a faster Parallel ATA transfer mode, to IDE (UDMA mode 0), a slower mode. It helps compare performance levels between these Ultra DMA protocols for legacy PATA/IDE devices.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 4) transfer units you want to convert
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Choose IDE (UDMA mode 0) as the target unit for conversion
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Click the convert button to obtain the equivalent data transfer rate
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Use the results to compare or diagnose legacy data transfer performance
Key Features
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Converts data transfer rates between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and IDE (UDMA mode 0)
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Supports legacy Parallel ATA (PATA/IDE) transfer modes
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Provides a theoretical conversion based on maximum transfer speeds
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Helps troubleshoot and benchmark older storage devices
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Browser-based and easy to use for quick data rate comparisons
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 4) converts to approximately 3.98 IDE (UDMA mode 0)
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5 IDE (UDMA mode 4) equals about 19.88 IDE (UDMA mode 0)
Common Use Cases
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Connecting and maintaining PATA/IDE hard drives or optical drives from late 1990s and early 2000s PCs
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Configuring or troubleshooting DMA timing settings in BIOS or firmware for legacy systems
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Benchmarking or recovering data from older IDE hardware
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Comparing throughput limits when upgrading from PATA to newer interfaces like SATA or USB
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify your hardware supports the specified DMA mode before conversion
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Use an 80-conductor IDE cable to ensure reliable signaling for UDMA modes
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Refer to BIOS or device driver settings when troubleshooting performance issues
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Remember this conversion reflects theoretical maximum speeds; real-world rates may vary
Limitations
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The conversion is based on maximum theoretical transfer rates only
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Actual data throughput can differ due to hardware condition, cable quality, and system setup
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Does not account for specific device or system performance factors
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (UDMA mode 4) mean?
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It refers to a Parallel ATA transfer mode called Ultra DMA/66, with a theoretical maximum throughput of around 66.7 megabytes per second using an 80-conductor IDE cable.
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Why convert IDE (UDMA mode 4) to IDE (UDMA mode 0)?
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Converting helps compare and troubleshoot data transfer rates between faster and slower legacy Ultra DMA modes, useful for maintenance, diagnostics, and benchmarking of PATA/IDE devices.
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Does this tool provide exact real-world transfer speeds?
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No, it provides a theoretical conversion based on maximum transfer rates. Actual speeds depend on hardware condition, cable quality, and system configuration.
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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A Parallel ATA transfer mode using Ultra DMA protocol at about 66.7 MB/s with an 80-conductor cable, also known as Ultra DMA/66 or ATA-4.
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IDE (UDMA mode 0)
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The slowest Ultra DMA transfer mode for PATA devices, defined by interface timing with a maximum data transfer rate near 16.7 MB/s.
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Ultra DMA
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A protocol for moving blocks of data between drives and hosts using DMA and improved transfer speeds over older PATA interfaces.