What Is This Tool?
This tool helps convert data transfer measurements from IDE (UDMA mode 4) to SCSI (Fast Wide), allowing comparison of legacy storage interface throughputs. It is useful for understanding and relating transfer speeds between different older technologies.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value in IDE (UDMA mode 4) units you want to convert
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Select IDE (UDMA mode 4) as the source unit and SCSI (Fast Wide) as the target unit
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Initiate the conversion to get the equivalent amount in SCSI (Fast Wide)
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Use results to compare data transfer speeds between the two interfaces
Key Features
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Accurately converts between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and SCSI (Fast Wide) units
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Supports data transfer measurements for legacy storage interfaces
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Browser-based and easy to use without installation
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Includes relevant background on each unit's characteristics and use cases
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Provides examples to illustrate conversion results
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 4) equals 3.3 SCSI (Fast Wide)
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2 IDE (UDMA mode 4) equals 6.6 SCSI (Fast Wide)
Common Use Cases
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Connecting PATA/IDE drives in legacy PCs from late 1990s and early 2000s supporting ATA-66
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Configuring or troubleshooting DMA modes on older desktop or embedded systems
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Benchmarking and maintaining legacy IDE hardware and recovering data
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Connecting disk drives and RAID controllers in legacy servers to improve throughput
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Attaching high-throughput tape or optical drives benefiting from ~20 MB/s transfers
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Linking external SCSI peripherals such as scanners and backup systems where wider bus enhances performance
Tips & Best Practices
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Remember the conversion is theoretical and assumes maximum throughput levels
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Consider hardware and cable quality differences that affect actual speeds
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Use the conversion for capacity comparison rather than exact speed measurement
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Ensure device negotiation and signaling mode are appropriate for target throughput
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Leverage conversion results to optimize and troubleshoot legacy storage configurations
Limitations
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Conversions represent theoretical maximum throughputs, not real transfer rates
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Actual speeds vary due to cabling, device negotiation, and hardware implementation
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Single-ended versus differential signaling modes impact achievable performance
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Results serve as approximate comparisons, not precise data transfer values
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does IDE (UDMA mode 4) mean?
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IDE (UDMA mode 4), also known as Ultra DMA/66, is a Parallel ATA transfer mode that enables data transfer up to about 66.7 megabytes per second using an 80-conductor cable.
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What is SCSI (Fast Wide)?
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SCSI (Fast Wide) is a SCSI-2 interface offering a 16-bit bus at 10 MHz, reaching theoretical speeds up to 20 megabytes per second in single-ended implementation.
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Why convert between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and SCSI (Fast Wide)?
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Converting helps compare and relate data transfer speeds across different legacy storage technologies, aiding troubleshooting and hardware optimization.
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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A Parallel ATA transfer mode also called Ultra DMA/66, transmitting data up to approximately 66.7 MB/s using an 80-conductor IDE cable.
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SCSI (Fast Wide)
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A SCSI-2 interface mode featuring a 16-bit data bus at 10 MHz, achieving theoretical maximum throughput around 20 MB/s.
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Throughput
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The maximum rate at which data can be transferred between devices or systems.