What Is This Tool?
This tool converts data transfer rates from IDE (UDMA mode 4), a Parallel ATA transfer mode used in legacy PATA/IDE systems, to SCSI (Ultra-2), a parallel Small Computer System Interface standard used in enterprise and legacy storage solutions. It helps compare, configure, or assess compatibility between these two interfaces.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value representing the data transfer rate in IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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Select IDE (UDMA mode 4) as the source unit and SCSI (Ultra-2) as the target unit
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Click the convert button to see the equivalent rate in SCSI (Ultra-2)
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Use the results to aid in benchmarking, configuration, or compatibility decisions
Key Features
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Converts data transfer values between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and SCSI (Ultra-2)
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Based on the theoretical maximum throughput conversion rate
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Supports understanding data transfer interfaces for legacy and enterprise hardware
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Browser-based and easy to use with simple input and output
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Provides practical examples for quick reference
Examples
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1 IDE (UDMA mode 4) equals 0.825 SCSI (Ultra-2)
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10 IDE (UDMA mode 4) equals 8.25 SCSI (Ultra-2)
Common Use Cases
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Connecting PATA/IDE hard drives or optical drives in late 1990s or early 2000s PCs supporting ATA-66
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Configuring or troubleshooting DMA modes in BIOS or firmware for legacy systems
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Benchmarking or maintaining older storage hardware and performing data recovery on legacy IDE devices
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Connecting enterprise disk arrays and RAID controllers to servers using SCSI Ultra-2
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Attaching tape backup drives and removable-media libraries in data center environments
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Interfacing legacy high-performance workstations and servers with parallel SCSI peripherals
Tips & Best Practices
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Verify that the devices support the corresponding standards before conversion
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Use the conversion to estimate relative performance between legacy IDE and SCSI devices
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Consider cable quality and device condition, as they affect real-world speeds
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Keep in mind newer protocols have superseded these standards in modern systems
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Use the tool to aid troubleshooting or hardware configuration in legacy environments
Limitations
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Conversion rate is based on theoretical maximum throughputs, not actual speeds
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Actual transfer speed may vary due to overhead, cable quality, or device condition
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IDE (UDMA mode 4) requires 80-conductor cables limiting cable length and signal reliability
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SCSI (Ultra-2) supports longer cables with Low Voltage Differential signaling
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Conversion applies primarily to legacy technologies replaced by newer standards
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is IDE (UDMA mode 4)?
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IDE (UDMA mode 4), also known as Ultra DMA/66 (ATA-4), is a Parallel ATA transfer mode used in legacy IDE/ATA systems, offering a maximum theoretical throughput of about 66.7 MB/s with an 80-conductor IDE cable.
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What does SCSI (Ultra-2) mean?
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SCSI (Ultra-2) is a parallel Small Computer System Interface standard that uses Low Voltage Differential signaling to improve data transfer rates and cable length over earlier SCSI versions, commonly used in enterprise and legacy high-performance systems.
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Why convert between IDE (UDMA mode 4) and SCSI (Ultra-2)?
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Conversion helps translate data transfer rates for benchmarking, configuration, or compatibility assessment when interfacing or comparing legacy PATA/IDE devices with higher-performance SCSI storage equipment.
Key Terminology
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IDE (UDMA mode 4)
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A Parallel ATA transfer mode using Ultra DMA protocol with a maximum theoretical throughput of 66.7 MB/s, requiring an 80-conductor IDE cable.
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SCSI (Ultra-2)
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A parallel SCSI standard utilizing Low Voltage Differential signaling to provide higher data rates and longer cable lengths compared to earlier SCSI types.
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Conversion Rate
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The factor used to translate a value in IDE (UDMA mode 4) units to the equivalent value in SCSI (Ultra-2) units; specifically, 1 IDE (UDMA mode 4) equals 0.825 SCSI (Ultra-2).