PIO

Updated: 04/26/2017 by Computer Hope

PIO, or programmed input/output, is a method of transferring data from a device to another device, utilizing the computer processor and not the memory or DMA (direct memory access). Because PIO modes utilize the computer processor, using PIO is slower than DMA.

PIO Mode Max Transfer Rate ATA Standard
Mode 0 3.3 MB ATA
Mode 1 5.2 MB ATA
Mode 2 8.3 MB ATA
Mode 3 11.1 MB ATA-2
Mode 4 16.6 MB ATA-2
Note

There are no plans for a PIO Mode 5 (or anything beyond PIO Mode 4). However, some manufacturers have advertised computer or hardware with acceptance to PIO Mode 5.

ATA, Bus mastering, Computer acronyms, DMA, Hard drive terms, IDE, TLA