What is the Ultra DMA protocol and what does it do?
A1. Ultra DMA is a new protocol for the ATA/IDE hard disk drive interface that doubles the current burst data transfer rate to 33 megabytes (MB) per second. This technology is capable of transferring twice as much data per clock cycle and provides a path for disk drive vendors to scale the performance of their products. A user can potentially benefit from faster disk reads and writes, resulting in less waiting time when starting a system or application. The Ultra DMA protocol is implemented in all new Intel PCIsets (beginning with the 430TX), Intel AGPsets (beginning with the 440LX), and disk drive products from all leading vendors. To utilize Ultra DMA your system must have all of the following elements: • Ultra DMA compatible logic on your system motherboard (the Intel 430TX PCIset and 440LX AGPset both contain this logic) or on an Ultra DMA PCI adapter card (for installed systems). • Ultra DMA compatible BIOS • an Ultra DMA-aware device driver for your operating system • an Ultra DM
