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HardSo Computers Support / Common Computer FAQ's / Commonly asked questions

Computer Cable types and descriptions

With so many types of cables, it’s hard to find a singular source of information that highlights the
important di erences between them all. Here’s an overview of the most common computer cable
types you’ll encounter when dealing with computers.
1. VGA Cable
Also known as D-sub cable, analog video cable

Connect one end to: computer monitor, television (PC input port)

Connect other end to: VGA port on computer (see image below)
2. DVI Cable

Connect one end to: computer monitor

Connect other end to: DVI port on computer (see image below)

However there are 2 types of DVI, DVI-I and DVI-D.

DVI-D does not have the extra pins around the long pin, this is also a pure digital signal over DVI-I.
3. HDMI Cable

Connect one end to: computer monitor, television

Connect other end to: HDMI port on computer (see image below)

Note: If you're hooking up a television to your computer, then we would recommend that you use a HDMI cable as
your PC cable connection since it is able to transmit both display and sound - So you can not only use your TV
screen as a monitor, but also make use of your TV speakers to play PC audio.
4. PS/2 Cable

Connect one end to: PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse

Connect other end to: PS/2 ports on computer (see image below)

Purple PS/2 port: keyboard

Green PS/2 port: mouse
5. Ethernet Cable
Also known as RJ-45 cable

Connect one end to: router, network switch

Connect other end to: Ethernet port on computer (see image below)
6. 3.5mm Audio Cable
Also known as phone connector (since 3.5mm jacks are o en found on mobile phones too)

Connect one end to: computer speakers, 3.5mm headphones, 3.5mm microphone

Connect other end to: audio ports on computer (see image below use Green socket)

Green audio port: computer speakers or headphones

Pink audio port: microphone
 Blue audio port: MP3 player, CD player, DVD player, turntable, electric guitar etc (line-in port to play and
record sounds from the above devices)

7. USB Cable
For USB computer cable connections, there are two popular formats: USB 2.0 and the newer USB 3.0

How to tell USB 2.0 and 3.0 cables apart: USB 3.0 cables have a blue tip, and sometimes you can find a SS "Super
Speed" label on it. 
Since USB was intended to be the one computer cable connection to replace them all, it's no surprise that the
possible uses for a USB port are quite mind-blowing. For this computer cable guide, we have listed its more
common uses below:

Connect one end to: USB device

Storage devices: USB flash drive, external hard drive, external optical drive
Input devices: USB keyboard (wired and wireless), USB mouse (wired and wireless), webcam, scanner,
gamepad
Output devices: printer, all-in-one o ice machine, USB speaker
Wireless adapters: network (Wi-Fi) adapter, bluetooth adapter, 3G adapter
Data (and charging) cable for mobile devices such as mobile phone, tablet, MP3 player

Connect other end to: USB ports on computer (see image below)

How to tell USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports apart: USB 2.0 ports have black tips while USB 3.0 ports come with blue tips. See
image below:
USB 3.0 is backwards-compatible... meaning that you can connect a USB 2.0 device to a USB 3.0 port and vice
versa (but the USB 3.0 devices hooked up to a USB 2.0 port will perform at lowered rates)

There are also USB cables which connect new external backup drives (see below), these are described as USB-A
to Micro-B

8. Computer Power Cord (Kettle Plug)

Connect one end to: AC power socket

Connect other end to: power supply unit (see image below), computer monitor

Note: Always turn o your power supply unit (with the 1-0 switch at the back) before connecting a power cord to
it.

9. ThunderBolt/USB-C

Mostly seen on laptops and Apple Macs these cables are high speed and are capable of carrying Data, video and
other information.

There are 2 current types of Thunderbolt, the older version Thunderbolt 2 is seen below but this can also be
confused with Mini Display ports as they look identical and only visual di erence is the picture beside the port.
Thunderbolt 2 (le ) has a lightning symbol and carries Data and video.

The Mini Display Port (right) will only carry Video.

And Thunderbolt 3 also known as USB-C on Apple Macs.

10. Display Port
Display Port is the best to use if you require a fast, high-resolution image.
The cable has better quality over HDMI and is the best option if you have this interface.

cables input interface

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 Scott harrington  Tweet  Share
Posted a year ago
Updated 15 days ago

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