10 Types of Computer Cables Everyone Should Know About
Computer cables are one or more wires that are covered in plastic . These help in the transmission of power or data between devices or locations. You can find these computer cables everywhere around and on any kind of device. The power cord is an example of such cables that are found in and around computers.
These cables and connectors of computers can be divided into two main parts. A data cable, and a power cable. A data cable plays a very significant role in communication between two devices and are present everywhere. This starts from cables on monitors to power cables on our devices.
Different Types of Computer Cables
There are varieties of computer cables available in the online marketplace for sellers. In fact, the options are such that it becomes very difficult to get hands on a single source of information that can point out the differences between all of them.
Given below are some types of cables that you get to see around you.
1. VGA Cable
VGA cable is popularly known as a D-sub cable. It is an analogue video cable that connects one end to the other. It is like the connection of a computer monitor to a VGA port on the computer.
2. DVI Cable
DVI cable is mainly of two types – DVI-I and DVI-D, in which one end is connected to the computer monitor and other to the DVI-D port. DVI-D doesn’t have extra pins surrounding the long pin but it has a complete digital signal.
3. PS/2 Cable
In a PS/2 cable, one end needs to be connected to a PS/2 keyboard or mouse and the other end needs to be connected to PS/2 ports on the computer.
4. 3.5mm Audio Cable
The 3.5 mm audio cable is a phone connector, which is also found in mobile phones. One end of this cable needs to be connected to the computer or headphones and the other end to the audio ports on the computer.
5. HDMI Cable
HDMI cables have one end that needs to be connected to the computer monitor and the other end to the HDMI port on your computer. It is generally recommended for people who are hooking up a television to your computer with the help of HDMI cable which transmits both display and sound.
6. Ethernet Cable
Ethernet cable is popularly called RJ-45 cable. One end is connected to the router or network switch and the other end to the ethernet port on the computer.
7. Displayport
People generally prefer DisplayPort when there is an urgent requirement of a really fast and high-resolution image. Moreover, it is also of better quality than HDMI and is the best option if one has this requirement.
8. Computer Power Cord (Kettle Plug)
One end of a kettle plug or computer power cord needs to be connected to the AC power socket while the other needs to connect to the power supplying unit. It is recommended to turn off the power supply unit before connecting it to a power cord.
9. USB Cable
USB cable connectors have two formats – USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The major differences between the two is that USB 3.0 cables are made with a blue tip and there is an SS label on them.
USB cables were meant to be for supreme computer connections that would replace all other connections. Here, one end needs to be connected to the USB device while the other end needs to connect to the USB ports on the computer.
10. Thunderbolt/USB-C
Thunderbolt/USB-C are mostly seen on laptops PCs and also Apple MacBooks as they are of high-speed and can carry data, video, and other forms of information. There are two types of such cables – Thunderbolt 2 is an older version, that looks more like a mini display port, while the latest version is Thunderbolt 3.
Conclusions
Computer cables are available easily in all platforms, be it online or offline. However, the most important aspect to consider here is that you need to know about what cable you actually need for your computer or computing device before choosing one.
Electronic accessories carry a high risk of suitability, so you need to know about every type of computer cable there is before choosing which one you need. Perhaps
