3 Primary Types of Computer Cables You Need to Know About

There are times when computer cables might seem confusing and all the same. It becomes hard to distinguish which one is useful for which purpose. Today, I have a detailed article for you with all the necessary information about three main types of computer cables. This will help you to understand each and distinguish them. So, let's start exploring the three primary and popular computer cables:

1. USB (Universal Serial Bus)

These are the most common and versatile computer cables. You can connect almost every computer peripheral device like keyboards, flash drives, mice, headsets, wireless adapters, etc., to the computer via a USB port. These cables have multiple versions, or should I say they have evolved in multiple versions with varying speeds.

USB 1.0

It can transmit data at a speed of 1.5 MB/s.

USB 2.0

It can transmit data at a speed of 60 MB/s. This version is compatible with older versions of the USB.

USB 3.0

It can transmit data at a speed of 625 MB/s. This version is also compatible with previous versions.

USB 3.1

It can transmit data at speeds of 1.25 GB/s. This cable is compatible with all the previous versions of the USB. Additionally, this version is the most popular type out of all versions.

USB 3.2

It can transmit data at speeds of 2.5 GB/s, but there is a condition. You need to use a USB-C connection to have this speed. It is compatible with all the previous versions of USB cables.

USB 4.x

It is a USB cable that can transmit data at speeds of 5 GB/s while using a USB-C connection. It is compatible with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0.

Also, while choosing a computer cable adapter for these ports, you need to check if it is fully compatible with the port or not. Otherwise, it could affect the speed of the cable.

2. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Cables

High-definition broadcasts are the standard cables for achieving high-quality video. Before HDMI, there existed VGA and DVI, but they only allowed video signals to transmit through them. In contrast, HDMI allows both audio and video signals to transmit through it. These are digital signals, which is why HDMI is compatible with only newer devices. But we are seeing that companies are making devices that support HDMI port for enhancing their customer's experience.

HDMI connections come in different types as per your purpose:

Type A

This is the most popular HDMI cable. You can easily identify it by its male head with 19 pins/ It is compatible with only single-link DVI-D connections.

Type B

This type is larger than Type A. It has 29 pins and a male head. It is compatible with only dual-link DVI-D connections. This type is not seen much in the market.

Type C

It is a 19-pin connector. This is useful for connecting portable devices like mobile phones, digital cameras, etc.

Type D

This cable has 19 pins and looks quite similar to the previous USB cable. It is mostly useful for mobile devices like tablets and smartphones.

Type E

This is a much larger cable with a locking mechanism. It is primarily used in automotive applications.

3. Ethernet

If you have ever tried to install or fix your home Wi-Fi router, then you have likely dealt with an Ethernet computer cable. Ethernet cables are popularly useful for setting up local area networks. It looks unique, and it is easy to distinguish it from other cables. In most cases, these cables are used to connect routers to the modems and computers. You can also connect two different devices by using a crossover Ethernet cable.

It also has different versions to fit your purpose:

10BASE-T Ethernet

This is the oldest and most common type of Ethernet cable. It supports data speeds of 1.25 MB/s.

100BASE-TX Ethernet

This is the same as the previous one except that it supports speeds of 12.5 MB/s.

1000BASE-T Ethernet

This is one of the most popular types of Ethernet cables used in our homes. It supports data transmission at speeds of 125 MB/s.

10GBASE-T Ethernet

This cable uses Cat6 wiring to support data speeds of 1.25 GB/s.

Wrapping Up

I hope this article helped you with knowing more about computer power cables. Now, when you see a cable in your home, you can know if it is Ethernet, HDMI, or USB (with types). This knowledge will also help you in your business to invest smartly in the cables that are necessary. For instance, if you own an automobile business, then HDMI type E is an ideal choice for you. Additionally, while you choose computer cable adapters, ensure that it is compatible with the type of cable you have.

Jennifer Truong is the owner of SF Cable, a california based online retailer of all kind of Computers, electronics, electrical accessories, networking accessories, cables, wires. Jennifer has extensive experience in the Electronics industry and blog.