Top 10 Computer Cables Everyone Must Know of

Unless you are a computer techie, you probably would not know many of the computer cables that go behind it. We all use cables daily in some ways, be it USB cords for charging or transferring data, audio cords for calls and music, HDMI cords for TVs and projectors, and more. But a computer system has more cables than the ones we know. Let us know more about them so that you have a better idea while assembling your computer in the future.

VGA Cable

A video graphic adapter is used to link the monitor and CPU of the computer to transfer video signals. They were developed by IBM in 1987. Earlier televisions also used VGA cables. But later on, it was common to see a VGA cable and connector with computers and projectors. The technology is evolving day by day, and so VGA wires are now being replaced by DVI, HDMI, etc.

DVI Cable

DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface and is used to connect LCD screens with CPUs. It delivers high-quality pictures without disturbance. The primary intention behind developing the cable was to transmit digital and analog signals at industry standards.

D-subminiature

D-subminiature cables are also known as D-sub or DB. The shape of the connector resembles the letter D and that is why it is named D-sub. These cables mostly have two rows of pins. The most common types of D-sub connectors are db9 serial cables, db25 serial cables, etc. They are used in computers for serial and parallel ports. There are also db9 straight-through cables in which they have the exact same number of pins on both sides.

HDMI Cable

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cables have the potential to transmit audio and video signals with the original quality of images. They can be used to connect TV, cable box, projector, etc. types of audio-video devices. These cables deliver the best quality pictures instantly.

Ethernet Cable

These cables are used for internet connection. The quality of the connection depends on the length and the durability of the ethernet cable. These cables will connect PCs, routers and switches with LAN. The quality of the connection also depends on the length and durability of the cable. There are various ethernet cables present in the market like CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, etc. All these cables have different bandwidth. They look similar to phone cables but ethernet cables have more wires inside.

USB Cable

USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables are one of the most popular cables in the market. They are used to connect computer devices with other devices. Keyboards, mouse, music players, flash drives, etc. have USB ends.

MIDI Cable

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and is used to connect musical instruments. It was standardized keeping in mind the growing requirement of digital music hardware. It acts as a remote for music gear and digitally transmitting sound. This cable provides more control over the other equipment as it does not transfer the audio signal and transfer all the messages in the form of data.

Earlier computer systems had sound cards that contained MIDI ports to connect electronic musical instruments to computers. The MIDI keyboard can also be connected to the computer through a MIDI cable.

PS/2 Cables

The PS/2 where PS stands for Personal System is a standard cable with a round connector. It was developed by IBM. It has a total of 6 pins and is available in two sizes. Initially, it was used to connect the mouse and keyboard to the computer system. Nowadays it is replaced by USB cords.

Thunderbolt

Thunderbolt is used to connect peripheral devices to a computer, primarily Apple devices and displays. It allows the user to add multiple devices to their computers through a daisy chain of cords. So using one port with a cable, it allows users to connect one cable to access high speed and high-resolution media. Thunderbolt is developed by Apple and Intel and is a fairly newer technology compared to other cables.

Audio Cable

Generally used audio cables are 3.5 millimeters and are also known as auxiliary or aux cables. They are excessively used for listening to music, calls, or any other audio activity. Computers, tablets, and smartphones all have a port called a headphone jack or headphone port. This makes it easier to use it anytime, anywhere on most used devices. Car music systems also have headphone jacks that can allow you to play music from your phone.

Conclusion

All these cables discussed above have different purposes. Having a basic understanding of these cables will help you while buying them. Be it db9 serial cable, db9 straight-through cable, HDMI cable, audio cable, USB cable, etc., buy from authorized dealers so that you would not have to compromise on the quality of cables.

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.