Top 6 Types of Computer Cables for Your Computer System
Our lives revolve around computers so we have to deal with the mess that different cables create around our workspace. Well, there is no way we can get rid of them but knowing its significance might make you realize why they are there. You might feel confused by all the computer cables running between the CPU and monitor. However, when you set up a system from scratch or adjust it, it is necessary that you have the right knowledge about it. To make it easier for you we have listed some important types of computer cables that will ease your life.
HDMI CablesThe latest standard to send the high definition data is through HDMI( High Definition Multimedia Interface Cables. It is the improved version of VGA and DVI cables as it can send both video and audio signals at once. Most of the new devices have HDMI ports in them. There are four types of HDMI cables:
Type A: The male head of the connector has 19 pins. It is compatible with the only single link DVI-D connections.
Type B: The size of this connector is bigger than the connector A. The male head has 29 pins. It is compatible with dual DVI-D connections.
Type C: This type of cable is used for camcorders, digital cameras, and portable devices. The male head has 19 pins.
Type D: It looks similar to Micro USB cord and has 19 pins.
Ethernet CablesEthernet cables are essential to set up a Local Area Network (LAN). They are used to connect routers to computers and modems. Anyone using wired internet connection must have come across these cables. There are numerous types of ethernet cables named based on their speed. We have mentioned a few latest ethernet cables:
Cat 5e: It can transmit data upto 1000 Mbps with 100 MHz bandwidth.
Cat 6: This cable can transmit up to 1000 Mbps with 250 MHz bandwidth.
Cat 6a: It can transmit up to 10 Gbps with 500 MHz bandwidth.
Cat 7: The shielded cable can transmit up to 10 Gbps with 600 MHz bandwidth.
Cat 8: These ethernet cables can transfer data at the speed up to 40 Gbps with the bandwidth of 2000 MHz.
USB CablesUniversal Serial Bus (USB) port is used to connect peripheral devices like mouse, keyboard, flash drives, adaptors, etc. to a computer. There are various types of USB A cables in the market differentiated based on the transmission speed.
USB 1.1: It can transmit data at the speed of 12 Mbps
USB 2.0: This is the most commonly used USB in the market. It can transmit data at the speed of 480 Mbps.
USB 3.0: It can transmit data with the speed of 4.8 GB/s.
IDE CablesIDE is short for Integrated Drive Electronics. It is the standard type of connection for storage devices in the computer. It connects the hard drives, floppy disk and other optical drives with the motherboard. The physical appearance of the cable is like a ribbon. Each connection requires a separate ribbon.
Thus, someone who wants to connect additional hard drives can purchase IDE cables and connect it with the motherboard. While making the connection it is important to ensure that the jumpers are configured correctly. Some popular IDE implementations are PATA (Parallel ATA) and SATA (Serial ATA).
Audio CableThe most popular cable to listen to music is the auxiliary or the aux cable. Not just music, they are highly used for having calls and watching content. It is easy to find its port on computers, tablets, smartphones, etc. Mostly it uses a 3.5 mm jack which makes it easier to connect it with all the electronic devices you have. Nowadays, even cars have headphone jacks to play music from your phones.
DB ConnectorsD-sub miniatures are generally used for communication between the display and the central processing unit. The shape of the connector looks like the letter D and that is why it is named D-sub. These connectors have two parallel rows of pins. Most of the connections that require D-sub are now replaced by USB but still there are computers, projectors, and medical devices that use D-sub connectors. They have screws to secure the connection meaning it creates a solid mechanical connection.
ConclusionIf you purchase a computer system you will receive all the required computer cables with the system. All you need to do is connect the right ends. If your work requires more data storage and you have some technical knowledge you can also add a hard drive with the help of an IDE cable. Just ensure all the ends are correctly attached.