![Types of Computer Cables](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Types-of-Computer-Cables.jpeg)
We often see from the outside a couple of cables hanging around the PC. These are not the only ones that power a computer. Instead, there are different cables used for various purposes, including audio, video, peripherals, universal ports, and connecting parts inside the PC.
So, learning about different types of computer cords is imperative, especially for beginners. In this article, I shall discuss their purpose, sub-types, and how to choose the right ones.
Types of Computer Cables: Explained
There are four major types of cables used in computers of today’s standards:
- Power Cables
- ATX Power Supply
- SATA Power
- Molex Power
- PCIe
- Data Cables
- SATA Data
- IDE Data
- USB
- Video Cables
- HDMI
- DP (Display Port)
- VGA (Video Graphics Array)
- Audio Cables
- 3.5mm
- RCA
- USB
Now, I shall discuss all of the PC cable types in detail. Shall we begin?
1. Power Cables
As the name suggests, power cables provide a power supply to your components and hardware. Internal components from the PC are connected to a PSU (power supply unit) that converts the DC power to AC for your PC.
💡 Bigger devices like monitors need a dedicated power supply.
Types of Power Cables
- ATX Power Supply Cable: These cables come in different combinations. These cables supply power to all the vital internal components like the motherboard.
![ATX Power Supply Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ATX-Power-Supply-Cable.jpg)
- SATA Power Cable: The SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) cables are used for solid-state drives (hard drives) and optical drives for data exchange. The SATA arrangement is an industry standard and is followed by every maker.
![SATA Power Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SATA-Power-Cable.jpeg)
- Molex Power Cable: Molex connectors are 4-pin sockets. While the SATA cables are the modern-day solution for smaller SSDs, Molex connectors are used for SSDs larger than 3.5 inches.
![Molex Power Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Molex-Power-Cable.jpeg)
- PCIe Cable: The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express cables are also used to connect components like RAM to the power supply unit.
![PCIe Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PCIe-Cable.jpeg)
How To Choose The Right Power Cables?
The power supply unit usually comes with all the necessary cables. However, you must:
- Know the compatibility of those cables.
- Ensure you don’t use excessive lengths of the cable to prevent airflow.
- Use a modular power supply unit that comes with cables.
2. Data Cables
Data cables, as the name suggests, are used to transfer data. This data can be from SSDs, connectivity devices through Ethernet ports, or even from external hardware through USBs. This data transfer is much more than simple file transfer between storage drives.
Types of Data Cables
- SATA Data Cable: SATA cables are the standard interfaces for data access. SATA cables are pretty compact compared to the previous generation of cables. They also have a very high data transfer rate, making them even more popular.
![SATA Data Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SATA-Data-Cable.jpeg)
- IDE Data Cable: IDE belongs to the previous generation of components. It was once an industry standard to connect SSDs and optical drives. It offers a slower data transfer rate and is compatible with older components.
![IDE Data Cables](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IDE-Data-Cables.jpeg)
- USB Cable: One of the most commonly used cables in the world, USB is a universal connectivity solution that works with all kinds of components and peripherals. Different types of USB ports can connect a range of devices.
![USB Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USB-Cable.jpeg)
- Ethernet Cable: Ethernet cables are used to connect computers to each other or to other networks. Ethernet cables come with the same clip at both ends. With wireless connectivity on an all-time rise, we rarely see Ethernet cables used for connectivity.
![Ethernet Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Ethernet-Cable.jpeg)
How To Choose The Right Data Cables?
Data cables have the most complex compatibility issues these days. So, you have to:
- Use converters to connect older components with newer motherboards.
- IDE and Ethernet are no longer cables required for a computer as USB and SATA have been replaced successfully.
3. Video Cables
Video cables send video signals and carry visual data connecting the video processing and display components. With an evolution in the resolution of the videos, the cables for PC connecting to the display units have also evolved.
Types of Video Cables
- HDMI Cable: High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is modern-day display devices’ most commonly used cable. It comes with shielded and twisted cables. As the name suggests, it can transmit high-definition audio and video.
![HDMI Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/HDMI-Cables.jpeg)
- Display Port Cable: Like the HDMI, DisplayPort cables transmit high-definition data. They have a better frequency than HDMI cables which means they can transmit more signals.
![Display Port Cables](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DisplayPort-Cables.jpeg)
- VGA Cable: Video Graphics Array (VGA) cables are from the previous generation of equipment. They come with two big pins and a socket in between them. They also come with in-built screws.
![VGA Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/VGA-Cable.jpeg)
How To Choose The Right Video Cables?
Choosing video cables depends on your display device.
- Look for the available slots.
- Usually, modern-day display devices offer both HDMI and DisplayPort slots.
- You can select one depending on the frequency of your output.
4. Audio Cables
Audio cables transfer audio files from the system to the output devices like speakers, earphones, or microphones. PCs come with color-coded audio cable ports that can be useful for connecting the system and input/output as well as optical drives.
Types of Audio Cables
- 3.5mm Audio Cable: The 3.5mm audio cable is the most popular one to transfer audio files. It is also compatible with mobile devices and other external speakers.
![3.5mm Audio Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3.5mm-Audio-Cable.jpeg)
- RCA Cable: The RCA (Radio Corporation of America) cables were standard cables to transfer audio and video files across PC components. These cables came color-coded, and each color represented a purpose.
![RCA Cables](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RCA-Cables.jpeg)
- USB Cables: Most audio devices these days either use wireless connectivity or are connected externally through USB ports. This eliminates cable clustering inside the case and makes it easy for you to connect and disconnect devices.
![USB Cable](https://pcbrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/USB-Cable.jpeg)
How To Choose The Right Audio Cables?
Although 3.5mm is the most commonly used audio cable for both input and output, it is the wireless connectivity that is more suited to current usage trends.
⚠️ Caution: Messing up with PC connectors has the risk of damaging the components. Other than that, if you don’t wire your PC parts properly, you might have to compromise on performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most modern-day monitors use HDMI or DisplayPort cables. The older generation of PCs used VGA and DVI cables to connect monitors to the CPU.
Most PSUs come with all the necessary cables and ports. But if you don’t have one and have a motherboard supporting SATA cables to connect to the power supply, you have to buy one.
You may need SATA power, 4-pin Molex, 6/8-pin PCIe, HDMI, or DisplayPort for a standard 24-pin motherboard. Check your motherboard’s user manual for more.
Apart from regular power and connectivity cables, you may need additional PCIe cables to power a bigger cooling system, HDMI 2.1 for ultra-high speed for 4k resolution at 120Hz, and a 3.5mm cable for an uninterrupted audio supply.
Depending upon the generation of your components, you will need all kinds of different power cables and converters. The standard set includes power cables like SATA, PCIe, or ATX, data cables like SATA or USB, audio and video cables like HDMI and 3.5mm cables, and Ethernet cables for networking.
Conclusion
RGB cables are quite popular among new-age gamers for their aesthetics. Most connectivity is done wirelessly for a new build, so the motherboards are pretty uncluttered.
Modern-day computer plugs are pretty lean in size to allow ventilation. For upgrades, though, you might need a bunch of converters for compatibility.
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