How to Identify & Use Different Types of Computer Cables

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Computer & tech specialist Luigi Oppido discusses common cables and their ports in this complete guide

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: August 18, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Networking
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• Audio & Video
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• Data Transfer
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• Power Cables
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• Video

|Show more |Show less

There are tons of different cables that plug into a computer, and knowing what each of them does can be a little confusing at first. Recognizing which cables are for networking, audio/visual, and data transfer is important for knowing what to plug in and use, and we partnered with computer and tech specialists to help us walk you through all the most common types. Keep reading to learn what each cable and port looks like and their main uses.

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Computer & tech specialist Luigi Oppido says the most common cables and ports are Ethernet cables, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A, USB-C, and IEC C13, but they may vary between devices. Computer cables have a variety of uses, from connecting to the Internet, transmitting audio and video, transferring data, and providing power.

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Section 1 of 4:

Networking Computer Cables

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   Ethernet Ethernet cables are primarily used to connect your computer to your modem or router to provide an Internet connection, but they can be used to transfer other data as well. While all Ethernet cords use the same port on your computer, there are multiple categories that offer different connection speeds and performance.

   • Cat5e: Speeds up to 1 Gbps at 100 MHz for stable connection and streaming
   • Cat6: Speeds up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters and up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances at 250 MHz
   • Cat6a: Speeds up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters at 500 MHz
   • Cat7: Speeds up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters at 600 MHz
   • Cat8: Speeds up to 25-40 Gbps over 30 meters at 2,000 MHz

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Luigi Oppido is a computer and tech specialist with over 25 years of experience in general computer repairs and upgrades. He is the owner and operator of Pleasure Point Computers and the host of the Computer Man Show! On KSQD.

   Brandon Phipps is a technology specialist with over 23 years of experience in network management solutions, and is the owner of Second Star Technologies in Bakersfield, CA.
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   Fiber-optic Fiber-optic cables have small glass or plastic strands inside that transmit data through pulses of light. Fiber-optics are a lot faster than electrical Ethernet connections, so they’re used for better performance and when you need to send the signal over longer distances. There are 2 main types of fiber-optic cables, but they use the same port on your computer:

   • Single-mode fiber (SMF): Single-mode fibers are slightly smaller and only allow 1 type of light ray to move through the cable to prevent signal degradation.
   • Multi-mode fiber (MMF): Multi-mode fibers allow multiple light rays inside the cable, and they may have slight degradation of the signal over longer distances.
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   Coaxial A coaxial cable is typically used to connect your modem or router to an Internet provider, and may not directly plug into your computer. These cables transmit data and high-speed internet connections to your devices without interference. While fiber-optic cables are better than coaxial connections, they’re still cheaper and more common to use.
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Section 2 of 4:

Audio and Video Computer Cables

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   HDMI HDMI cables are one of the new standards for transmitting video and audio from your computer. Oppido notes that HDMI cables use a digital connection, and your computer will automatically recognize it as the video output. They’re commonly used to connect to monitors or TVs, but they can also connect to gaming systems or media players.
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   DisplayPort DisplayPort cables look similar to HDMI cables, but they have a rectangular plug with a notch on only one side. These cords support higher-resolution audio and video without dropping in quality, and they’re normally used on high-end monitors and gaming PCs. When you want the sharpest images, DisplayPort connections are your best bet.
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   VGA Oppido describes a VGA cable as a blue connection with 3 rows of pins inside and an analog video connection. He states that a VGA port will not detect automatically because it’s a passive connection, so you have to enable it on your computer before it transmits video. Oppido notes VGA cables are pretty old school, but they're still in use. They're mostly found on older computers and devices that don’t have any digital outputs, and they do not carry any audio.
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   DVI A DVI cable is an older analog cable that was used before HDMI and DisplayPort became the norm. These wider cables only transmit video signals, so your computer will require a separate audio output cable. While many newer computers don’t use this cable anymore, they still offer a solid 2k video output.

   • DVI cables were once the standard type used after VGA cables because they could carry digital signals and offer higher-quality video. However, they were made outdated when HDMI and DisplayPort cables became the norm.
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   RCA cables RCA cables are sometimes called “composite cables,” and they typically have 2-3 separate plugs. The red and white cables transmit stereo audio signals, while the yellow cable provides a video signal. These cables are analog connections with lower quality, and they’re primarily found on older computers before digital connections became the norm.
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   TRS cables TRS cables are audio-only connections, and they typically use the 3.5mm headphone jack on your computer. These cables provide clear audio signals without interference, so they’re primarily used to connect speakers or headphones to your computer.
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   XLR XLR cables are high-end audio connections. They connect to microphones, amps, and high-end speakers to provide clear and crisp sound inputs and outputs for your device. While they aren’t common on consumer-grade computers, they are primarily used in conjunction with an audio mixer for professional recording and audio equipment.
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Section 3 of 4:

Data Transfer Computer Cables

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   USB-A Oppido says data transfer cables like USB-A cables are extremely common. USB-A cables are the stereotypical USB connections, and they have a rectangular port shape. These are one of the original USB designs, and they’re used to transfer data and connect peripherals to your computer. You’ll commonly use these to plug in a mouse, keyboard, phone charger, printer, or any other device you can imagine.

   • Technology specialist Brandon Phipps states, “Most USB cables have colored tabs inside the connectors that denote speed. Black is Hi-Speed, blue is SuperSpeed, and teal and red are SuperSpeed+.”
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   USB-B USB-B cables have a boxier port that can transmit data at a higher rate, so it’s typically used for larger devices. Oppido says they are often used with printers. Other devices that use USB-B cables are scanners and external hard drives. While these ports aren’t as common, you still may see them on older devices or as an extra port on the back of your computer.
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   USB-C USB-C cables are the most current and one of the most versatile data transfer cables. They have a more rounded shape, and they don’t need to be turned a specific way to plug them in. USB-C cables have the fastest connection among USB cables and can transfer up to 20 GBps. Many modern devices, such as keyboards, mice, chargers, and other peripherals, now use this connection, and they can even be used for charging a laptop.
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   MicroUSB MicroUSB cables have a smaller and thinner profile than other USB connections, but they’re an older style cable that offers slower connections. Usually, microUSB cables connect to devices like game controllers and cameras, but they may also be found on older electronics like phones and e-readers.
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   Thunderbolt Oppido says thunderbolt cables use the same ports as a USB-C. They’re primarily used on Apple computers. Thunderbolt cables and ports usually have a small lightning bolt symbol, and they offer faster connections and data transfers than USB-C cables. If you need quick responsiveness for game controllers, keyboards, virtual reality headsets, or other peripherals, opt for a Thunderbolt cable.
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   FireWire FireWire cables are primarily used in professional settings to connect multiple computers or devices that require a high-speed connection. These cables can support fast transfer speeds between devices, even over longer distances. Some FireWire cables even provide their own power, so they can transfer data without a computer connection.
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   PS/2 cable PS/2 cables have a round port, and they’re one of the older connections for peripherals like mice and keyboards. While these ports aren’t as common anymore, they used to be the standard for plugging in your devices without a lot of delay or connectivity issues.
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Section 4 of 4:

Power Cables for Computers

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   IEC C13/C14 Oppido says IEC C13 cables, also known as computer power supply cables, have 3 prongs. Typically, they have one end with a 3-pronged electrical socket and a trapezoidal connector that plugs into your computer. These cables are the standard for powering desktop computers, and they provide a safe, grounded electrical connection so your computer works properly.

   • C13/14 connectors are also commonly used for computer monitors and external hard drives.
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   C5 The C5 cable is more low-profile, and has a cloverleaf pattern on the end. These power cords are typically used to connect to laptops that don’t require as much power as a full desktop PC.
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