Types of Computer Cables: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Whether you're setting up a home office, upgrading your gaming rig, or simply connecting peripherals, understanding the types of computer cables is essential. This guide breaks down the most common computer cables used today—for power, data, video, and networking.

types of computer cables

🔌 1. Power Cables

● AC Power Cable (C13/C14)

• Commonly used for desktops, monitors, and power supplies.

• One end plugs into the wall or UPS, the other into your device.

● Laptop Power Adapters

• Include a transformer and proprietary connector (varies by brand: Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.).

🖥️ 2. Monitor & Video Cables

⌨️ 3. Peripheral Cables (Input Devices)

• USB-A to USB-B – Printers and older external hard drives

• USB-A to USB-C – Connecting newer devices to older computers

• USB-C to USB-C – Fast data transfer and power delivery

• PS/2 – Legacy connectors for keyboards and mice (color-coded: green = mouse, purple = keyboard)

📡 4. Data Transfer & Networking Cables

● Ethernet Cable (RJ45)

• Used for wired internet connections

• Common types: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7

● SATA Cable

• Connects internal hard drives and SSDs to the motherboard

• Fast data transfer for storage devices

● IDE Ribbon Cable (outdated)

• Pre-SATA technology, used in older PCs for HDDs and CD-ROMs

● eSATA

• External version of SATA, now largely replaced by USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt

🎧 5. Audio Cables

• 3.5mm AUX Cable – For headphones, speakers, and microphones

• RCA Audio Cable – Used for stereo sound (red/white)

• Optical Audio (TOSLINK) – Digital audio signal, mainly used for home theater systems

🧠 Bonus: Specialty Cables

• KVM Cables – Used with keyboard-video-mouse switches to control multiple computers

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) – Provides data + power for network devices like security cameras

✅ Summary Table

💡 Final Tip

Before buying or connecting a cable, check:

• Connector type (shape/size)

• Signal compatibility (analog vs. digital)

• Bandwidth requirements (for video or data transfer)

• Cable length and shielding (especially for high-speed data or video)