Computer cable assembly: 16 common types of cable assemblies for your computer

Various parts of the PC are connected to farm the whole PC system. For example, you need a data cable to ensure communication works well.

Also, it would help if you had a Molex-style cable and power cords for power transition.

The computer wire is very important to the PC, so you must be careful when picking a new or custom computer cable assembly.

Now, let’s learn about the common types and their basic functions.

Computer power terminal wires

Power supplies with 5V and 12V power are needed for the older assembly machines that employ hard drives, GPUs, floppy disc drives, DVD players, and other accessories. Accordingly, this cable harness is a computer’s power termination wire.

Moreover, most modern computers use only serial cables. Red and black represent 5v, while yellow and black represent 12v, and this parallel interface line is converted into a serial line to additional power devices.

The PC power cord is very simple to set up. You can put together a host by purchasing the individual parts separately, and putting together the host presents no technological challenges.

1. Parallel ATA (PATA) cables 

You can use a PATA cable when attaching a storage device like a hard drive or CD-ROM to the computer’s motherboard. These ribbon wires have two three connectors, with which you can attach the motherboard. The other 40 or 44-pin connectors attach to the drive.

2. Serial ATA (SATA) cables 

It is the purpose of SATA cables to link hard drives to a motherboard. Two 8-pin adapters are located at either end of the cable, allowing faster data transmission.

Audio Cables 

It would be best to have a good audio cable with an appropriate connector to transmit audio from one point to another. Here are a few options for good-quality audio cables

3.3.5mm headphone jack

Computer audio applications typically make use of 3.5mm audio connections. With this connection, you may hook your mini-stereo, computer sound card, or small CD player to your home theatre system’s sound system. Earbuds or headphones can also be connected to the device with this wire.

4. Digital Optical Audio

The digital audio connector transfers high-quality audio signals from a DVD player or set-top system.

Since these connections are fiber optics, they can send digital audio signals without analog interference. A mini digital jack is found on some computers and sound equipment. However, you can use a converter to convert it to a regular digital audio connection.

Caption: Audio Cable 

Video Cables

For situations where you only want to represent video via projector, you should use VGA or SVideo cables.

5. VGA

The video graphics array (VGA) cable is widely used as a connection for computer screens and HD televisions. You can use a VGA cable to join your laptop to a TV or projector and a screen, as the standard VGA interface has 15 pins.

VGA displays can still be used with newer systems, as converter adapters allow transmitting HDMI or DVI data to the display. Some laptops feature a smaller version of VGA called Mini-VGA; nevertheless, with the aid of a converter, any regular VGA monitor may be connected to a Mini-VGA connection.

6. DVI Monitor Port

Recently purchased computers typically employ DVI rather than VGA for video output. Smaller forms of DVI, such as Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI, are more common in today’s “thin” laptops like Macbook Air, etc.

The standard number of pins for a DVI cable is 29, while the number of pins in a given connector may differ. The video signal from a DVI monitor can be converted to an HDMI stream with a simple adapter. You can use a DVI to VGA adapter to hook your new video card to an older display with only VGA input.

7. S-Video

Analog video signals are sent using S-Video connections, also known as Super Video or Separate video cables, which attach DVD players, video recorders, and older consoles for videos to a TV.

Connectors for S-Video signals are typically circular and have 4-9 prongs.

Audio and Video Cables

Sometimes, simple audio transmission is insufficient, and you need video cables. Thus, it would be best if you opted for RCA or HDMIs for a good movie experience.

8. RCA Connector Cables

Composite Video (in yellow) and stereo audio (in a different hue) are wires often included in RCA connection cables. Component video (instead of the standard composite) and extra audio channels may be available via a second wire. Component video provides a higher quality image than composite since the video signal is sent via multiple signals instead of just one in the composite.

In most cases, RCA cables link a DVD player, stereo, digital camera, or other audio/video device to a television set. You may import footage shot on an old analog camera into your computer using a video capture card and an RCA connector.

9. HDMI Cables

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the current norm for transmitting video and audio via a single wire. Blu-ray players can be connected to an HDTV through HDMI, which supports a maximum resolution of 4096x2160p (HD is only 1920×1200) and up to 8 channels of digital audio.

A standard HDMI cable has a maximum length of 5 meters, but higher-quality cables can extend to 15 meters or even more with the help of amplifiers. With a converter, you can use an HDMI cable to stream video to a device that only supports DVI, albeit you’ll need a separate audio line.

10.DisplayPort

DisplayPort and its smaller offshoot, Mini DisplayPort, are digital audio and video cables that are increasingly popular in computers. Both can have up to 8 lines of audio files and resolutions of 2560 x 1600 at 60 hertz. The Mini DisplayPort port is standard on MacBooks, but you may soon find them on other devices.

In contrast to the maximum length of 3 meters for a standard DisplayPort connection, 15 meters is possible when using a lesser resolution. The video and audio signals from a VGA port, a DVI port, or an HDMI port can all be connected via a DisplayPort wire or connection. Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort adapters are also readily available.

Caption: Audio Video cables

Data Cables

Here are a few popular options for cables for Data transmission.

11. PS/2 Cable

The PS/2 cable is the industry standard for connecting input devices like mice and keyboards to personal computers. Also, it is long enough to connect a keyboard and mouse to the computer without difficulty. The PS/2 cables have a circular connector with 6 pins. PS/2 cables come in two primary sizes. 

PS/2 cable is smaller, but you can make it longer using adapters. However, USB cables have mostly replaced this cord because you can insert them into any computer without specific adapters.

12. USB cables

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable is an industry standard for interconnecting computers and other electronic devices. Its primary function is as a means of local digital information. Using a USB cord, you can transfer digital information. These days, almost any electronic item can be charged using a USB cable, including cellphones, Bluetooth devices, trimmers, and more.

13. Firewire IEEE 1394

Firewire also recognized as i.LINK, EEE 1394, or Lynx, is a quicker alternative to USB to connect digital cameras and external drives to computers. With FireWire, you may create ad hoc networks between PCs without needing a router.

There are usually 6 pins in a Firewire connector. However, 4-pin versions are also common.

14. eSATA Cables

eSATA cables are best for portable hard disks and transport data quicker than USB or FireWire. However, Unlike USB, an eSATA cable cannot supply power to an external hard disc. Also, External SATA (SATA) cables differ from standard SATA cables in that they are shielded and include a bigger connection.

Caption: Data cables in one frame

Networking Related Cables

For networking, you can use the following cables.

15. Phone RJ11 Cable

Telephone cables (also known as RJ11) are still widely utilized for DSL and ADSL Internet connections. The connector of a regular phone cable contains four pins and four wires.

A clip on the top of the connector keeps everything securely attached.

16. Ethernet Cable

When it comes to wired networks, Ethernet is the universal standard. Ethernet cables, often known as RJ45 plugs, are constructed using 8 separate wires based on the standard Cat5 twisted pair cable.

The Ethernet plug also has 8 pins and resembles a phone jack in appearance but is bigger and wider in reality. Like a phone connector, it features a clip to ensure a secure hold.

Caption: Ethernet plug

Conclusion

Computer cables are important to your system as they connect every component.

Hence, you need to choose a custom cable assembly to set up your workspace at your convenience.

Cloom Tech makes it easier, as we have the largest selection of cables at lower prices.