Frickin Cables

[teddy710]

Can anyone explain to me all of at least the most common types of cables and cords needed for a computer to run? Not just for motherboard but for everything including monitor and all! Or if you have links that'd help too but just commented it all would be best. Thanks!

[Omon_Ra]

For the 'exterior' cords/cables; or the ones that go from the computer to something, are rather few. You need two AC power cords, one from the wall (surge protector/power conditioner/UPS ideally) to the PSU. It'll look like this: http://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=ac+power+cord but should come with your power supply. The other AC power cord is for the monitor, and should also come with that. You need a video cable, either HDMI (http://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=hdmi), Display Port (http://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=display%20port&mode=list&category_1=Cables) [there is also mini-Display Port], DVI (http://www.monoprice.com/category?c_id=102&cp_id=10209) or VGA (http://www.monoprice.com/category?c_id=102&cp_id=10201). Depending on the cable you go with, it can carry audio with it (HDMI/Display Port) or you'll need headphones/speakers to hook up if you want/need audio (DVI/VGA). 3.5mm is the standard output jack and depending on the speakers, you'll need a 3.5mm to RCA, 3.5mm, 1/4"; or alternatively optical cables. Then you need a mouse/keyboard, which will typically be USB now, but PS2 is still sometimes used for keyboards. But that's really the bare essentials once you have the computer built. Recap: two AC power cords, video cord, mouse, keyboard, audio optional.

 

Then for the 'interior,' everything you need should either come with your motherboard (SATA cables, fan splitters/extensions, and other random stuff they decide to give you), power supply (if it's modular, all the power cables), or case (front panel connectors, fan hubs/controllers), so don't worry about sourcing them unless you want custom sleeving or need extras.

[teddy710]

13 minutes ago, Omon_Ra said:

For the 'exterior' cords/cables; or the ones that go from the computer to something, are rather few. You need two AC power cords, one from the wall (surge protector/power conditioner/UPS ideally) to the PSU. It'll look like this: http://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=ac+power+cord but should come with your power supply. The other AC power cord is for the monitor, and should also come with that. You need a video cable, either HDMI (http://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=hdmi), Display Port (http://www.monoprice.com/search/index?keyword=display%20port&mode=list&category_1=Cables) [there is also mini-Display Port], DVI (http://www.monoprice.com/category?c_id=102&cp_id=10209) or VGA (http://www.monoprice.com/category?c_id=102&cp_id=10201). Depending on the cable you go with, it can carry audio with it (HDMI/Display Port) or you'll need headphones/speakers to hook up if you want/need audio (DVI/VGA). 3.5mm is the standard output jack and depending on the speakers, you'll need a 3.5mm to RCA, 3.5mm, 1/4"; or alternatively optical cables. Then you need a mouse/keyboard, which will typically be USB now, but PS2 is still sometimes used for keyboards. But that's really the bare essentials once you have the computer built. Recap: two AC power cords, video cord, mouse, keyboard, audio optional.

 

Then for the 'interior,' everything you need should either come with your motherboard (SATA cables, fan splitters/extensions, and other random stuff they decide to give you), power supply (if it's modular, all the power cables), or case (front panel connectors, fan hubs/controllers), so don't worry about sourcing them unless you want custom sleeving or need extras.

Thanks a lot! So if Im using a monitor should without speakers should I get DVI or VGA and not HDMI or Display port?

[Omon_Ra]

6 hours ago, teddy710 said:

Thanks a lot! So if Im using a monitor should without speakers should I get DVI or VGA and not HDMI or Display port?

It depends on your monitor, but DVI would be fine. I prefer Display Port or HDMI, mostly because they're easier to unplug/plug in should you need to (those damn thumbscrew things can frig off). Unless you have to, I'd avoid VGA. It's an older, analog standard.

[teddy710]

23 minutes ago, Omon_Ra said:

It depends on your monitor, but DVI would be fine. I prefer Display Port or HDMI, mostly because they're easier to unplug/plug in should you need to (those damn thumbscrew things can frig off). Unless you have to, I'd avoid VGA. It's an older, analog standard.

Oh I like HDMI cords too. Wasn't sure if I could use them or now but I'd prefer HDMI

[DebatED Nothing]

12 minutes ago, teddy710 said:

Oh I like HDMI cords too. Wasn't sure if I could use them or now but I'd prefer HDMI

Check that your monitor and GPU both have HDMI ports on them first

[teddy710]

59 minutes ago, DebatED Nothing said:

Check that your monitor and GPU both have HDMI ports on them first

Lol thanks for the tip