Cable Connection Types

Questions

  • Which cable do I need to connect my monitor to my computer?
  • My monitor cable does not fit into my computer — which one do I need?
  • How do I connect my monitor to my laptop?
  • Do I need all of the cables that arrived with my monitor?
  • What is the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort?
  • What does a USB-C port look like?
  • How do I identify which cable to use for a particular port?
  • What cables are included with a new Bowdoin computer setup?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students who need to connect a monitor, Ethernet cable, keyboard, mouse, or other peripheral to a Bowdoin-issued computer. The variety of available port types can make it difficult to identify the right cable, particularly when setting up a new computer or connecting to existing peripherals.

Resolution

The table below shows the most common cable and port types in use with Bowdoin-issued computers. Each row includes a photo of the port on the device and the corresponding cable.

Connector Port Cable Description
USB-C Close-up of a USB-C port on a device Two black USB-C cables with both ends visible. There are many different types of USB-C cables, but the one included with your new computer is used to power and charge your laptop. Macs have multiple USB-C ports and it does not matter which side you plug in to. Dell laptops have a USB-C port on the right side near the back.
USB-A to USB-B Labeled comparison of a USB 3.0 USB-A port and a USB-B port, each with close-up views. Comparison of USB-A and USB-B cable ends with labels indicating USB-A plugs into USB port and USB-B connects to the monitor. The USB-B end (the squarish end) plugs into your monitor and the USB-A end plugs into your laptop or adapter. This cable provides power to the USB ports on your monitor.
HDMI Close-up of an HDMI port on a device, labeled HDMI below the port. Two black HDMI cables with gold-plated connectors. High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) delivers both audio and video. The HDMI cable connects from your monitor to your laptop or adapter.
DisplayPort Close-up of a DisplayPort (DP) connector on a metallic device. Two DisplayPort cables with rectangular connectors and latches. DisplayPort is a digital display interface used to connect an adapter or dock to a monitor. This cable may come with your monitor but is not needed in most cases, as an HDMI or USB-C connection is typically used instead.
Ethernet (Standard) Laptop side view with two USB ports and an Ethernet port outlined in red. Two yellow Ethernet cables with clear connectors arranged parallel to each other. A standard Ethernet port is found on most laptops, desktops, and network wall ports. Use an Ethernet cable for a wired network connection.
Ethernet (Expandable) Laptop Ethernet port outlined in red next to HDMI and USB ports. Two yellow Ethernet cables with clear connectors facing right. An expandable Ethernet port is found on some thinner laptops. It uses the same Ethernet cable as a standard port but requires the port to be pressed open before inserting the cable.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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