Cable Connection Types

Summary

Whether you have a Mac or Windows computer, you might need to identify which cables connect to your monitor. This article will help identify the cables.

Body

Issue/Question

  • Which cable do I need to connect my monitor to my computer?
  • My monitor cable doesn't fit into my computer, which one do I need?
  • How do I connect my monitor to my computer?
  • Do I need all of the cables that arrived with my monitor?

Environment

A variety of different cables are used to connect various peripherals to a computer, including monitor, Ethernet, mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. The variety of different ports can make it complicated to figure out what goes where.

You may run into this more often if you receive a new computer and you need to connect it to new or existing peripherals.

Resolution

Table includes photos of cables and the port it plugs into for the most common items in use on campus.
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 that came with your new computer will be used to power and charge your laptop. 

Mac's will have multiple USB-C ports, and it doesn't matter which side you plug in to.

Dell Laptops will have a USB-C port on the right side near the back of it.
USB 3.0 Type A
to USB Type 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 (the squareish end) plugs in to your monitor and the USB-A end, plugs in to your laptop or adapter. It 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. HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and it delivers audio and video. It will go from your monitor, to your laptop or adapter. 
Display Port 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 that is used to connect your adapter or dock to your monitor.   

Ethernet Port

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. Standard Ethernet port is found on most laptops, desktops and network wall ports.

Ethernet Port

Expandable

 Laptop Ethernet port outlined in red next to HDMI and USB ports. Two yellow Ethernet cables with clear connectors facing right. Expandable Ethernet port is found on some slimmer laptops.

If you need further assistance, please contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk

Details

Details

Article ID: 137227
Created
Thu 3/24/22 1:24 PM
Modified
Mon 3/2/26 5:02 PM

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