Identifying Common Cables

HD and 4k video, audio, data transfer, power delivery.

Commonly found on Laptops, Docks, and Phones.

This cable is the most versatile when compared to the others on this page. It can function as a display/audio cable while also functioning as a USB cable. This has led to its use in docking stations. Learn more about docking/hubs in the Connecting Dell Monitors to Computers guide.

HD and 4k video, audio.

Commonly found on Monitors, Docks, and Desktops.

Note: there is often a tab that must be depressed when unplugging the cable.

HD and 4k video, audio.

Commonly found on Laptops, Docks, Desktops, TVs, and other home devices.

HD video, no audio.

Commonly found on older Desktops and Monitors.

Note: there are two retaining screws that must be unscrewed when unplugging the cable.

Video, no audio.

Commonly found on older Laptops, Desktops and Monitors.

Note: there are two retaining screws that must be unscrewed when unplugging the cable.

Universal Data transfer, power delivery.

These USB cables are found on numerous peripheral devices. Although there are many different connectors, they all serve the same purpose: data transfer and/or power delivery.

Most common connector type of the above row. Used for data transfer.

Commonly found on Laptops, Docks, and Monitors. Typically used to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, webcams, and external storage devices.

Note: this cable can only be plugged into a USB port in 1 orientation; it is not reversible like USB C connectors.

Internet/Network.

Connecting your device to a local network and the greater internet in a single cable. This cable is used in place of WiFi and should be used in place of WiFi when possible.

Note: there is a tab that must be depressed when unplugging the cable.

Audio.

This is a simple audio connector that uses a "concentric barrel" design. This form-factor may be familiar to you due to its dominating presence in headphone design.