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VGA stands for “Video Graphics Array” and it’s a type of connection cable for a computer that connects your GPU to your monitor through the back of your computer tower and computer monitor respectively. This cable specifically transmits visual data from the CPU and relays it to the monitor. In recent years, HDMI cables have become much more popular, but a lot of people still have analog connections due to old-generation graphics cards and older monitors. Of course, “older” in this context just means a few years, not necessarily something from the early 2000s. Suffice it to say, millions of people still require VGA cables for their computer connection, but they may not know how to choose the right one. Here is some information to help you choose the right VGA cable.
Choose the Right Pin Connection
The first thing you have to know is that not all VGA cables are the same. For instance, you cannot just go online and buy the first VGA cable you find. A lot of people do this; they’ll find a cable that’s affordable, and they’ll assume it fits because it isn’t an HDMI, and they’ll think, “Well, this is the only other option.” This is not the case, however. There is a range of different VGA cables you can purchase. For instance, you may have a 15-pin connection, in which case you will specifically need an HD15 cable for your VGA connection. Make sure you count the number of pin connections you have on your existing monitor and tower connection and get the right cable.
Choose the Right Length
Another thing on which you want to focus when choosing the correct VGA cable is the actual length of the cable. A lot of people end up buying a cable that’s not long enough. People have their computers configured in all sorts of different ways, with some towers on the floor, monitors hung on the wall, and different sorts of configurations that are far apart. You’re going to want to measure the distance between your tower and your monitor, and you’re going to want to keep at least a solid foot of slack here. This way, if you happen to bump the tower or knock the monitor askew, you won’t have to worry about a tight cable ripping out the pin connectors. So, just make sure that you’re measuring the proper distance and going a little bit longer with the cable you purchase.
Choose the Right Connection Port
Something that a lot of people get wrong when they go to buy a new VGA cable is that they don’t understand the connection ports. The back of your tower is very likely going to require a male connection, with pins that plug into the connection port. On the back of your monitor, it likely has pins that protrude out, which means that this end of the connection needs to be female. This is the general configuration of a VGA connection, but you still want to make sure you check. What you’re looking for is the right connection at both ends. You’re likely going to need a male and female connection, but you may not. You may need a different configuration. Just be sure to check before you order.
Choose an Actual VGA Cable
Also, make sure that you’re actually choosing a VGA cable. A lot of people realize they need a cable to connect their computer to their monitor, but they don’t know what it’s called. This means they’ll type in something like “Computer monitor cable,” and they’ll end up buying an HDMI cable, an analog cable with the wrong type of connection, etc. There’s no reason at all to shop in the dark here. Look at your existing ports, figure out the exact type of cable you need, and make a smart purchase. This sort of thing seems axiomatic, but a lot of people just want a very cheap product and fast shipping, and so they make mistakes.
In Conclusion
It’s not difficult at all to get the right VGA cable, nor is it expensive. You just need to understand exactly what you’re shopping for and ultimately choose the right cable.