The two basic types of cables found inside a computer case are:
1. Data cable used for passing data between devices.
2. Power cable used to supply power to a device.
Here’s an overview of the most common computer cable types you’ll encounter when dealing with computers, shared by MakeUseOf:
VGA (Video Graphics Array). The VGA connection cable was the standard cable used to connect a computer to a monitor.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface). The DVI connection became the successor to VGA as technology moved away from analog towards digital. Digital displays, like LCD, proved to be higher quality, which soon became the market standard for home pictures. DVI connectors come in 3 varieties.
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). HDMI sends both video and audio signals together. The signals are digital only; thus, HDMI is only compatible with newer devices.
USB (Universal Serial Bus). The USB connection is quite possibly the most pervasive connection type in today’s world. Nearly every form of computer peripheral device — keyboards, mice, headsets, flash drives, wireless adapters, etc. — can be connected to your computer through a USB port.
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). IDE cables were used to connect storage devices to a motherboard.
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment). Newer hard drives will likely use SATA ports over IDE ports. It provides higher data transfer speeds.
eSATA (External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment). eSATA technology is an extension of, or improvement on, the SATA cable — it makes SATA technology available in an external form.
FireWire. The purpose of FireWire is similar to that of USB: high speed data transfer for computer peripherals.
Ethernet. Ethernet cables are used to set up local area networks.