Dvi connector. Computer ports

Published: 01/16/2017

Hello my dear readers, today I would like to touch upon such an important topic as the basic connectors of the system unit. Let's see what they are for and what can be connected to them?

I personally believe that every user who uses a computer more or less often is simply obliged to know the main connectors of the system unit in order to subsequently be able to connect new equipment to the computer or be able to assemble a computer in a new place.

Many of you have probably already encountered assembling a computer, but probably few of you did everything right the first time. In this article, I would like to look at the main connectors of the system unit and figure out what they are used for, so that in the future you will not have problems when assembling a computer or when installing new equipment.

So let's begin. Below I will give a typical system unit with explanations. Later we will figure out what each specific port serves.

In the picture we see a typical system unit, a little outdated, but I think it’s suitable for ours.

Connectors for network cables

At the very top of the system unit we see a power supply connector (or PSU for short) for connecting the computer to the network. Under it there is usually a sticker with the allowed input voltage. For example, 220 V. Under the connector there is a switch that can be switched to the “0” and “I” positions. Accordingly, 0 - current supply is not allowed, I - current supply is allowed.

Now a little about what a power supply is. A power supply is a voltage converter that is present in every system unit. He receives current from you home network and converts it into what is necessary for the operation of the computer; it also distributes it using its wiring between internal components your system unit. Such as motherboard, hard drives, video card and external coolers. It looks something like this:

And more productive and modern ones like this:

Like the main system unit, it also has its own specialized connectors for connecting internal components of the system unit itself. Some for hard drives, others for coolers, and others for the motherboard. But today we won’t delve into the power supply connectors in detail, because that’s not what the article is about. And if the power supply is already installed in the system unit, then everything has already been connected before you.

However, the power supply itself does not simply plug into the outlet. A special network cable is required. It looks like this:

One end of the cable is plugged into a regular outlet, and the other is connected to a connector in the power supply. Therefore, in order to supply current to our system unit with all its internal components, we need to connect the power supply to the outlet using a cable and switch the toggle switch on the power supply to the current supply position - “I”.

Connectors motherboard

So, we sorted out the power supply. Now let's move on to the motherboard connectors. This is the largest and most basic board inside your system unit, so the most large number various connectors. By the way, it looks something like this:

And the most common connectors on it are ps/2 ports, usb sockets, graphics connectors, a connector for a network cable and outputs for audio devices (microphone, speakers, amplifier, etc.)

Keyboard and mouse connectors

In the very top row The motherboard connectors have two PS/2 ports.

They are always nearby and serve to connect a keyboard and mouse. Green for connecting a mouse, purple for connecting a keyboard. The connectors are absolutely identical, they differ only in color. Therefore, they are often confused with each other. Even the color difference doesn't help. After all, most users have their computer at the bottom, under the table, turned to its side. rear panel to the wall, where there is pitch darkness. Exit from this provision one is a flashlight. But there is also a little trick. The mouse connector is most often located on the right side, and the keyboard connector on the left. This connector is long outdated lately You can see him less and less often. On latest models where else it is used, these two ports are combined into one and can connect both a mouse and a keyboard.

Outdated connectors

After the PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors on modern motherboards there are usually usb 2.0 and usb 3.0 ports, but on earlier motherboards you can still find these incomprehensible ones to the modern user monsters:

This is a parallel LPT connector. It is an obsolete connector and has long been replaced by universal port USB, which I will describe below. The LTP connector was once developed by IBM and was used to connect peripheral devices(printers, modems, etc.) in MS-DOS.

You may also come across this port:

This is consistent COM port. It is also morally outdated. The word serial means that data is transmitted sequentially, one bit at a time. Previously it was used to connect terminals, network devices and mice. Currently sometimes used to connect satellite receivers, sources uninterruptible power supply and security systems.

Below are the USB ports already familiar to most of you. These are the ones into which we insert our flash drives, printers, usb charging for phones and much more. IN present moment There are several types of these ports. The most popular of them are usb 2.0 and usb 3.0

They differ in color and data transfer speed. The USB 2.0 port is black and its effective data transfer speed is about 30 MB/s, while the USB 3.0 port has about 300 MB/s. USB 3.0 ports are always blue or bright blue.

Of course, on my part, dividing all usb ports into 3.0 and 2.0 is a barbaric method, because there were and still are many different submodifications usb type 2.0 full-speed, usb 2.0 high-speed and usb 3.1, but for our purposes I think dividing by 2.0 and 3.0 will be more than enough. If you suddenly become interested in learning about transitional options, you can open Wikipedia. Everything is described there in detail.

I probably won’t dwell on usb ports in more detail, because today every schoolchild knows what they are used for. Let me just say that these ports can not only transmit data, but can also transmit low voltage current. This is where all these USB chargers for mobile devices come from. They also support branching. This means that with sufficient voltage and presence usb hub(in everyday language of an extension cord) to one usb port You can connect up to 127 devices.

Ethernet socket

There is an Ethernet socket under or next to the USB ports.

It is used to connect a computer to any internal network or global Ethernet networks. It all depends on the circumstances and desires of the owner. Computers are connected to global network or are combined into local networks, of course, not just like that, but via a network cable. At both ends there are RJ 45 connectors for connecting to the connectors of network devices. Here's what a standard network cable looks like:

Audio connectors

This board features Jack 3.5 connectors. They are located in the lowest row of connectors on the motherboard and are used to connect various acoustic input/output devices to the computer.

The pink connector is used to connect a microphone, or more precisely for audio input devices. Green is a line output and is required for audio output devices (headphones, speakers). The blue connector is used to receive an audio signal from external subsystems (radio, portable or other player, or TV)

If your motherboard has 6 connectors, then your sound card designed to work in 4-channel mode. The orange connector, in this case, is intended for connecting a subwoofer (low-frequency speaker). Gray for optional side. Black for the rear ones.

Recently, the color designations of connectors have been very arbitrary and, if necessary, with the help of drivers they are reconfigured as needed for other functions. For example, to connect additional headphones to the microphone jack, when connecting, just indicate to the driver that this device is the output device (speakers or headphones).

Video connectors

Well, at the very bottom, separate from the motherboard connectors, we see video connectors coming from an external video card or between the motherboard connectors if you have a built-in one. A short explanation of the differences. An external (discrete) video card is one that is separated from the motherboard. That is, it is not soldered there, but is connected using the PCI-Express connector on the motherboard. As a rule, an external video card is much more powerful than a built-in video card. The built-in video card is soldered into the motherboard and is essentially an inseparable part of it. For the last few years, built-in video cards have been part of the processor and, during operation, take away power from it and separate part of the RAM for themselves.

Video connectors are needed to connect monitors or TVs to a computer. Sometimes you can also find a TV output for connecting TV antenna, but this is more often only in cases where another one is purchased and installed in the system unit to receive a TV signal additional fee. Usually you can only find video connectors for connecting monitors.

The most common one is at the moment, is an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) interface.

This interface is present in modern video cards, monitors and TVs. Main feature HDMI - the ability to transmit high-definition digital video signal (HDTV with a resolution of up to 1920×1080 pixels), as well as multi-channel, over one audio and video cable digital audio, and control signals.

Slightly less common, but also quite common, is DisplayPort.

In terms of technical characteristics, it is not much different from the HDMI connector, but unlike the previous one, it does not require any license payments from the manufacturer. Thanks to this, it is quickly gaining popularity among manufacturers. Nowadays, this port is being actively replaced by the Thunderbolt connector, which looks exactly the same, supports backward compatibility and at the same time has significantly more capabilities. The data transfer speed of the Thunderbolt connector reaches 40 Gbps. It has lower power consumption and allows you to connect up to two monitors with 4K resolution, or one with 5K resolution.

The first of the aging monitor connectors is called DVI

This is a connector designed to transmit images to high-precision digital devices display. Was developed by Digital Display Working Group

The analog connector for connecting legacy monitors is called VGA

The connector is considered obsolete. And it is used to connect analog monitors. In such monitors, the signal is transmitted line by line. Moreover, when the voltage changes, the brightness of the screen changes. This connector was developed back in 1987 by IBM.

Good day, dear readers. We bring to your attention an article-continuation-addition to what we once published.

This article will focus on connecting “mandatory” peripherals to an already assembled system unit, namely: keyboard, mouse, speakers and printer. Along the way, I will explain to you the purpose of certain connectors and interfaces.

What peripherals and how do we connect?

What do we need?

Assembled system unit
Monitor
Keyboard
Columns
Printer
3 power wires, interface wires for various devices.
Straight arms :-)

First, let's take a look at the back panel of the system unit. In order to make it easier for you to understand which part of the system unit we are talking about (and so that it would be more convenient for me to tell you :-)), I made block diagrams in the figure with numbers and categories. Yellow blocks are devices, and red blocks are device connection interfaces.

1 - Power supply (rear view)
1.1 - Connector for connecting the power cable and power on/off button.
2 – Connectors mat. boards
2.1 - PS/2 keyboard and mouse connection ports.
2.2 - COM – port.
2.3 - LPT – printer port.
2.4 - USB and RJ-45 interfaces network port.
2.5 - mini-jack ports for connecting audio equipment.
3 -
3.1 - DVI (digital)
3.2 - D-SUB (VGA) (analog)
3.3 - (digital, high definition audio and video)
4 - Standard 56K modem ports.
4.1 - RJ-11 ports for connecting a 4-wire standard telephone cable and telephone.
So let's take a closer look at . On the left side of the rear panel of the unit we see the power cable connection port and the on/off button. nutrition. By the way, depending on the model, there may not be a button; it all depends on the manufacturer. On the right side there are “drainage” holes for the power supply cooling fan. Again, depending on the manufacturer and specific model The unit shown in the figure may differ in appearance from yours, but in any case, any power supply has a port for connecting the power cable. If it is not there, then, apparently, you screwed the power supply on the wrong side :-) For clarity, I will show you the power supply closer:

I think you have found the power cable connection port. But what should I connect there? Take one of the 3 power wires. Let's take a look at it. One end of it is a standard Euro-socket (there is no photo, but I think it’s clear to everyone what we’re talking about), and on the other there is a hexagonal trapezoidal “end”:

Now we insert it into the port on the power supply (it is better to first disable the power on/off button). As a result, you should get something like this:

The second point of our “review” is connecting a keyboard, mouse, speakers and printer. Let's take a look at the connectors:

Referring to our "block diagram" above, find the keyboard and mouse connection ports PS/2. Please note that the keyboard connection port is lilac, and the mouse connection port is green, as well as the interface cable ends on the mouse and keyboard:

This is done so as not to accidentally confuse the ports. Naturally, the keyboard and mouse interface cables are connected by color, but in order to correctly connect the mouse and keyboard to the specified ports, you need to pay attention not only to the color. Both cables are connected only in one position, and if your cable cannot be inserted, under no circumstances force it in! Find the correct position for the cable and it will insert without problems. Sometimes, but not always, special marks are made on the “outputs” of the keyboard and mouse in the form of notches, bevels, arrows, etc., which will help you choose the correct position of the cables. The keyboard and mouse can also be connected via the interface USB. For those who don't know, it looks like this:

In this case there are no problems at all. Set it and forget it. The printer is connected in the same way. All printers starting from 2003 can only be connected via USB, and the cable connecting the printer to the computer is standard. This cable is called an “adapter cable.” USB type AM-BM" At one end of the cable there is a standard cable already known to us. USB, and at the other end there is this tip:

It is inserted into the printer into a special port located on the back or side wall of the printer. For example, here:

Cable AM-BM used not only for connecting printers. Using this cable, uninterruptible power supplies, external docking stations, external USB- storage facilities, various diagnostic equipment, etc. By the way, about cables, I draw your attention to the fact that when purchasing any printer except Samsung, You will also have to buy such a cable, since .
By the way, be sure to connect power to the printer (use the second of three power cables). Paste here:

Now it's time for the speakers. All modern motherboards, as a rule, are equipped with a built-in sound card. There are three main types of sound cards: built-in, discrete and external. But that's not what this is about. Using our “block diagram” we will find mini-jack ports for connecting audio equipment. As you may have noticed, on our mat. There are as many as six holes on the board. This suggests that the presented sound card is 8-channel, that is, if desired and has sufficient funds, we can connect a 7.1 sound system to our computer. But our main task now is correct connection columns As with the keyboard and mouse, all ports on the sound card are multi-colored.

The pink port is used to connect a microphone, the green port (which is what we need) is for connecting conventional (front) stereo speakers, the blue port is the so-called line output and is used to connect a variety of audio equipment to the computer, for example, musical instruments. Gray port - output to the side speakers (provided that a 7.1 system is connected), orange port - output to the rear speakers (provided that a 5.1 or 7.1 system is connected), black port - output to center channel and a subwoofer (provided that a 5.1 or 7.1 system is connected).
Let's take a look at our "test" speakers:

As you can see our tip is green. I think you won’t have any problems connecting the speakers - just plug the plug into the green hole ;-)

Let's now connect the monitor. To do this, we will find the video card connectors on our “block diagram”. We are lucky; our video card contains almost all the main connection interfaces:

The blue port (VGA) is also standard. It has been in business for over 20 years and is already preparing to retire. White has already taken its place DVI and "monster" HDMI- the most modern.
Via cable HDMI If you wish and have the appropriate equipment, you can also transmit sound.
All three cables look like this:

Only the interface wires for connecting the monitor and video equipment are symmetrical on both sides. It makes no difference which end you insert the cable into. To confirm my words, I will show you the monitor and its back panel with all the listed interfaces:

As you can see, the video card connectors and the monitor connectors are the same. Connecting them, I also think, will not cause any problems for you. By the way, do not forget to connect the remaining third power cable to the monitor, as was the case with the power supply and printer.

Conclusion

You probably noticed that I did not tell you about all the connectors that are indicated in our “block diagram”. The fact is that the equipment connected to these connectors is not the main and necessary one. Often few people use these connectors; for example, the COM port is now used mainly for connecting diagnostic equipment, and the LPT port is used for connecting old printers and license keys to programs. About the port network card there is no point in telling it in this article either.

Afterword

PS1: The computer hardware presented in the pictures is shown for examples and information only. No advertising.
PS2: The article was written by a person who lives online under the nickname (friend and project assistant). Why should he huge Thank you.

Here are the most popular and frequently used cables for connecting video or audio devices. Please note that this list does not end the connection possibilities.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

Used for: connection Blu-ray players, TVs, AV receivers, game consoles, personal computers and other high-frequency video devices.
If you have a choice, choose this over an analog audio cable and a component video cable.
This is similar to the performance and usage of the DVI digital video interface.
Is an adapter for: DVI, Mini-DVI, Micro-DVI.
Additional ports: connection to the receiver.
In addition to carrying pure HD video at resolutions of 1080 pixels or more, HDMI can carry surround sound, including DTS and Dolby Digital. This digital cable Suitable for most home theater slots, including TVs, receivers and game consoles. It supports HDCP encryption, so you can play copy-protected movies without any problems. This type of connection exists in several versions: standard hdmi cable 1.3 or high speed 1.4. New version has additional bandwidth for watching video from high resolution in 3D.

RCA (also known as composite video or phono plug)

Used for: basic settings, analog audio and video, sometimes digital audio.
If you have a choice, choose this over coaxial cable.
Is an adapter for: TRS “mini jack” (found on video cameras or MP3 players).
RCA is introduced as a connector used throughout home audio and video equipment. For basic settings, you can use the white plug, as well as for mono audio or left channel, the yellow plug for video. The red plug usually means right-channel audio, but the connector can also carry other signals. Sometimes used in digital audio, in which a single cable carries the full surround audio signal. This cable is also suitable for component video.

Component video (also called RGB or Y-Pb-Pr)

Used for: HDTV video (especially on older TVs) and gaming systems.
If you have a choice, choose it over composite RCA video, S-Video.
This is similar to the performance and usage of a VGA cable (especially the RGB version).
Is an adapter for: VGA if the device uses the RGB version.
Additional ports: splitter, repeater or receiver.
Component video signals are transmitted through three RCA cables, typically having red, green and blue colors. Component video operates at speeds up to 1800i, making it optimal for analog HDTV connections. Cables are usually designated Y/Pb/Pr, and indicate the level of brightness, blueness and redness. Some systems use different designations, often RGB meaning red, green and blue. There are devices that support both options, but if you end up with an image that is completely tinted green, then most likely you have created an incorrect color space.

S-Video (or Y/C)

Used for: .
If you have a choice, choose this over composite RGA and coaxial cable.
It is an adapter for: composite video (but with loss of quality benefits).
Additional ports: splitter, repeater or radio receiver.
Although this type of connection expands on the composite RCA connection, S-Video still cannot be on par with cables that support HDTV.

Coaxial video (cable TV connection)

Used for: connecting antennas, conducting VRC for analog TV, connecting a cable broadcast source and a TV.
This is analogous to the performance and use of composite video.
Additional ports: splitter connections.
Coaxial cable is used to transmit video and audio signals between devices. The cable is also suitable for a TV tuner antenna. Most cable companies use this type of conductor, although they mostly send digital signal, which is converted and decoded on your TV. You can almost always spend coaxial cable to the TV (except for connecting digital antenna), but it is to be expected correct operation only basic quality characteristics.

Toslink (also known as optical cable or S/PDIF)

Used for: gaming systems, connecting DVD players, cable boxes, and other radio devices.
If you have a choice, choose this over analog RCA audio and other audio cables.
This is similar to the performance and use of a single analog RCA audio cable.
Is an adapter for: Mini Toslink.
Additional ports: splitter and receiver.
IN digital connections Toslink sends out optical pulses that are decoded into sound. Typically an S/PDIF signal is used to provide surround sound details. (“S/PDIF” is sometimes used as a synonym for optical cable, although Toslink refers more to physical connectors). Mini-Toslink cables are sometimes used, especially with Apple computers, such connectors are often inside a standard 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack port. The smart home system also uses such a cable in its connections.

Mini-jack (TRS, 3.5mm jack, 1/8-inch jack, headphone jack)

Used for: portable audio devices, computers, portable speakers, video cameras.
This is similar to the performance and use of a 1/4 inch jack, a 2.5mm jack.
Is an adapter for: 2.5mm jack, RCA jack, 1/4 inch jack.
This headphone jack is found in almost all audio devices, and is offered as the main jack on media players. You'll most often encounter stereo connections that have two rings on the end of the plug. If the plug has only one ring, then it will only conduct mono audio. The connector is also often used to carry video along with audio, converting a mini-jack to an RCA device. The audio signal on the minijack is louder than the stereo RCA signal, so if you are using an adapter (for example, connecting an iPod to the receiver), then increase the volume gradually.

1/4 inch connector (TRS)

Used for: music equipment, headphones, professional equipment, audio equipment home theater.
If you have a choice, choose this over a mono mini-jack.
This is similar to the performance and use of a mini-jack, 2.5mm jack.
Is an adapter for: mini-jack, 2.5mm jack, RCA jack.
Additional ports: splitter connection.
This jack most often carries stereo sound through headphones. It is also used on professional audio equipment, home theater audio components, and many other headphone-equipped devices.

2.5mm jack (also known as TRS)

Used for: mobile phone headset.
If you have a choice, choose this instead of a mini-jack, a 1/4-inch jack.
Is an adapter for: RCA connector, 1/4 inch connector, mini-jack.
Additional ports: splitter.
Although most mobile phones have a mini-jack connector, there are also many interfaces with a 2.5mm jack that support microphones or button locking. However, you can connect a fairly large headphone cable to this small jack and listen to music.

Used for: mid to high end microphones.
If you have a choice, choose this over the 1/4 inch connector.
This is similar to the performance and use of a 1/4 inch jack.
Is an adapter for: 1/4 inch jack (but this will not amplify the microphone).
Additional ports: connection to a mixer.
Although this connector can support a large number of pins, the three-pin version is most often used in midrange and professional audio equipment. Microphones also often use an XLR cable to amplify the sound.

Used for: connecting speakers.
Additional ports: receiver or splitter connections.
A twisted wire (each containing two cables inside) connecting the speakers to the receiver. The speaker cable gauge is great value, if it needs to be stretched over long distances. Thicker, lower gauge wires work best. Try to select the cable length so that there is no excess left, otherwise there will be interference in signal transmission. To connect cables you can use plug banana, but you will achieve the same results simply by connecting the bare wires.

Attention: Before connecting the cable, you must turn off the TV and computer!

Check what your video card has

Check that your TV has inputs

Check that you have an S-Video->RCA (S-Video-tulip) and Audio (Jack-2RCA) cable

Connect the cable to the video card () and jack in audio out, to the TV RCA (A/V tulip plugs) and 2RCA (audio).

S-Video output– black round 4 and 7-pin connector, located, as a rule, on the back panel of the TV and often serves to connect cable TV to it.

You can connect your computer to your TV in various ways, but the most accessible connection is via the S-Video connector. An S-Video connector is present on almost every video card, and every one, even analog TVs, is equipped with it. In addition, the S-Video interface provides very high-quality color and sound transmission: the picture quality when connecting a computer to a TV via S-Video connectors will be many times better than when using RCA connectors or several cables connected by an adapter.

So, now we will look at how to connect a computer to a TV using S-Video connectors.

S-Video input– one of the earliest connectors for connecting to a TV external devices. Many should remember it from Soviet televisions: it was into these connectors that the antenna was inserted.

Now this black “circle” is more used for connecting cables for TV and children’s game consoles. Modern TVs equipped with many connectors: RCA (“tulip”), HDMI, DVI, VGA (D-Sub) and, in mandatory, S-Video connector.

Many owners of modern plasma or LCD TVs unjustifiably “forget” about the S-Video connector and prefer to use a more modern interfaces– the same HDMI, DVI, RCA. At the same time, S-Video provides much best quality color rendering than each of them.

Perhaps just for connection LCD TVs(which are similar in matrix structure computer monitors) it is more convenient to use modern digital interfaces: HDMI or DVI.
And the color triple RCA outputs are nothing more than an original innovation. The composite connection is inferior in quality to all the above interfaces.

Connecting your computer to your TV via S-Video connectors is also convenient because you don’t have to use adapters. Every TV and almost every video card (with the exception of only the oldest models) have such connectors.

You just need to connect them with a cable. And there are plenty of S-Video - S-Video cables in every store. This standard cable has been in great demand since the early 90s.

So, we connect the computer to the TV via S-Video connectors.

1. We connect the computer and TV with an “S-Video – S-Video” cable

Before connecting, the computer and TV must be turned off. If the TV is connected to cable TV, the cable from the S-Video connector must be removed. After this we proceed to the connection.
We insert one end of the cable into the S-Video output of the computer (black “circle” on the video card), and the other end of the cable into the S-Video input of the TV (a similar black “circle” on the back (sometimes on the front) panel of the TV). S-Video output is the connector through which signals are sent (in our case, the S-Video connector on the video card), and S-Video input is the connector through which signals are received (in our case, the S-Video connector on the panel TV).

2. We turn on the TV first, and then the computer.

At the moment Windows boot The TV screen should blink slightly. This action indicates that the TV has detected external signals. Therefore, our connection is on the right path. If used digital tv, then in in this case there is no need to switch it to AV mode - it must receive signals from the antenna jack (S-Video).

3. Setting up the video card

If you are using a video card from NVidia (Ge-Force), do the following. Right-click on the desktop, select “Properties”, open the “Settings” tab (in the right top corner window that opens), in the tab that opens, click on the “Advanced” button.

In the window that opens, go to the tab with the name of the model of our video card (Ge-Force****). We put a point on “Clone” (thereby defining the TV as a second monitor), in the Ge-Force window open on the left, select nView and click on Apply. After that, click on the “Display” field and select the name of our TV from the list of devices that opens. The image should appear. You can also display here additional settings images (color correction, for example).

If you are using an ATI graphics card, the first three steps remain the same. And after clicking on “Advanced”, the computer itself will tell you how to further connect the TV to it. Installation instructions will begin to appear on the screen. You just need to complete them.

4. Turn on “search” on the TV

Unfortunately, when connecting a computer to a TV via S-Video, in some cases the image still needs to be configured as a separate television channel. To do this, turn on the search and scroll through the frequencies until we come across the computer desktop.

In a word, the computer is connected to the TV via S-Video exactly like a game console: we connect the cord, and then adjust the image.

The motherboard with the slots and buses used can be represented:

North Bridge- This is a system controller. It is responsible for exchanging information with the processor, RAM and video adapter (graphics controller).

South Bridge– This is a functional controller (input/output controller). Hard drives are connected to it through the appropriate connectors, optical drives, audio system, network card, keyboard, mouse, etc.

In reality, inside the PC system unit, components are connected using slots (special connectors), cables, cables (flat cables), bundles of wires that end in connectors:

The motherboard itself looks like this:

External devices are connected to connectors and sockets located on the outside of the PC system unit (back and front sides) or laptop (sides or back):

The response connectors look like this:

Power cables(220 V)

power unit ASUS laptop

PS/2 plugs for connecting a keyboard (purple) and mouse (green).

LPT cable.The LPT (parallel port) port was mainly used to connect printers. Modern printer models provide connection to a USB port.

COM port (serial port) is mainly used to connect modems.

USB cable. The USB port was developed later than the above ports. Most peripheral devices are connected via the USB port: modems, printers, scanners, flash drives, portable hard drives, digital cameras, etc.

VGA cable. Used to connect a monitor.

Cable for connecting to the Internet (Intranet) ( RJ-45 connector)

Slot connector typesused on the motherboard (ISA or EISA, PCI, AGP):

Slots with PCI connector (female):

and sound card withPCI connector (male):

PCI connectors used to connect an internal modem, sound card, network card, SCSI disk controller.

ISA slots (Mother). The ISA interface is deprecated. In modern PCs, it is usually absent.

PCISA FlipPOST diagnostic board with connectors PCI and ISA (male) PCZWiz company

Slot with AGP connector(dad is at the top, mom is at the bottom).

The AGP interface is designed to connect a video adapter to a separate bus, with output directly to system memory.

UDMA slot(father is on the right, mother is on the left).

Hard drives and more are connected to it.

It should be noted that each slot type has its own color. By opening access to the motherboard, you can easily find your way around. But it’s better that you don’t need it. But the cables that connect external devices to the PC “you need to know by sight.” Remember that the mother and father of the connector must be the same color. Always remember to match the colors of the male and female connectors or know what the colors of the connectors on the PC (laptop) case indicate.

Take, for example, a standard sound card:

Linear audio output to the speaker is always green.

The line input for audio amplification is always blue.

The microphone connector is always pink.

Match them with plugs:

The color design of the connectors will help you. True, colors among PC manufacturers are not unified. For example, some may have a purple keyboard connector, while others may have a red or gray one. Therefore, pay attention to the special symbols that mark the connectors. In this case, it will not be difficult for you to find out :

The interface cables for external devices are unique. You cannot insert it into another connector on your PC (the design and number of sockets are different). All this will help you move your PC (laptop) from place to place without prompting from anyone. You will be able to connect devices and cables to your PC correctly. I hope that the material presented will help you with this.

Now you know what it is PC ports, PC slots, PC connectors, PC cables. More detailed information about connectors and their use with excellent color illustrations can be obtained

If you are a beginner, regardless of age, please leave your comment. And if you are a pensioner, then mark this. After all, we are colleagues! We must help each other!

In this article I will try to list the most common types of interfaces and ports that may be present on a computer, laptop, smartphone, or other similar device. Each type of port has its own structure and purpose, unique to it. It is clear that the presence of various ports in the device allows you to connect and use many different equipment, expanding the standard capabilities of a computer, laptop or smartphone.

The most common and common interface in computer equipment is . The USB port is designed to connect various additional equipment for the purpose of transmitting digital data at high speed. Modern USB ports also allow you to transfer electricity, for example, by connecting a smartphone to a computer via USB, you can transfer data in both directions and at the same time charge the device’s battery.

There are several USB standards that differ in the speed of information transfer, at the moment this is. There are also several types of interfaces that differ in connector design. There are 4 types of USB ports, which are shown in the figure above.

In almost every laptop you can find the so-called. This connector is designed for data transfer, just like a USB port. The main advantage of this connector is high speed data exchange comparable to USB standard 3.0, as well as the ability to connect devices in a daisy chain with the ability to transfer data.

Almost everywhere in a computer, laptop or all-in-one, there is also the so-called Ethernet connector. This type of interface is intended for Ethernet connections cable used to create the connection.

Firewire port, also called IEEE 1394. Outwardly, it looks a little like USB, but only a little. This interface is quite rare; the Firewire port is typical for devices Apple. This interface is designed for data transfer, similar to the first two ports. Most often it is used to connect video cameras.

Audio jack

This type of interface is found in almost all modern computer devices, it is designed to connect headphones and microphone. It is typical for almost all devices to have exactly two connectors, one 3.5 mm jack for headphones and a similar one for a microphone. Less often you can find one combo interface for connecting both a microphone and headphones.

This interface is called, it is designed to connect a monitor. It is found in computers, laptops and less often in other devices.

HDMI port

This interface is called HDMI. Lately it has become more and more popular and has several standards and versions. HDMI port designed for transmitting high-quality video content. Used in almost all modern computer devices.

Kensington Lock

This hole is typical for laptops, it is called Kensington and is designed to secure the laptop to various surfaces through an appropriate cord, to protect against theft. This interface is often used at exhibitions computer equipment, where everyone can “use” the device and hold it in their hands, moving away from the stand by the length of the protective cord.

Card reader

This interface is called, it is designed for connecting memory cards various formats, such as SD, microSD or SDXC. Memory cards store information such as photos, videos, text data, or any other such type.

DVI interface intended for transmitting video data to a monitor or TV. Mainly found in computers or televisions. There are several types of DVI ports, DVI-A is intended to transmit only an analog signal, DVI-D allows you to transmit digital data, DVI-I allows you to transmit both analog signal, and digital.

eSATA port

eSATA- serial interface for data exchange with information storage devices. Used for external implementation SATA interface. Can be used to hot-plug a hard drive (required in BIOS) AHCI mode). There is also a combined eSATA+USB connector.

COM port

COM– the so-called bidirectional serial interface. Currently, it has practically ceased to be used in computers. Previously used to connect network equipment.

LPT port

LPT - international standard parallel interface for connecting peripheral devices personal computer, for example a printer. Currently not in use.

Published: 01/16/2017

Hello my dear readers, today I would like to touch upon such an important topic as the basic connectors of the system unit. Let's see what they are for and what can be connected to them?

So let's begin. Below I will give a typical system unit with explanations. Later we will figure out what each specific port serves.

In the picture we see a typical system unit, a little outdated, but I think it’s suitable for ours.

Connectors for network cables

Now a little about what a power supply is. A power supply is a voltage converter that is present in every system unit. It receives current from your home network and converts it into what is needed for the computer to operate, and it also distributes it using its wiring between the internal components of your system unit. Such as the motherboard, hard drives, video card and external coolers. It looks something like this:

And more productive and modern ones like this:

However, the power supply itself does not simply plug into the outlet. A special network cable is required. It looks like this:

Motherboard connectors

So, we sorted out the power supply. Now let's move on to the motherboard connectors. This is the largest and most basic board inside your system unit, so it has the largest number of different connectors. By the way, it looks something like this:

And the most common connectors on it are ps/2 ports, usb jacks, graphic connectors, a connector for a network cable and outputs for audio devices (microphone, speakers, amplifier, etc.)

Keyboard and mouse connectors

In the very top row of motherboard connectors there are two PS/2 ports.

They are always nearby and serve to connect a keyboard and mouse. Green for connecting a mouse, purple for connecting a keyboard. The connectors are absolutely identical, they differ only in color. Therefore, they are often confused with each other. Even the color difference doesn't help. After all, most users have their computer at the bottom, under the table, with its back panel facing the wall, where pitch darkness reigns. There is only one way out of this situation - a flashlight. But there is also a little trick. The mouse connector is most often located on the right side, and the keyboard connector on the left. This connector has long been outdated, and lately it has become less and less common. On the latest models where it is still used, these two ports are combined into one and can connect both a mouse and a keyboard.

Outdated connectors

After the PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors on modern motherboards there are usually usb 2.0 and usb 3.0 ports, but on earlier motherboards there are still monsters like this that are incomprehensible to the modern user:

This is a parallel LPT connector. It is an obsolete connector and has long been replaced by a universal USB port, which I will describe below. The LTP connector was once developed by IBM and was used to connect peripheral devices (printers, modems, etc.) in the MS-DOS system.

You may also come across this port:

This is a serial COM port. It is also morally outdated. The word serial means that data is transmitted sequentially, one bit at a time. Previously, it was used to connect terminals, network devices and mice. Currently, it is sometimes used to connect satellite receivers, uninterruptible power supplies and security systems.

Below are the USB ports already familiar to most of you. These are the ones into which we insert our flash drives, printers, USB chargers for phones and much more. Currently, there are several types of these ports. The most popular of them are usb 2.0 and usb 3.0

Of course, on my part, dividing all usb ports into 3.0 and 2.0 is a barbaric method, because there were and still are many different submodifications such as usb 2.0 full-speed, usb 2.0 high-speed and usb 3.1, but for our purposes I think division by 2.0 and 3.0 will be more than enough. If you suddenly become interested in learning about transitional options, you can open Wikipedia. Everything is described there in detail.

I probably won’t dwell on usb ports in more detail, because today every schoolchild knows what they are used for. Let me just say that these ports can not only transmit data, but can also transmit low voltage current. This is where all these USB chargers for mobile devices come from. They also support branching. This means that with sufficient voltage and the presence of a USB hub (in everyday language, an extension cord), up to 127 devices can be connected to one USB port.

Ethernet socket

There is an Ethernet socket under or next to the USB ports.

It is used to connect a computer to any internal network or Ethernet wide area network. It all depends on the circumstances and desires of the owner. Computers are connected to a global network or combined into local networks, of course, for a reason, but via a network cable. At both ends there are RJ 45 connectors for connecting to the connectors of network devices. Here's what a standard network cable looks like:

Audio connectors

This board features Jack 3.5 connectors. They are located in the lowest row of connectors on the motherboard and are used to connect various acoustic input/output devices to the computer.

If your motherboard has 6 connectors, then your sound card is designed to work in 4-channel mode. The orange connector, in this case, is intended for connecting a subwoofer (low-frequency speaker). Gray for optional side. Black for the rear ones.

Recently, the color designations of connectors have been very arbitrary and, if necessary, with the help of drivers they are reconfigured as needed for other functions. For example, to connect additional headphones to the microphone jack, when connecting, it is enough to indicate to the driver that this device is an output device (speakers or headphones).

Video connectors

Video connectors are needed to connect monitors or TVs to a computer. Sometimes you can also find a TV output for connecting a television antenna, but this is more often only in cases where another additional board is purchased and installed in the system unit to receive a TV signal. Usually you can only find video connectors for connecting monitors.

The most common at the moment is the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) interface.

This interface is present in modern video cards, monitors and TVs. The main feature of HDMI is the ability to transmit high-definition digital video signals (HDTV with a resolution of up to 1920×1080 pixels), as well as multi-channel digital audio and control signals, over one audio and video cable.

Slightly less common, but also quite common, is DisplayPort.

The first of the aging monitor connectors is called DVI

This is a connector designed to transfer images to high-precision digital display devices. Was developed by Digital Display Working Group

Modern computers or mobile gadgets are equipped with a wide range of ports, from traditional USB 2.0 to the newfangled Thunderbolt 3. Even if you are all familiar with them, time passes and technical...