Cables & ports reference

Connector shapes, version numbers, bandwidth limits, and what is or isn't interchangeable — one page per standard.

Connector types

USB-A

The rectangular plug that has been on PCs since 1996. USB 2.0 vs 3.0 vs 3.1 — speeds, colour coding, and backward compatibility.

The reversible oval connector. USB 3.2, USB4, Thunderbolt 3 and 4, Power Delivery — what the USB-C shape actually tells you (and what it doesn't).

HDMI 1.4, 2.0, 2.1 — bandwidth, 4K/8K support, ARC vs eARC, and which versions your TV or monitor likely has.

DP 1.2, 1.4, 2.0 — bandwidth, MST daisy-chaining, mini-DP, and how it compares to HDMI for gaming monitors.

TRS vs TRRS — how many rings your connector has and what each ring carries. Balanced vs unbalanced, headset vs headphone.

Comparison pages

Does USB-C always mean fast charging? No. The USB-C shape does not guarantee Power Delivery or high speed. See USB-C specs.
Is HDMI 2.0 enough for 4K? For 4K at 60 Hz, yes. For 4K at 120 Hz or 8K you need HDMI 2.1. See HDMI versions.
Will a USB-A 3.0 cable work in a USB 2.0 port? Yes, at USB 2.0 speeds. All USB-A generations are physically backward-compatible.
TRS vs TRRS — which do I need? TRS is headphones only; TRRS adds a microphone. See 3.5 mm connectors.