Guide for Buying New VGA Cable

There's a good chance that you'll never need to buy a new VGA cable online. Every new computer setup includes one of these, and it's really only when yours goes bad or when you have a very unique type of setup requirement that a new cable is needed. If the time arises, however, it pays to know a little bit about this type of cable and what you should remember when you buy a new one.

First, understand what it is. A VGA cable is a Video Graphics Array cable. It features three rows of five pins to deliver the video signal, and is one of the most common types of cables on the market. The main use for it is to connect a computer tower to a computer monitor, and chances are good that the image you're looking at right now is being transmitted through one of these cables.

With that in mind, you've probably assumed that you can order the first VGA cable you find and get exactly what you need. That's usually a safe bet, but taking a few extra things into consideration will help you get the best results from it. One point to remember is that you'll need to match your length needs to the right cable. Buying a cable that is too long will result in a loss of picture quality, and buying one too short brings obvious limitations with it. A few standard sizes exist, so be sure to get the one that is best for your needs.

Be sure you don't need an adapter style VGA cable. For instance, if you're connecting your computer to an HD television for some reason, you may need a VGA to HDMI adapter. Many modern TVs have a VGA jack, but these cables are a viable option as well. Think about what you're connecting in order to get the right kind of cable for your needs.

Finally, keep in mind that quality does matter. A higher-quality VGA cable will usually include better insulation and good coaxial cable inside to help reduce signal degradation, prevent ghosting, and give you the best possible transfer of data available. Paying a couple of dollars more for a better quality cable is usually a smart move when you want the best.