VGA Cables - A Complete Buyers' Guide

The acronym VGA stands for Video Graphics Array, which is an analogue interface developed for connecting computers to monitors to display graphics on screens. VGA is commonly heard today as an umbrella term for various types of cable/connectors that share a common base pin layout and socket format. It has become a widely used standard for connecting various types of electronic devices that use video signals. 

These familiar VGA cables and their instantly recognisable 15-pin connectors are frequently found in both home and office desktop PC setups, usually carrying a visual signal from a desktop computer to a monitor VGA input. Similarly, they’re also used for linking various other types of video output devices - such as laptops, video cards, projectors, and certain varieties of set-top boxes - to TVs, monitors, all-in-one PCs, and various other types of screened display peripherals. Standard VGA cables remain vital for establishing a reliable video or graphics link between computers, monitors, projectors and high-definition television sets in both domestic and commercial environments. It’s more common for smaller devices (such as compact laptop computers) to have a mini-VGA port installed, as opposed to a full-sized VGA connector, but these miniature versions play exactly the same role in terms of graphical signal transfer. 

What Do the 15 Pins on a VGA Connector Do? 

The pins on a standard VGA connector typically function as follows: 

	Name	Description
Pin 1	RED	Red Video
Pin 2	GREEN	Green Video
Pin 3	Blue	Blue Video
Pin 4	RES	Reserved
Pin 5	GND	Ground
Pin 6	RGND	Red Ground
Pin 7	GGND	Green Ground
Pin 8	BGND	Blue Ground
Pin 9	KEY	Key (no pin) - Optional +5V Graphics Card Output
Pin 10	SGND	Sync Ground
Pin 11	ID0	Optional - Monitor ID Bit 0
Pin 12	SDA	I2C Bidirectional Data Line
Pin 13	HSYNC	Horizontal Sync
Pin 14	VSYNC	Vertical Sync
Pin 15	SCL	Monitor ID3 in DDC1

VGA cable came to market in 1987. Through various minor revisions and iterations by other manufacturers in the following years, the format became one of the most common standard configurations for computer cabling assemblies.

VGA sockets and cables are typically in use on a large number of PCs, laptops, TVs and monitors, particularly in the settings of schools, businesses, and industrial environments. The most familiar and easy-to-identify part of a VGA cable is the classic three-row, 15-pin connector (designated DE-15 and commonly referred to as D-sub miniature or D-sub) at either end.

These connectors can be either male or female, and are commonly - but not always - flanked by a matching pair of captive thumb screws. When positioned on either side of the connector itself, these screws can be tightened after insertion to create a more secure connection with the socket. As noted above, this will typically be a monitor VGA input socket, the corresponding laptop VGA input port, or a similar application such as a suitable socket on the rear of a TV.

From VGA Cable to HDMI Cable for Modern Application

Even though VGA cables are still widely used today within various settings and for a number of applications globally and in Hong Kong, due to their analogue nature and cost-effectiveness, the emergence of newer digital interfaces such as HDMI has begun to replace VGA for higher-definition content.

The main difference between VGA and HDMI connectors and cables is that VGA is used to carry analogue signals, while HDMI is a digital standard, making it less prone to interference. HDMI can transmit both audio and video signals, surpassing the limitation of VGA, which requires a separate audio cable.

As a result, once a widespread and almost universally adopted format, shortly after its introduction, VGA has started phasing out on some newer devices over the last decade. There, however, remain a great many legacy and high-compatibility devices that still use the standard due to its former widespread adoption. Conversely, HDMI is a much newer standard and tends to be used exclusively for far higher-definition digital audiovisual transfer, making it a costlier but more convenient option in certain types of modern multimedia setups.

Each cable has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on factors like the type of hardware you’re trying to connect and the install environment. Since many older devices and computers are still in use today, using a VGA-to-HDMI adapter is recommended for situations where older computers need to be connected to new models of monitors or projectors.

There are numerous different types of VGA cables and compatible variants. Despite being an older connection standard, this reflects the fact that VGA ports are still found on a huge number of modern computers, monitors, laptops, TVs, graphics cards and other video-related peripherals and devices.

In addition to VGA and SVGA cables themselves, most manufacturers and suppliers will also offer a range of VGA cable adapters and splitters, as well as numerous other compatible connectors, features and accessories.

The main distinction you’ll need to be aware of when shopping for VGA cables is the technical difference between VGA and SVGA.

VGA connectors are gendered and come in both male (pins/plug) and female (holes/socket) variants. Most VGA cables are identified in terms of reference to the gender of connector A and connector B, or a similar naming scheme, as this allows you to select the right configuration for the connection you’re trying to make between devices.

Even so, depending on the specific type of cable in use and the precise configuration of the connection you need to make at the PC or monitor end, you may require the use of various VGA adapters, extenders and splitters in order to create a working connection for a particular setup. Widely available adapter/splitter options for gendered VGA cables include:

• VGA male to male adapter
• Male to female VGA adapter
• Female to male VGA adapter
• Female to female VGA adapter

There is a wide range of VGA connector types available today, reflecting the number of different devices - both new and legacy - that still make use of this connection type. Increasingly, VGA connectors are used alongside or in combination with other newer standards such as DVI connectors and HDMI cables.

The terminology here is sometimes used rather interchangeably when it comes to labelling various types of VGA cable and can be a little vague. However, the basic or standard VGA connector type will usually be referred to as some variant of the following: DE-15, HD15, VGA plug, SVGA plug, D-Sub 15 or D-Subminiature, or the more generic RGB connector. In addition to the standard D-sub connector type at one end of a VGA cable, products with various other types of adaptor or connector type at the opposite end are widely available. Common configurations of VGA cable connectors and adapter ends include:

There is a wide range of VGA connector types available today, reflecting the number of different devices - both new and legacy - that still make use of this connection type. As mentioned, with the rise of other newer standards, such as HDMIcables and DVI connectors, VGA connectors are used alongside or in combination.

The terminology here is sometimes used rather interchangeably when it comes to labelling various types of VGA cable and can be a little vague. However, the basic or standard VGA connector type will usually be referred to as some variant of the following: DE-15, HD15, VGA plug, SVGA plug, D-Sub 15 or D-Subminiature, or the more generic RGB connector. In addition to the standard D-sub connector type at one end of a VGA cable, products with various other types of adaptor or connector type at the opposite end are widely available, such as the popular VGA-to-HDMI adapters. Common configurations of VGA cable connectors and adapter ends include:

There are a huge number of companies worldwide that manufacture VGA cable, although differences can be noticed as a result of the varying construction methods and materials that are used. If in doubt, it’s always best to opt for a reliable cable from a well-known manufacturer as opposed to an option which may be cheaper but is likely also worse quality.

Among the various market-leading suppliers of branded VGA cable, some key names to look out for include the following.