Here’s a practical 🔌 “what port do I use for what device” cheat sheet so you can quickly match common devices to the right connections.
🖥️ Monitors
Best choices (modern)
- DisplayPort → Best for PC monitors, gaming, high refresh rates
- HDMI → Most common, works with monitors + TVs
- USB Type-C → Modern laptops (video + power + data in one cable)
Older monitors
- DVI → Older monitors (video only)
- VGA → Very old monitors (analogue, lowest quality)
💻 Laptops
Charging
- USB Type-C → Modern laptops (most common now)
- DC power jack → Older laptop chargers
Connecting accessories
- USB Type-A → Mice, keyboards, drives
- USB Type-C → Docks, charging, external devices
📺 TVs
Best connection
- HDMI → Standard for everything (streaming devices, consoles, PCs)
Used for:
- Fire TV / Apple TV / Chromecast
- Gaming consoles
- Laptops connected to TV
🧩 Docking Stations
Modern docking stations usually connect through:
- USB Type-C → Standard for modern docks
- Thunderbolt port → High-end docks (multiple monitors, fast data)
They can provide:
- Extra monitors
- Ethernet
- USB ports
- Charging
- Audio
🌐 Internet (Wired connection)
- Ethernet port → Router to PC/laptop for fastest, most stable internet
Used for:
- Gaming
- Video calls
- Work-from-home stability
🎧 Audio Devices
- 3.5mm audio jack → Headphones, speakers, microphones
Used for:
- Wired headphones
- External speakers
- Basic microphones
💾 Storage Devices
- USB Type-A → USB sticks, external drives
- SD card slot → Camera memory cards
⚡ Quick “Rule of Thumb” Guide
If you’re connecting a… → use this:
- 🖥️ Monitor → HDMI or DisplayPort
- 💻 Modern laptop charger → USB-C
- 📺 TV → HDMI
- 🧩 Dock → USB-C or Thunderbolt
- 🌐 Internet cable → Ethernet
- 🎧 Headphones → 3.5mm jack
- 💾 USB stick → USB-A (or USB-C if newer)
🧠 Simple Summary
Think of ports like this:
- HDMI / DisplayPort / DVI / VGA → Video (old → new)
- USB-A / USB-C / Thunderbolt → Everything else (data, charging, docks)
- Ethernet → Internet cable
- Audio jack → Sound
Final Thoughts
Most modern setups are moving toward: USB-C + HDMI + Ethernet (optional)
Everything else still exists mainly for compatibility with older devices.
Henton’s Computer Services — keeping you connected, protected, and productive.
Contact us on 07775 900 684
or via email: