This is a very common scenario and a lot simpler to understand and get working than a direct USB-C connection - ironically. If you’re trying to game on a much older PC and you’re given a choice between VGA and DVI, opt for the latter, as it can transmit a digital signal and offers greater resolution support. Best Productivity Monitor Cable Type Again, it’s a versatile cable and works on macOS and Windows systems. CableMatters claims that this one can support 8K resolution at 60Hz. However, you can rest assured that this DisplayPort cable works perfectly in 4K resolution at 60Hz. Depending on your choice of monitor cable types, you’ll need to buy a monitor cable as well. Cable Matters carries a large selection of cables in nearly every format mentioned so far. For newer standards like Thunderbolt, HDMI, and DisplayPort, it’s best to opt for the newest and most capable cables for maximum future-proofing.

We then looked at how fast the cable would charge and transfer data, and whether it supported an alternate mode to run a monitor, using real-world hardware. Chargers that don't have a standard USB Type-C connector might use a proprietary, nonstandard connector that your PC (or phone) doesn’t support. Your PC might not provide enough power to the USB device. Please connect your device to external power, or try using a different PC.

GOES THE DISTANCE

That said, only the latest-generation graphics cards have HDMI 2.1 support, so you are more likely to be better off using a DisplayPort cable, as it offers enough bandwidth to handle up to 4K resolution at up to 120Hz and can be found on a much wider range of graphics cards. At the same time, if you are on a Windows system and have more than one DisplayPort-compatible monitor, you can also use the MST mode to daisy chain both the monitors. Make sure the device or dongle is connected to the USB-C port on your PC that supports the correct Alternate Mode. For example, if you're connecting a Thunderbolt Alternate Mode device, make sure you connect to the USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt™. Yes. Adapters and Adapter cables are used to connect DisplayPort over USB-C to an HDMI/VGA input on the HDTV. If the HDTV has a DisplayPort input, then a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter cable can be used to provide DisplayPort display capability. Your PC (or phone) might not provide enough power to the USB device. Plug a power adapter into your USB device, or try to use a different PC (or phone).

HDMI is the standard connection used by most televisions and monitors, and should be familiar to most people. Be aware, however, as there are variants. There are micro-HDMI and even mini-HDMI connectors, as well as the standard full size, so make sure you select the right cable. Yes. Adapters and Adapter cables are available to connect DisplayPort over USB-C to DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, and VGA monitor inputs.

SUPPORTS ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION DISPLAYS

We didn’t test the temperature of each cable’s housing, but we did test the cheapest cable by running it at 5 amps and 20 volts for an hour. The housing heated up by 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cable itself became relatively warm (see the thermal image below). Not ideal, but it did this without failure. We subjected other cables to two-hour loads without failure, as well. Dell’s U4924DW is a curved ultrawide but has a less aggressive curve than alternatives focused on gaming, which in turn makes it more suitable for work tasks. It also benefits from a sturdy, elegant design, a small yet effective stand, and VESA mount compatibility for both 200x100mm and 100x100mm mounts. The monitor also supports picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture modes that let users view two input devices at once. It’s perfect for use in either a home or corporate office.

If you're in the market for a new laptop, be sure to have a look at our best business laptops guide, as we always value devices with plenty of connectivity options.

MADE FOR:

Chris Hoffman is the former Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. Chris has personally written over 2,000 articles that have been read more than one billion times---and that's just here at How-To Geek. The other aspect to consider is the charging side of the cable. You definitely don't want a 'charging cable' that only supports USB-2 speeds (480 Mbps), and power charging. These look identical, but are really much simpler cables, are usually the cheaper options, and are not suitable for video connections. I.e. they will NOT work as video cables. VGA – An older analog standard of video-only cable that gained prominence in the early ‘90s. Since superseded by DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort, it’s only typically found on older monitors. Browse VGA Cables