Still Using VGA? Find the Right Cable, Extension or Adapter
A missing cable or mismatched video port does not always mean it is time to replace your monitor. Whether you are reconnecting a desktop display, extending a projector connection or sharing a screen between computers, the right VGA accessory can help complete the setup.
PCCables.com carries VGA monitor cables, extensions, audio combinations, KVM cables, converters, splitters and installation accessories for home users, businesses and technicians maintaining existing equipment.
What Is a VGA Cable?
A VGA (Video Graphics Array) cable carries analog video between a computer and a compatible display. The connection uses a 15-pin high-density connector, commonly labeled HD15, which appears throughout PCCables.com’s monitor cable and adapter listings. You will also see cables described as SVGA or XGA monitor cables.
Start by checking the connection on both devices. Matching VGA ports generally call for a VGA cable. A computer with HDMI or DisplayPort output requires the appropriate converter to connect to a VGA display.
VGA Monitor Cables in Different Lengths
VGA male-to-male cables connect equipment with female VGA ports, such as a computer and monitor. PCCables.com’s selection includes 1FT, 3FT, 6FT, 10FT and 15FT options, along with longer 25FT, 50FT and 100FT cables for equipment positioned farther apart.
Our 6FT VGA monitor cable uses separately shielded coaxial runs to help reduce signal loss. The 100FT version provides a longer connection with the same type of individually shielded construction. For longer installations, check the equipment’s requirements rather than choosing by length alone.
VGA Extension Cables and Couplers
Need to move a display without replacing its existing cable? A VGA male-to-female extension adds reach to an existing connection. PCCables.com’s 6FT VGA extension includes separately shielded coaxial runs and provides one male connector and one female connector.
For connecting two male VGA cable ends, the HD15 female-to-female coupler provides a compact joining point. Its slim housing is useful where clearance is limited.
6FT VGA Male to Female Extension Cable and VGA Female to Female Coupler
VGA Cables with Audio for Monitors and Projectors
VGA does not carry audio, so a display setup that needs sound requires a separate audio connection. A combined VGA-and-audio cable keeps the video and sound connections together in one assembly.
The 6FT VGA with Audio Cable combines HD15 video connectors with 3.5mm stereo plugs for compatible monitors and projectors. Our VGA-audio selection also includes longer options, such as 15FT, 25FT, 50FT and 100FT, plus slim cable designs.
Connecting VGA Displays to HDMI or DisplayPort
A computer with a different video output may still work with an existing VGA monitor or projector. The important detail is choosing a converter designed for the correct source-to-display direction.
Our HDMI-to-VGA Adapter with Audio converts an HDMI source for a VGA display and provides a separate 3.5mm audio output. For computers with DisplayPort, the DisplayPort-to-VGA Adapter supports VGA output at resolutions up to 1920 × 1200. [Links: Parts 85503 and 01791.]
Going the other way requires a different product. The VGA-to-HDMI Adapter with Audio takes a VGA source and converts it for an HDMI display. It requires an external 5V power connection. These products solve opposite connection problems, so they should not be treated as reversible cables.
HDMI Source to VGA Display and DisplayPort Source to VGA Display
VGA Splitters vs Switches: Sharing the Right Way
A VGA splitter sends one computer’s picture to multiple displays. PCCables.com’s two-output powered VGA splitter displays the same image on two monitors, making it useful for presentations, classrooms, training areas and retail displays. It duplicates the picture rather than creating two independent desktop workspaces.
A VGA switch solves a different problem: selecting which computer appears on one display. The two-computer VGA switch uses a push button to select between two connected computers sharing one monitor.
VGA KVM Cables for Multi-Computer Setups
KVM cables combine video with keyboard and mouse connections for compatible switching equipment. Rather than treating video and input-device cabling as separate runs, these assemblies keep the connections grouped together.
PCCables.com’s 6FT VGA and USB KVM cable combines male-to-male VGA with USB-A-to-USB-B connections for compatible USB KVM switches. For PS/2-based equipment, the 10FT VGA and PS/2 KVM cable combines VGA with separate keyboard and mouse leads.
Check the KVM switch’s connector requirements before ordering. These two assemblies use different video connector genders as well as different keyboard and mouse connections.
Wall Plates and Cables for Installed Displays
For a meeting room, presentation space or fixed workstation, making the connection accessible can be as important as choosing the cable.
Our stainless steel wall plate provides a mounting opening for a compatible HD15 VGA cable connector. It is a plain mounting plate, not a video converter or complete cable assembly.
For routing through tight spaces, the 25FT Quick Snap VGA-and-audio cable includes a detachable connection near one end to simplify installation through conduit.
VGA to 5-BNC Cables for Specialized Displays
Some projectors, CRT monitors and professional video equipment use separate RGBHV connections rather than a single VGA socket. These carry red, green and blue video alongside horizontal and vertical synchronization signals.
The 3FT VGA-to-5-BNC cable connects a VGA output to compatible RGBHV equipment. It uses five individual 75-ohm coaxial conductors with foil and braided shielding for specialized display installations.
Keep Your Displays Connected with PCCables.com
Whether you need a replacement monitor cable, a longer projector connection or an adapter for a different computer output, start with the ports on your equipment and the job the connection needs to perform.
Browse PCCables.com’s VGA selection to find cables and accessories for your next repair, upgrade or display installation.
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