Cable Finder

Find the right cable for your devices. Select your source device and destination, and we'll recommend the best cable.

How to Use

  1. 1
    Select your source device

    Choose the device you want to connect from, such as a laptop, monitor, or game console.

  2. 2
    Select your destination device

    Choose the target device like a display, TV, dock, or storage drive.

  3. 3
    Review cable recommendations

    See recommended cables ranked by speed, video support, and power delivery capability.

About

Choosing the right cable can be surprisingly complex. A single USB-C connector may support basic USB 2.0 data at 480 Mbps, or it may carry Thunderbolt 4 at 40 Gbps with simultaneous video output, power delivery, and PCIe tunneling. The physical connector shape alone does not determine capability.

Modern cable standards have converged on a few key connector types. USB-C has become the universal standard for laptops, phones, and tablets, while HDMI and DisplayPort remain dominant for dedicated video connections. Each standard has multiple versions with vastly different capabilities: HDMI 2.1 supports 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz with Dynamic HDR, while HDMI 1.4 maxes out at 4K at 30 Hz.

Cable quality matters beyond just the standard. Poorly manufactured cables may not support the full bandwidth of the standard they claim to implement. Certified cables from organizations like the USB Implementers Forum carry logos that guarantee compliance with tested specifications. For Thunderbolt cables, Intel certification ensures the full 40 Gbps is achievable.

The Cable Finder tool helps cut through this complexity by matching your specific devices and use case to the right cable, considering connector types, bandwidth requirements, power delivery needs, and cable length limitations.

FAQ

What cable do I need for a 4K monitor?
For 4K at 60 Hz you need at least HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2. For 4K at 120 Hz or higher refresh rates, use HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 and above. USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode also works if your device supports it.
Can one USB-C cable carry video, data, and power?
Yes, but only if the cable and both devices support the required protocols. A Thunderbolt 4 or full-featured USB-C cable can deliver up to 240 W via USB PD 3.1, DisplayPort Alt Mode video, and USB 3.2 data simultaneously.
Does cable length matter for performance?
Yes. Passive copper cables lose signal strength over distance. USB 3.2 Gen 2 is reliable up to about 3 meters, while HDMI 2.1 passive cables work best under 5 meters. For longer runs, use active cables or fiber optic variants.
What is the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort?
HDMI is common on TVs and consumer electronics, supporting ARC and eARC for audio return. DisplayPort is preferred for PC monitors, supports daisy-chaining, and offers higher bandwidth with DisplayPort 2.1 reaching up to 80 Gbps via UHBR 20.
How do I know if my USB-C port supports Thunderbolt?
Check for a lightning bolt icon next to the port. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 both use USB-C connectors but guarantee 40 Gbps bandwidth and PCIe tunneling. Not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt; the controller must be built into the host device.