Chapter 1 Introduction to a Typical PC 15
represents high density and is used for monitor
connections. Three-row DB-15 connectors are also
referred to as DB-15HD and DE-15. Technically
speaking from an electronics point of view, DE-15
is the correct term to describe a DB-15 connector
designed for computer video ports.
Current computers have no DB or mini-
DIN connections. USB has become the standard
peripheral connection type. You may still,
however, encounter DB connections on legacy PCs
while doing repair work for customers.
VGA, DVI, and HDMI
Figure 1-20 shows a variety of monitor
connections you may encounter on the back of a
PC. Shown is a VGA, DVI, and HDMI connection.
The VGA is an analog port while DVI and HDMI
are digital ports. There will be much more about
these connections in Chapter 8—Video and Audio
Systems.
Not all computers have the same external
connections. Figure 1-21 shows the connections
on a high-performance motherboard. In contrast
to the external connections shown in Figure 1-20,
there are no VGA, DVI, or HDMI display ports.
This motherboard is designed for a video display
adapter to be installed into an expansion slot.
External SATA
Another major difference in the computer in
Figure 1-21 is the addition of the external SATA
port and the power eSATA port. The external
SATA port provides a data connection to an
external SATA device but does not provide power
to the device. The power eSATA port, also called
eSATAp, provides an external SATA device with a
data connection and electrical power.
There will be much more detailed information
about ports and motherboards in Chapter 3—
Motherboards. This chapter is intended only to
9 pin 15 pin
15 pin
25 pin
Various DB Connectors
Note: The 15-pin connector
arranged as three rows of five
connectors is referred to as
an HD-15 connector.
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 1-19.
Selection of sizes of
DB connectors and a
typical DB connector.
DB connectors are
used for both serial and
parallel ports.
VGA
DVI HDMI
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 1-20. This computer provides three different styles of
video ports: VDG, DVI, and HDMI.