The cables a desk actually needs, in one place: USB-C charge-and-sync cables, USB-C to HDMI and DisplayPort adapters for a laptop and monitor, DisplayPort and HDMI monitor cables, USB 3.0 and 2.0 leads for drives and printers, replacement computer and monitor power cords, and Cat6 patch cables for a wired connection to the router.
Two questions that settle most desks
Laptop to monitor? If the laptop has a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, a USB-C to DisplayPort or USB-C to HDMI cable is the cleanest link; otherwise use the monitor's native DisplayPort or HDMI input from the laptop's video port. Charging and data? A USB-C cable marked 100 W charges any laptop; a 10 Gbps cable keeps an external SSD fast. Every listing states speed, wattage and connectors, so the cable you get does what the box says. See monitor cable types identified and why USB-C cables behave differently.
Start here: our guide to USB-C to HDMI vs USB-C to DisplayPort.
Common questions
Which power cord fits my monitor or desktop? Almost all use a NEMA 5-15P to IEC C13 cord; 18 AWG covers monitors and desktops, 16 or 14 AWG suits workstations and larger power supplies. Laptop bricks use a C5 (three-slot) or C7 (figure-8) cord.
Can I run two monitors from one laptop port? Only with a DisplayPort output that supports MST and monitors with a DP output, or with a dock. A single USB-C to HDMI cable drives one display.
What each part of the desk needs
| Job |
Cable |
Watch out for |
| Laptop to one external monitor |
USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort |
The USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode |
| Laptop to two monitors |
A dock, or DisplayPort with MST |
One USB-C to HDMI cable drives one display |
| Desktop to monitor |
DisplayPort 1.4, VESA certified |
HDMI is fine at 60 Hz; DP for high refresh |
| Desk to router or wall port |
Cat6 patch cable |
Category is rarely the limit; the port is |
| Printer or scanner |
USB 2.0 A to B |
The square type-B port; USB 3.0 speed is wasted here |
| Monitor, PC or printer power |
NEMA 5-15P to C13 |
16 AWG for ordinary loads, 14 AWG for a PDU or workstation |
| Laptop power brick |
C5 cloverleaf or C7 figure-8 cord |
Count the lobes on the inlet: three or two |
More common questions
Why will my USB-C port not drive a monitor? Because not every USB-C port carries video. Only ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode (or Thunderbolt) can, and manufacturers rarely label it clearly. Check the small icon beside the port or the laptop specification before buying an adapter.
What cable do I need for a docking station? Whatever the dock specifies: usually USB-C or Thunderbolt for the upstream link, and then the dock supplies HDMI, DisplayPort and Ethernet. A dock is the answer when you want one cable to the laptop and several to the desk.
How long can a USB cable be? Passive USB 2.0 runs to about 5 m, USB 3.x to about 3 m, and USB-C at full speed rather less. Beyond that you need an active cable or a repeater, which is why USB extension is a different product from a longer cable.
Further reading: Cat5e vs Cat6: Which Do You Actually Need? · Slim vs Standard Ethernet Cable: Is 28 AWG Worth It?
