VGA
Video Graphics Array
Standard: IBM (original), VESA (extensions) Last updated: 2025-01-21
VGA was introduced by IBM in 1987 and became the universal PC video standard for nearly 30 years. Despite being obsolete, it persists in projectors, older displays, and legacy equipment. As an analog standard, it's susceptible to interference and signal degradation - problems that digital connections like HDMI and DisplayPort solved. The 'VGA' name technically refers to the original 640x480 standard, but the connector is used for much higher resolutions.
Quick Specifications
Max Speed
0 Mbps
Pins
15
Reversible
No
⚠️ Common Confusion Points
- VGA is analog - digital sources need active converters (not just cables) to connect to VGA
- Cable quality dramatically affects image quality - cheap cables cause ghosting and blur at high resolutions
- Maximum resolution depends on both cable quality and cable length
- HDMI-to-VGA and DisplayPort-to-VGA require active adapters with chips (not passive cables)
- VGA-to-HDMI adapters need external power since VGA can't power the conversion chip
- The connector is sometimes called 'HD-15' but has nothing to do with HD video
- Screw-in connectors are important for signal quality - don't leave them loose
- No audio support - VGA is video only
Protocols & Versions
| Protocol | Data Rate | Power | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| VGA (Original) (VGA) | Analog | — | 15m at 640x480 |
| SVGA (SVGA) | Analog | — | 10m typical |
| XGA (XGA) | Analog | — | 7.5m typical |
| UXGA (UXGA) | Analog | — | 5m for full quality |
| 1080p (1080p) | Analog | — | 3-5m for full quality |
VGA (Original) Features
Cable requirements: VGA cable
SVGA Features
Cable requirements: VGA cable
XGA Features
Cable requirements: VGA cable
UXGA Features
Cable requirements: High quality shielded VGA cable
1080p Features
Cable requirements: High quality shielded VGA cable
Connector Specifications
- Shape
- D-subminiature (DE-15)
- Pins
- 15 (3 rows)
- Width × Height
- 31 × 11 mm
- Depth
- 17 mm
- Reversible
- No
Electrical Specifications
- Max Voltage
- 5V
Compatibility
Can Adapt To
- HDMI (active)
- DisplayPort (active)
- DVI-A (passive)
- DVI-I (passive)
Can Adapt From
- HDMI (active)
- DisplayPort (active)
- DVI-I (passive)
- DVI-A (passive)
Common Uses
- Older monitors
- Projectors
- Older laptops
- Desktop computers (legacy)
- KVM switches
- Point-of-sale systems
- Industrial equipment
Buying Guide
For resolutions above 1024x768, invest in quality shielded cables with ferrite cores. Keep cables as short as possible - every extra meter degrades signal quality. For connecting modern HDMI/DisplayPort sources to VGA displays, you need an active adapter (not just a cable). These adapters typically cost $15-30 and may need USB power. VGA is obsolete technology - if possible, use HDMI or DisplayPort instead.
Also Known As
Data Sources
- Wikipedia - VGA connector
Retrieved: 2025-01-15