Ports and interfaces are the connections that let a computer's components and accessories exchange data and power. External ports, such as USB, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and DisplayPort, connect devices and displays, while internal interfaces like Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) link components to the motherboard. Each standard has its own speed, features, and connector, so knowing them helps you choose the right cables and devices.
Ports and Interfaces Essentials at a Glance
USB speeds range from 480Mbps to 80Gbps depending on the generation
USB-C is a connector shape, not a speed, so its capabilities vary by port
Thunderbolt uses the USB-C connector and guarantees high speeds and features
HDMI and DisplayPort carry video and audio to monitors and TVs
PCIe connects graphics cards, SSDs, and other internal components
USB Generations Explained
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is the most common way to connect accessories, storage, and chargers. Over the years, USB names have changed several times, so the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), which manages the standard, now recommends labeling ports by speed.
Speed label | Technical names you may see | Common uses |
USB 480Mbps | USB 2.0 | Keyboards, mice, and printers |
USB 5Gbps | USB 3.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Flash drives and external HDDs |
USB 10Gbps | USB 3.1 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 | External SSDs and docks |
USB 20Gbps | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 | Fast external SSDs |
USB 40Gbps | USB4 (Version 1.0) | Docks, multiple displays, and fast storage |
USB 80Gbps | USB4 Version 2.0 | High-end docks, displays, and storage |
HP spec sheets often list USB ports by signaling rate, such as "USB Type-C® 10Gbps signaling rate." Every newer generation is backward compatible with older devices, which run at their own top speed.
USB-A vs. USB-C connectors
USB-A: The familiar rectangular connector, still common for keyboards, mice, and flash drives.
USB-C: A small, reversible connector used for data, charging, and video on most new laptops, phones, and accessories.
What a USB-C port can do
USB-C is a connector shape, so two USB-C ports can look identical but support different features. Depending on the port, USB-C can carry:
Data: At any speed from USB 2.0 to USB 80Gbps.
Video: Through DisplayPort Alt Mode, so you can connect a monitor directly.
Power: Through USB Power Delivery (USB PD), which can supply up to 240W with compatible devices and cables.
Check the port's description or icon on your computer, and use cables rated for the speed and wattage you need. Learn more about cables and adapters and chargers and power.
Thunderbolt Explained
Thunderbolt™ is a high-speed connection standard developed by Intel that uses the USB-C connector. Thunderbolt ports carry data, video, and power through a single cable, and every certified port and cable must meet strict minimum requirements, so you know what to expect.
Version | Maximum speed | Highlights |
Thunderbolt 3 | 40Gbps | First version to use the USB-C connector |
Thunderbolt 4 | 40Gbps | Stricter minimum requirements, including support for two 4K displays |
Thunderbolt 5 | 80Gbps, up to 120Gbps for display-heavy work | More bandwidth for high-resolution displays, fast storage, and external graphics |
Thunderbolt ports are usually marked with a lightning bolt icon. They work with USB-C devices and cables, but full Thunderbolt speeds need Thunderbolt-certified cables.
USB-C vs. Thunderbolt
Standard USB-C port | Thunderbolt port | |
Connector | USB-C | USB-C |
Speed | Varies by port, from USB 2.0 to USB 80Gbps | Guaranteed 40Gbps or 80Gbps, depending on the version |
Video and charging | Optional and varies by port | Required features, with minimum display support |
Best for | Everyday accessories, charging, and storage | Docking stations, multiple monitors, and fast external drives |
Learn more about docking stations.
Display Ports: HDMI and DisplayPort
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and DisplayPort™ carry video and audio to monitors, TVs, and projectors. Newer versions support higher resolutions and refresh rates.
Version | Maximum bandwidth | Typical display support |
HDMI 2.0 | 18Gbps | 4K at 60 Hz |
HDMI 2.1 | 48Gbps | 4K at 120 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz |
DisplayPort 1.4 | 32.4Gbps | 4K at 120 Hz, or higher with compression |
DisplayPort 2.1 | Up to 80Gbps | High-refresh 4K and 8K displays |
HDMI is the most common connection for TVs and many home monitors, while DisplayPort is common on graphics cards, business computers, and high-refresh gaming monitors. DisplayPort can also run through USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode. Learn more about monitor connectivity.
Other Common Computer Ports
Port | What it does |
Ethernet (RJ-45) | Wired network connection to a router or switch |
3.5mm audio jack | Headphones, headsets, microphones, and speakers |
SD card reader | Reads memory cards from cameras and other devices |
Power or barrel connector | Charges a laptop or powers a mini PC through its adapter |
Learn more about wired and wireless connections in our guide to networking components.
PCIe: The Internal Interface
PCIe is the high-speed interface that connects graphics cards, Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) solid-state drives (SSDs), network cards, and other components to the motherboard and processor. Data travels over lanes, and devices use different numbers of lanes depending on how much bandwidth they need.
PCIe lanes
x1: Small expansion cards, such as some network or USB cards
x4: NVMe SSDs and capture cards
x16: Graphics cards
A slot's physical size doesn't always match its lanes. A full-length x16 slot may be wired with only 4 or 8 lanes, so check your motherboard's specifications. Learn more about motherboards.
PCIe generations
Each PCIe generation roughly doubles the bandwidth per lane.
Generation | Approximate bandwidth per lane, each direction | Approximate x16 bandwidth, each direction |
PCIe 3.0 | About 1 GB/s | About 16 GB/s |
PCIe 4.0 | About 2 GB/s | About 32 GB/s |
PCIe 5.0 | About 4 GB/s | About 64 GB/s |
PCIe is backward compatible, so a newer device works in an older slot at the older slot's speed. In everyday use, most graphics cards perform similarly on PCIe 4.0 and 5.0, while the newest NVMe SSDs benefit most from PCIe 5.0. Learn more about storage and read our explainer on PCIe slots.
How to Identify Ports on Your Computer
Check the icons: Many ports have symbols next to them, such as a lightning bolt for Thunderbolt, a DisplayPort icon for video, or a battery or plug icon for charging.
Read the spec sheet: Product specifications list each port with its speed and features.
Look up your model: HP Support lists port details for each product.
Check your system information: Learn how to check your PC's specs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ports and Interfaces
Is USB-C the same as Thunderbolt?
USB-C isn't the same as Thunderbolt. USB-C is the connector shape, while Thunderbolt is a high-speed standard that uses the USB-C connector. A Thunderbolt port works with USB-C devices, but a standard USB-C port doesn't always offer Thunderbolt speeds or features.
What is the fastest USB port?
The fastest USB ports run at 80Gbps under the USB4 Version 2.0 standard, labeled USB 80Gbps. Most current computers offer USB 5Gbps, 10Gbps, 20Gbps, or 40Gbps ports.
Can a USB-C port connect to a monitor?
A USB-C port can connect to a monitor if it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt. Many USB-C ports on laptops support video, but some carry only data and power, so check the port's icon or specifications.
Should you use HDMI or DisplayPort?
HDMI is the best choice for TVs and most home monitors, while DisplayPort is often preferred for high-refresh gaming monitors and multi-monitor setups. Both carry video and audio, so the best choice depends on the ports your computer and display share.
Related Components Topics
Computer components: the main parts of a computer and how they work together
Motherboards: chipsets, sockets, form factors, and expansion slots
Storage: SSDs, HDDs, NVMe, SATA, and M.2
Networking components: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet
