Do cables make a difference???

[Planefreak]

I got a new monitor and i'm getting ready to hook it up. I don't have a cable for it yet so temporarily I'm going to use the basic VGA even though it is a full 1080p. Before I buy one I asked myself this question: What makes a Monster cable so much better and why should i spring for it?

I've heard monster cable has special shielding to reduce interference, and that they use high quality gold connectors and such but is it worth 40 bucks for a short cheap one???

What I really notice the difference if I bought, say this cable: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812270114

Cheap, good reviews. Will I notice the difference??? Should I go with the 1080p rated cable for an extra 10??? What would you do and why.

[Rev_pizzaguy]

No, do not, i repeat, do NOT go with Monster Cable! First, what kind of "monitor" do you have? Does it have DVI input or does it have VGA and HDMI? That cable you linked to would be fine. Unless you are running a 50ft run of cable through walls, Monster Cable is definitely not worth it. Even then, you would be better served with something cheaper. You could also look at something like this:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10209&cs_id=1020902&p_id=2759&seq=1&format=2

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041902&p_id=2029&seq=1&format=2


Also, here's some reading:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/field-notes/the-truth-about-monster-cable-266616.php

[Planefreak]

Its an acer 24" monitor. It has two HDMI and a VGA. Kinda what I was thinking on Monster cables. I get so sick of going to electronics store and them only stocking Monster stuff.

[not important]

There was a list published recently about Monster Cable products that said ALL of their stuff had 80 to 100 % mark up.

[XenaWP]

I avoid $1.99 cables from no-name brands from China and $40+ Monster cables. Stuff in between should all be pretty decent quality. I buy stuff from Parts Express often, their stuff is pretty good at good prices.

[glc]

I'm running a cheap Chinese DVI cable on a system on the bench - it works just fine.

[Planefreak]

Good to hear a moderator using cheap cables. I'll probably go with the cheapest cable with decent reviews.

:eek::eek: 80% mark up :eek::eek:

[Rev_pizzaguy]

Monoprice is highly regarded for their cheap cables.

http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp