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What does the gold plating on cable connectors signify?
It's not difficult to notice that the connectors of many different types of cables, from audio jacks, HDMI cables, to Ethernet connectors, are often adorned with striking gold plating. However, besides the aesthetic appeal, does this gold plating serve any other purpose? Let's find out.
Why are cable connectors gold-plated?
The reason gold plating is often used for connection ports is quite simple: It reduces corrosion during use (plugging and unplugging multiple times). We all know copper is the 'gold standard' for conductivity, but it quickly tarnishes when in contact with other elements. For this reason, bare copper connectors will have relatively low durability, and transmission performance will degrade over time. (As copper oxidizes and begins to tarnish, its resistance increases).
Meanwhile, gold tarnishes much slower than copper, although it conducts electricity less efficiently. Gold plating on copper connectors will essentially help ensure that the surface of the connector is capable of transmitting or receiving signals more 'cleanly,' and of course, more durable. Gold is used in all types of cables for this reason, from audio jack connectors to Ethernet cables and HDMI cables transmitting digital signals. If a connector isn't gold-plated, then it's likely coated with a layer of nickel instead.
Above all, manufacturers recognize that gold has a certain allure due to its physical properties and aesthetic appeal. Gold-plated cable connectors are more prevalent on the market than nickel-plated connectors, although the clear benefits are not many.
Gold plating won't 'enhance' HDMI signals
One of the common connector cables using gold-plated connectors on the market is HDMI cables, which play a role in transmitting digital signals. The main benefit here is similar to any other type of cable: gold is less prone to corrosion. Some believe that gold-plated cables somehow enhance signal quality, but this isn't actually the case with HDMI cables.
The issue here is that you can only notice a drop in signal quality if your HDMI cable is faulty or experiencing glitches. There are signs that indicate your HDMI cable is having issues, such as the appearance of white dots on the screen. That's why you shouldn't spend a lot of money on gold-plated HDMI cables. They'll only provide aesthetic benefits.
It's better to spend money on a modestly priced cable that meets HDMI 2.1 specifications, supporting higher bandwidth of up to 48Gb/s. These cables will allow you to transmit 4K HDR video at speeds of up to 120 frames per second, maximizing the experience with Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
In case you encounter issues when transmitting high-resolution content (4K), HDR video, or high frame rates, your cable may be old and not meeting the necessary technical specifications.
Golden connectors may imply superior quality
Although not a universal rule, in essence, cables with gold-plated connectors often boast higher quality. They may come at a higher price and target a specific user demographic.
It's hard to come by a robust and durable cable without gold plating. Therefore, if you're seeking a cable for long-term use, gold-plated connectors are a sensible choice. Spending a bit more on a cable with a tougher coating and more durable connectors will be much more advantageous. This is particularly true for cables that you'll frequently plug and unplug.
(Referenced from QTM)
