Which of your old cables are actually worth keeping?
The article advises reviewing old cables to decide which to keep, recycle, or sell based on current relevance. It notes that legacy cables such as FireWire, SCSI, and VGA are largely obsolete unless used with vintage equipment, while universal standards like USB‑C, HDMI 2.1, and USB‑A to B remain useful. It also suggests retaining a few specialty cables like Lightning and mini‑USB for devices that still rely on them.
- ▪FireWire and SCSI cables are mostly outdated and can be recycled unless needed for vintage Macs or professional equipment.
- ▪USB‑C has become the universal standard, so keeping it and newer versions is recommended.
- ▪HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort cables are valuable for high‑resolution gaming and media connections.
- ▪Older connectors such as Apple’s 30‑pin, VGA, and DVI should be recycled unless you still use legacy monitors or devices.
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Big Tech Which of your old cables are actually worth keeping? Clean out that cable junk drawer every so often and keep only the things you actually need. By Gabriela Vătu July 24, 2026 11:30 am EST Ugurhan/Getty Images You said "maybe I'll need it some day" nine years ago and you haven't touched it since. Yes, we're talking about all the cables you systematically placed in that junk drawer of yours over the years. You've turned a potentially useful box or drawer into something you avoid at all cost, fearing the mayhem that is inside. From USB-C to HDMI to old 30-pin Apple connectors, we bet there are tons of things in that drawer or box that you should set aside sooner rather than later.
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