The audio-out port, also called the line-out jack or sound-out port, is commonly found in computer sound cards or PC motherboards. This option (sound out jack) connects output devices such as headphones and external speakers to the PC, allowing you to listen to audio on the output device. The sound-out jack does not exist alone on the back of the PC sound card.
There are other similar jacks of different colors, including blue, green, red, yellow, and even black or grey, making it hard for users to know which one to use for a specific purpose. If you are having trouble connecting these peripherals, don’t worry.
Here I will guide you on which audio ports to use for speaker systems 2.1, 5.1, and 7.1 and what color option to look for.
What color is the speaker output on a computer?
You can connect your speaker’s mini plug cable to the audio line-level output on your computer sound cards, a jack port usually lime green in color. Most speakers usually have two or more wires coming out of the back. The first wire is the 3.5 mm mini plug that connects to your PC’s audio output port. The second wire connects the right speaker component to the left speaker.
Some computer motherboards may also have connections for 4, 5.1, and 7.1 speaker setups. These additional connections include:
- RS-Out – Used for rear surround sound line out
- SS-Out – Used for side surround sound speaker.
- CS-Out – Used for center/subwoofer speaker.
Color-coding scheme for connectors and ports
In this section, we will highlight different color coding schemes for both audio ports found on the back of the PC’s motherboards and the color code for ethernet wires. Let’s dive into each of these color codes.
Color schemes of audio ports
Traditional computer motherboards were designed with three main audio ports (blue, pink, and green). Modern computer motherboards are advanced as they come with six audio ports (blue, pink, green, Silver, black, and orange). Manufacturers are running away from the traditional silver-colored audio port as technology advances. Instead, they install SPDIF pins that convert digital audio signals from a PC and output device without losing quality. Here are the functionalities of different audio ports found in the computer motherboard.
- Lime green audio port: Compatible with earphones and headphones and used to listen to any audio generated by a PC.
- Pink audio port: Compatible with microphones or earphones and headphones with a microphone. The port is used to record the audio or music generated by PCs.
- Blue audio port: Connect speakers, amplifiers, and home theaters, and it can be used to listen to the audio or music on the output device.
- Orange audio port: Compatible with the speaker, subwoofer, and woofer. The port is ideal for centralizing the audio signals.
- Black audio port: Rear surround speakers for 5.1 and 7.1 units
- Gray/silver audio pot: Middle surround speakers for 7.1 units are the latest audio channels in the market today.
Remember that all audio systems don’t support the latest 7.1 speaker channels. You can use all six audio ports on your PC’s motherboard if you have an audio output device that supports the latest 7.1 speaker channels. Another thing you need to keep in mind is that to use the Silver, black, or Orange audio ports, your system must have either 5.1 or 7.1 channels.
Color code for ethernet wires
- Gray color code: Gray ethernet cables represent “standard” ethernet connections, especially those found in office and home networks.
- Green color code: Green ethernet cables are designed for crossover connection—to connect different devices directly together
- Yellow color code: Yellow ethernet cables are ideal for POE connections. They are synonymous with cords that transmit around 30W current.
- Blue color code: Blue ethernet cables are commonly used for terminal server connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the blue audio jack on my pc?
The blue-colored audio jack on the PC’s motherboard is used to connect an additional audio device to your PC. For instance, you can use the blue audio jack to connect an amplifier to your PC (desktop or laptop). The port is also compatible with other audio systems, such as speakers, woofers, and home theaters.
What jack in the back of the computer does a microphone go in?
A microphone goes to the pink-colored audio port. Once inserted, you can use it to record any audio or music on your PC. You can also connect any microphone or earphones with a microphone on the pink-colored audio port.
What audio jacks do PCs use?
Desktop PCs usually have audio ports on the back or front of the CPU box, while laptop PCs typically have the 3.5 mm audio-out port on the front, right or left side. Headphone audio ports are usually green, while microphone audio ports are usually pink.
What colors are the audio ports?
Traditional computer motherboards have three audio ports colored blue, pink, and green. Modern computer motherboards are advanced as they come with six audio ports (Blue, Pink, Green, Silver, black, and Orange). Each of these audio ports is designed to perform a specific function.
What are the three audio ports on my PC?
The three audio ports on your computer include blue, pink, and lime green audio ports. You can use the port to your earphone and headphones to the PC to listen to your favorite audio or music. The pink audio port connects a microphone to a computer for recording purposes. The blue-colored audio port connects speakers, amplifiers, and home theaters to computers.
Can I use USB as an audio output?
Unfortunately, using a USB port as audio output is impossible. You will need to purchase a USB audio device. It is a standard for digital audio used in tablets, smartphones, and PCs to interface with audio peripherals. You can also purchase a USB external audio card that transfers data from a USB Host and convert it into an analog signal.
Note: Remember, when using a USB as audio output, it has low quality compared to the audio jack.
