Gold-Plated Connectors: Myth vs. Reality
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Visualizing: Gold-Plated Connectors: Myth vs. Reality
Gold is a worse conductor than copper. So why plate connectors in it?
The Corrosion Factor
Gold doesn't oxidize (rust). Nickel and copper do. In humid environments, a nickel connector will develop a thin layer of non-conductive oxide, leading to signal drops.
Verdict
Gold plating doesn't make the signal 'cleaner' or 'faster', but it makes the cable much more reliable over years of use. It is a durability feature, not a performance one.
Technical References
- Corrosion Science: Atmospheric Oxidation of Copper and its Alloys.
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