SVGA Description;
SVGA is the last of the analog standards, in the Graphics Array series [SVGA, VGA, XGA and CGA video specifications].
However SVGA is also being phased out of the newest systems, although there may be an SVGA interface for backward compatibility.
Review the notes on an up-grade path below, as the SVGA interface is out-dated, normally just called VGA in product descriptions.

The SVGA [Super VGA] video interface offers more colors and resolutions then the VGA [Video Graphics Array] interface it replaced, but really does not exist as a single standard. SVGA uses three analog pins to send color information to the monitor, Red, Green and Blue and two additional analog sync pins. The primary standard refers to the BIOS, and how the computer talks to the monitor. The SVGA standard was released in 1990, replacing the VGA standard. The SVGA screen resolution is 800 x 600 pixels at a bandwidth of 45MHz.
VESA Display Data Channel [DDC] is a VESA standard that defines how to read certain pins in a standard SVGA Monitor to query the monitor's capabilities.
The DDC interface pins [ID1, ID2 & ID3] use the digital I2C interface bus, as DDC Data for SDA, and DDC Clock as SCL.
Refer to the table below for the SVGA signal assignments and the graphic for a pinout.

The SVGA [Super Video Graphics Array]: Interface bus uses a 15-pin D-sub connector, also called a High Density 15-pin Dsub because it has three rows, instead of the low density 2-row connector. The table above provides the pinouts and signal names for the connector. A 15-pin SVGA cable is not the same pinout as a 15-pin VGA cable; however, VGA may also be found with a 9-pin D connector. The pinout and signal names for both a 9 pin and 15 D-sub connector is listed on the VGA Bus page. The items in brackets are older signal designations. A listing on OEM D-sub connector manufacturers may be found on the D-sub connector page. Some other video standards are listed below for reference. The main page listing many of the Personal Computer Video Buses is listed here.

There is no up grade path if your monitor is an SVGA or the PC wants an SVGA cable. If you did happen to need a new video card or monitor and one or both need an SVGA interface, then you still need an SVGA connector. Although you could get a SVGA to DVI adapter [backward capability] if the personal computer has a analog DVI interface. However if you were to get a new system the current mainstream PC monitor interface used is the DVI, or an HDMI for TV interfacing. But many video cards have one or two different video outputs [either the same or two different outputs]. One card I just looked up [Radeon HD4350] contained a VGA, HDMI and a Dual DVI interface. Note that the generic VGA term is being used by the manufacture, but it's really a SVGA interface. The easiest upgrade is when a new monitor is supplied with a new PC. The interface is assured interoperability when the system is purchased as a mate.

Note that on 12-9-2010 an article appeared on the internet that indicated some of the largest manufacturers of personal computers would be dropping the VGA interface [SVGA] by 2015. So if that is the case than an SVGA monitor is not an option any longer. Normally I keep monitors longer than I keep PCs, which get changed out every two years. In addition AMD indicated, in the same article that they would be dropping the DVI-I [analog portion] interface. In other words you no longer want an SVGA interface on any thing new, unless it's required. You want a DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI-D video connector in that order.

Editor note; the VGA interface is a mature technology which is in decline.
In the coming years fewer and fewer devices will be shipped with a SVGA interface.

Obsolete Video Interfaces Based on VGA

These are both out-dated and obsolete analog video interfaces, related to SVGA.
XGA [Extended Graphics Array]: IBM introduced [1990] the XGA interface as a successor to its 8514/A display.

VGA [Video Graphics Array]: VGA [1987] is a superset of EGA, incorporating all EGA modes. Older displays sent digital signals to the monitor, while VGA (and later) send analog signals.

CGA [Color Graphics Adapter]: The CGA standard [1981] supports several different modes; the highest quality text mode is 80x25 characters in 16 colors. The monitors are digital with a composite signal which is at TTL logic levels; Hs, Vs, and RGBI all at TTL logic levels.

MDA [Monochrome Display Adapter]: established by IBM as part of the original Personal Computer [PC]. MDA is a monochrome-only, text-only standard, allowing text display at 80x25 characters.

Back to the main PC Video Monitor Bus page, or to the main PC Interface Bus page.
Use the Buses icon at the bottom of the page to reach the top level index for all bus types.
Use the Equipment icon at the bottom of the page to reach manufacturers of PC Monitors.