// ENTRY NEWS
Everything You Need to Know About DisplayPort: Advantages, Comparisons, and User Guide
DisplayPort is the cable that connects your graphics card to your monitor when you are looking for the highest image quality. It is the preferred standard for PCs, gaming, and professional design. In this guide, we explain what it is, how it differs from HDMI, and how to choose the right cable.
What is DisplayPort?
DisplayPort (DP) is a digital video and audio interface created by VESA. It replaces older VGA and DVI connections and competes directly with HDMI.
Its three key features are:
- Very high bandwidth: allows for higher resolutions and refresh rates than HDMI in many cases.
- Multiple monitors with a single cable: thanks to the Multi-Stream Transport (MST) feature.
- Native adaptive synchronization: compatible with FreeSync (AMD) and G-Sync (NVIDIA) to eliminate tearing.
Advantages over other cables
Resolution and refresh rate
DisplayPort 2.1 reaches up to 16K at 60 Hz and 4K at 240 Hz without compression. It is the highest ceiling in the consumer market in 2026.
Multiple monitors with one cable (MST)
You can daisy-chain two or three monitors from a single DP output. This is very useful in offices and workstations. HDMI does not offer this feature natively.
Gaming without tearing
FreeSync and G-Sync synchronize game frames with the monitor's refresh rate. The result is a fluid image, without cuts or stutters. DisplayPort supports both technologies from version 1.2a.
DisplayPort vs HDMI: quick comparison
Both standards transmit digital video and audio. The choice depends on the use case:
| Feature | DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR20) | HDMI 2.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Bandwidth | 80 Gbps | 48 Gbps |
| 4K maximum | 240 Hz uncompressed | 120 Hz |
| 8K maximum | 85 Hz uncompressed | 60 Hz compressed |
| Multiple monitors (MST) | Yes, native | No |
| FreeSync / G-Sync | Yes | Yes (HDMI 2.1) |
| HDR | Yes | Yes |
| Typical use | PC, gaming monitors, design | TV, consoles, home cinema |
Rule of thumb: use DisplayPort for your PC and monitor. Use HDMI for TVs, consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X), and home cinema equipment.
DisplayPort versions: what changes between them
Each version expands the bandwidth. These are the ones you should be interested in today:
- DP 1.2 (2010): 4K at 60 Hz. Still common in basic monitors.
- DP 1.4 (2016): 4K at 120 Hz, 8K at 60 Hz with DSC compression. HDR. Still the standard in many mid-to-high-end monitors.
- DP 2.0 (2019): up to 80 Gbps. Almost did not reach the market.
- DP 2.1 (2022): the current standard. Replaced DP 2.0 and improves integration with USB-C and USB4.
- DP 2.1b (2025): adds DP80LL active cables, which reach up to 3 meters at 80 Gbps.
Pay attention to labeling: UHBR10, UHBR13.5, and UHBR20
A cable or monitor that says "DisplayPort 2.1" may not be what it seems. Version 2.1 has three speed levels:
- UHBR10: 40 Gbps (even less than HDMI 2.1).
- UHBR13.5: 54 Gbps.
- UHBR20: 80 Gbps. Only this level unlocks full performance.
If you pay for DP 2.1, verify that it says UHBR20 or DP80. Otherwise, the actual bandwidth may be lower than HDMI 2.1.
How to choose the correct DisplayPort cable
Three factors determine if the cable will work well. In our range of DisplayPort cables and adapters, you will find all the versions and lengths we mention below.
1. Version compatibility
The cable must match or exceed the version your monitor uses. A DP 1.2 cable with a DP 1.4 monitor will limit resolution and refresh rate.
2. VESA Certification
Look for the correct seal according to your needs:
- DP40: up to UHBR10 (40 Gbps). Sufficient for 4K at 144 Hz.
- DP80: up to UHBR20 (80 Gbps). Necessary for 4K at 240 Hz or 8K.
- DP80LL: active version, up to 3 meters without performance loss.
3. Length
The longer the cable, the greater the signal loss. As a guide:
- Up to 2 meters: any quality cable works.
- 2-3 meters: use active cables or certified DP80LL.
- More than 3 meters: consider fiber optic DisplayPort.
Basic setup in Windows and macOS
Connecting DisplayPort is straightforward: plug the cable between your PC's output and the monitor's input. The system automatically detects it.
Adjust resolution and refresh rate in Windows
- Right-click on the desktop → Display settings.
- Select the monitor and adjust the resolution.
- In Advanced display settings, choose the maximum refresh rate.
Adjust resolution and refresh rate in macOS
- Apple Menu → System Settings → Displays.
- Select the monitor and adjust resolution and refresh rate.
Activate FreeSync or G-Sync
Activate them in the monitor's OSD menu and then in the graphics card's control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Software). The monitor must be compatible with the technology you are using.
Frequent problems and solutions
Black screen or no signal
This is usually due to a loose connection or a faulty cable. Try these steps:
- Check that the cable is firm at both ends.
- Replace the cable with a certified one.
- Update graphics card drivers.
- Restart the PC with the cable connected.
No audio via DisplayPort
Audio works, but sometimes it's not the default device. In Windows, go to Settings → System → Sound and select the DisplayPort output. In macOS, open System Settings → Sound and do the same.
Flickering or artifacts in the image
This is almost always a cable problem. Replace it with one with good shielding and VESA certification. Keep the cable away from interference sources (chargers, motors, power strips).
Summary: when to choose DisplayPort?
- Yes, use DisplayPort: gaming PC, high-frequency 4K monitors, multi-monitor setups, graphic design, video editing.
- Better use HDMI: TV, consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars.
If your monitor and graphics card are recent, a DisplayPort 2.1 DP80 certified cable will give you maximum performance. For more modest setups, a good DP 1.4 DP40 certified cable covers 4K at 144 Hz without problems.
Do you need the cable for a TV or console? Check out our selection of HDMI cables instead.