DisplayPort Cables
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If you use a PC, you’ll know that it’s common to have cables that connect devices like desktops to monitors. Many of these cables are DisplayPort cables. Often associated with HDMI cables, DisplayPort makes it possible to connect devices together to support a PC display that you can then use to work or play. Learn more about DisplayPort cables below.
What Is a DisplayPort?
A DisplayPort is the global standard for PC monitors and embedded displays. DisplayPorts are designed to recognize and support HDMI devices through conversion cables and have recently replaced older standards of connection, like DVI and VGA.
DisplayPort cables transmit HD video, and sometimes audio, from your computer to a monitor for video streaming, gaming or presentations. DisplayPort cables have at least one female or male connection point but can also be double-sided. These connection points can be compatible with HDMI, VGA, DVI or other interfaces. They are also very commonly used to extend a user’s desktop workspace onto secondary computer monitors for more display room.
How Should You Choose the Right DisplayPort Cables?
Here’s what you need to consider when buying DisplayPort cables.
Connectors
DisplayPort cables are available in a range of configurations, all of which come in different combinations of male and female connectors. These configurations include DisplayPort to HDMI, DisplayPort to VGA, DisplayPort to mini DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort to DVI. Adapters and splitters are also available to use with your DisplayPort cables
Resolution and Bandwidth
The most common DisplayPort cord used today is DisplayPort 1.2 which supports video resolutions of up to 3840 x 2160 pixels, also known as 4k, and has a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Additionally, the maximum bandwidth for the DisplayPort 1.2 is 17.28 Gbps.
The most used HDMI cable is the HDMI 2.0. HDMI 2.0 supports a resolution of 60 Hz and a bandwidth of 14.4 Gbps.
Compatibility
When shopping for DisplayPort cables, make sure to check version numbers, resolutions, refresh rates and bandwidth before purchasing. Verify ports on both the source device and the receiving device in order to make sure that you’re purchasing a compatible cable. For example, your Macbook Pro may require a male USB-C connection while PC graphics cards usually require a mini DisplayPort cord.
What is the Difference Between HDMI vs. DisplayPort Cables?
Both HDMI and DisplayPort cables offer competing standards of video and audio transmission to an external display. HDMI cables are typically used for transmitting a display onto a TV, and they lend themselves to a quick and easy set-up. Modern monitors typically have HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1 ports.
DisplayPort cables are more commonly used for transmission to and between PCs. DisplayPort, abbreviated as DP, was a follow-up to DVI and VGA, older standards of transmission between devices. DP was less image-focused and more data-centered. Modern monitors usually include DisplayPort 1.2, DisplayPort 1.3, DisplayPort 1.4 and DisplayPort 2.0.