If you are building your gaming setup, having the right DisplayPort cables will unlock the real potential of your premium gaming monitor. You could be having a great gaming rig with the best graphics card and processors, but if you don’t have the right cables to drive your monitors, it’s useless.
DisplayPort cables are quickly replacing standard HDMI and becoming the go-to cable for modern gaming monitors. There are three main reasons why this is the case.
- The regular DisplayPort 1.4 cable can transfer 4k at 120Hz vs. the newer but flawed HDMI 2.0 at 60Hz. This means that you will get a better picture quality using DisplayPort over HDMI 2.0.
- HDMI 2.1, released in 2017, is only an incremental improvement over HDMI 2.0, which was released in June of 2015. However, three years have passed, and no new updates have been made to it since then.
- The latest DisplayPort 2.0 version, now with speeds of up to 80 Gbps, has effectively blown away any competition, including its older version (DisplayPort 1.4) and even the most recent HDMI 2.1.
In a nutshell, DisplayPort cables are engineered to handle monitors that support higher refresh rates and resolutions and thus eliminate all the clutter from legacy HDMI connections while offering a larger bandwidth and faster and hyper-responsive gaming experience.
If you are a gaming enthusiast and looking for a high-quality DisplayPort cable to enjoy lag-free and immersive gameplay, you are at the right place. In this article, we compiled the top 8 best DisplayPort cables for gaming that will perfectly complement any high-end gaming rig and discussed everything you need to know about them to help you make an informed choice.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 picks for the best DisplayPort cable for gaming in 2023!
Best Overall
Runner Up
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Does the quality of the DisplayPort cable matter?
DisplayPort cables should be certified by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) and cost more than generic cables. They are not necessarily of higher quality than the generic ones always, though.
The DisplayPort technology allows for backward compatibility, so all DisplayPort cables, including the older ones, will fully support even the newest DisplayPort arrangement.
A VESA-certified DisplayPort cable supports HBR2, allowing it to handle 4K at 60Hz, and reliably deliver video to four 1080p monitors using multistream configuration.
While some DisplayPort cables may sometimes work with the latest-generation HBR3 and DSC applications, only products with DP8K-certification are designed to ensure optimum performance in such advanced use cases.
Like USB, DisplayPort also transmits audio and graphics using packet data. Although a more expensive cable doesn’t ensure a “better” quality output on your monitor, a shoddy one may cause data errors, leading to corrupt and unreliable audiovisual results.
Therefore it is crucial to buy a DisplayPort cable from a reputable manufacturer to make sure you get a high-quality product that won’t cause unexpected audio and video issues. Always insist on VESA-certified DisplayPort cables to be on the safer side.
What does a DisplayPort cable do?
DisplayPort is a type of digital connection interface that can carry video and audio data over a single cable. It connects a graphics card or computer to a monitor and delivers the audiovisual data on the screen it is receiving from the source.
Even though DisplayPort is not as commonly used as HDMI, it offers greater functionality and has become an essential connection configuration lately. They can handle a large amount of data needed for a 4K video and other high-resolution and high-definition media.
However, it is not merely a cable. DisplayPort is a protocol that allows you to use your PC, graphics card, and display at high resolutions, refresh rates, and color depths.
Here’s how DisplayPort works at a basic level. A DisplayPort cable sends audio and video data just like a standard VGA or HDMI connection. You can insert one end of it into your computer or laptop and the other end into your monitor. Most of the time, things will configure automatically without requiring you to do anything, but sometimes devices may not identify one another successfully, and you need to use the display’s manual control to set the desired refresh rate and resolution.
In slightly more technical terms, DisplayPort transmits data in a way similar to how PCI-Express and Ethernet do by incorporating a clock signal within small packets of data. This allows it to support higher refresh rates and resolutions more efficiently than other cable types.
1. Capshi 8K DP Cable 6.6FT – Best Overall
The cable is designed for gamers, streamers, and overclockers who want to get the most out of their graphics cards and monitors. 8K is coming, and Capshi is here to make sure you get there with no hiccups.
Capshi 8K DisplayPort cables are VESA certified and conform to the latest DisplayPort 1.4 standard, enabling a host of high-resolution output including 8K at 60Hz, 5K at 60Hz, 4K at 60Hz, 120Hz, and 144Hz, and 2K at 120Hz, 165Hz, and 240Hz. These cables are backward compatible with all the previous versions of the DisplayPort standard and also support flawless audio pass-through for 7.1, 5.1, and 2.0 digital audio channels, making them ideal for use with 4K or 8K graphics cards and displays while ensuring they will last you a long time.
8K DisplayPort cables offer a better bandwidth range than their 4K counterparts and support HBR3, which provides a data rate of 32.4 Gbps. These cables also support HDCP 2.2 and Dynamic HDR, which can improve the quality of dark portions of the game with more details, especially in First Person Shooters and AAA titles.
The cable is made from 28AWG tinned copper, triple shielded, and bundled in a heat-resistant sleeve to ensure a smooth transition from the graphics card to the monitor. With a length up to 6.6ft, it has you covered for even the largest of setups. The world’s first anti-interference non-locking buckle construction ensures your card and devices won’t be damaged when pulling cables.
Why is Capshi 8K DP Cable the best DisplayPort cable for gaming?
The Capshi 8K DP Cable is a fantastic choice for users who want to enjoy high-performance gaming or video. When looking for an 8K display, you want to make sure you have a reliable cable to handle the highest refresh rates and resolutions. This cable is designed to support up to 8K resolution, a broad array of different refresh rates up to 240 Hz, and delivers high-quality audio with dual 7.1 channel sound so that you don’t have to settle for anything less when it comes to intense gameplay.
Most DP cables on the market today suffer from poor-quality construction materials and inefficient designs, which creates signal dropouts. The Capshi 8K DP Cable offers an excellent solution to this problem by providing high-quality, structured wiring at 28AWG tinned copper. This robust build makes the cable incredibly durable and holds signal transmission steady without flickering, while the triple shielding prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI) efficiently. The nylon braid outer jacket keeps the inside layers intact so that the cable lasts longer.
2. Club3D VESA Certified CAC-2068 DisplayPort 1.4 – Runner Up
Club3D DisplayPort cable offers full support for 8K and 5K displays at 60Hz, and 4K UHD at 144 Hz refresh rate. If you’re looking to connect a new high-resolution monitor with a faster refresh rate to your PC or Laptop, then this is the cable for you.
Manufactured by one of the top DisplayPort solutions brands, Club3D CAC-2068 cable features HDR (High-Dynamic Range) and audio pass-through for multi-channel uncompressed digital sound over the DisplayPort connection. Including support for 32.4 Gbps HBR3 bandwidth, FEC, and DSC 1.2, this cable can handle extremely high resolutions and refresh rates of high-end displays like XG438Q and Acer Predator X27 – both of which have a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 120 Hz and 144Hz, respectively.
No matter what resolution you’re currently running, this DisplayPort 1.4 cable will be able to handle it. If a future monitor is released that supports 8K through DisplayPort, your Club 3D cable will be ready to go out of the box. The product is VESA certified and backward compatible to support resolutions of 2K and lower while maintaining full signal integrity without any degradation.
3. Accell B088C-007B-23 DP 1.4 – Budget Pick
The Accell DisplayPort 1.4 Cable is the perfect solution for DP to DP 1.4 (32.4 Gbps) connectivity, supporting ultra-high resolution and refresh rates. This versatile cable is fully backward compatible with previous generations of DisplayPort cables, so you know it will continue to work even as technology progresses.
Experience a fast, high bandwidth video connection with Accell DisplayPort 1.4 cables that are VESA certified to comply with the latest standard. This high-quality cable is built to fit your needs within budget and supports a wide range of display devices, including 4K and 8K displays.
With a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps (High Bit Rate 3) and DSC 1.2, it supports a 4K monitor at 240Hz and 8K at 60Hz maximum refresh rate, which is an over 1.5x faster performance compared to the previous DisplayPort 1.2 standard. However, without Display Stream Compression, the cable still delivers 4K resolution at 120 Hz, 5K at 60 Hz, and 8K at 30 Hz refresh rate, which is again pretty impressive for the price it charges.
Accell DisplayPort 1.4 cable offers superior versatility for both works and play. With a host of feature support, including DP++, DPCP 1.0, HDR, and stereoscopic 3D video, it perfectly complements even the newest graphics card in the market.
4. GearIT Gold Plated DisplayPort Cable – High Durability
Connect your computer to your monitor or HDTV with GearIT DisplayPort cable. It is gold plated with a durable latching connector, eliminating the hassle of re-plugging your cable every time you use your computer.
The product is built with 28 AWG copper conductors and foil shielding to ensure an uninterrupted experience through 4K resolution and 1080P Full HD. It further supports a wide range of uncompressed digital audio channels formats, including 7.1, 5.1, and 2. One can use the cable to set up an extended desktop or a widescreen gaming configuration with mirrored screens.
GearIT DisplayPort cable unleashes the full potential of your computer’s display device. Now you can reduce the clutter of wires and take advantage of its convenient Plug & Play capabilities through a single high-definition connection between displays, TVs, and projectors.
5. Moread Mini DisplayPort Cable
Moread Mini DisplayPort Cable allows connecting a laptop or desktop or other devices (with Mini DisplayPort or DisplayPort support) to an HD monitor or projector easily. Its incredibly slim design and additional ease of use features provide maximum flexibility in positioning and make it not only simple but super stable and one of the best DP cables you can buy right now.
You can enjoy all the big-screen thrills of a 4K display with this cable by Moread. By using the latest data transmission technology and quality copper wires, it transmits pictures and sound flawlessly from source to screen. With 6ft in length, this versatile Mini DP to DisplayPort cable lets you instantly and effortlessly transfer a variety of digital video resolutions such as Full HD (1080p) and 4K Ultra HD (3840×21600, Ultra HD) from your PC to a monitor or TV for playback and editing work without having to unplug or rearrange your desktop setup.
This high-quality cable meets or exceeds the standards set by VESA for video resolutions and features durable, gold-plated connectors and bare copper conductors to ensure maximum signal performance and reliability over a long time.
6. Capshi 4K DP Cable – Ultra High Speed
Finally, an easy and affordable way to extend the use of your 4k 60Hz monitor! Capshi 4K DP cables are certified by VESA to be tested as per standard Displayport spec and support 2K video resolution at 165 Hz and 4K Ultra HD at 60 Hz refresh rate, ensuring ultra-high-speed performance and image quality. In addition, the cable is also downward compatible with 1080p resolution. The molded construction offers improved defense against cracking, and its connectors are 24K gold-plated for enhanced signal transfer.
Capshi 4K DP Cable has 3D support and offers a viewing experience similar to a theater, giving you a clear picture with vivid and lifelike details that you can’t achieve otherwise. With three different modes, such as mirroring, extended, and gaming, you can use it for almost any task.
7. Rankie DisplayPort Cable
This is a 6 feet DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable from the stable of Rankie that connects your DP-enabled computer to a High Definition screen with DisplayPort input for streaming flawless audio and video content. However, the product does not support a 144Hz monitor.
The cable is super sleek and stylish with a gold-plated connector. Its gold-plated conductors and innovative shielding technology provide excellent performance, picture, and sound quality.
Together with a computer that supports DisplayPort input, it delivers a wide array of video resolutions from 1080P at 60 Hz to 4K UHD at a 30 Hz refresh rate with impeccable audio pass-through for multiple uncompressed digital channels (7.1, 5.1, and 2), which is ideal for any type of content consumption on a large display screen.
8. Uni Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort Cable – Best DisplayPort Cable for Mac
The Uni Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort Cable is an ideal solution for the new MacBook Pro, MacBook, iMac, and Windows computer users who need a compact cable for connecting their DisplayPort monitors or projectors. At half the size of standard Thunderbolt 3 cables and with minimal clutter, it’s great for home and travel.
The cable meets the requirements of DisplayPort 1.2 standard and supports up to 4K resolution at 60Hz for Ultra High Definition visual experience. It lets you connect your MacBook Pro or MacBook computer in clamshell mode or through MST technology in case you are using a Windows device.
The Uni Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort cable is perfect for connecting your USB-C devices with a Thunderbolt 3 port to an external display with DisplayPort. It is DisplayPort 1.2 compliant and works with various models of Dell, Samsung, ASUS, Acer, and other DP-enabled monitors.
Now that you’ve finished reading through these best DisplayPort cables for gaming, check out the best 1440p 144Hz gaming monitors!
Best DisplayPort Cable for Gaming: A Buying Guide
If you are a gaming fanatic who has just purchased an amazing new high-end monitor, then you should definitely buy a DisplayPort cable for it. By doing this, you would be able to enjoy content and gaming at 4K resolution and even 5K and 8K resolution if the device in question support it. But before you go ahead and purchase the best DisplayPort cables for gaming in 2021, the following guide will educate you on a few crucial factors you must consider to select the right one based on your requirements.
Cable length
The length can be a determining factor on which type of DisplayPort cable you would purchase. When purchasing a DisplayPort cable, make sure that the length of the cable is also long enough for your needs. This is necessary if you wish to have a longer distance between your computer and your display or TV. The best way to check this is by looking at the product specification tag in order to see what the length of the cable is.
Resolutions it supports
To make sure you get the best DisplayPort cable for gaming, it is vital that you check the supported resolution of your DisplayPort cables. This will ensure you are getting a cable that is truly capable of transmitting high-quality audio and video. Fortunately, all the best DisplayPort cables stated above can do 4K at 60 Hz at the very least.
DisplayPort Version
When considering buying your next DisplayPort cable, it is helpful to be aware of the various versions available, including the DisplayPort 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3, as well as the latest DisplayPort 1.4 for optimum results. Ask your seller and also check out the product description carefully to find out the exact version your cable supports.
Warranty
A good cable should last a lifetime, but even the best cables might wear out down the line. Doing all you can to keep it protected is a great idea and will help you save money in the end. Some DisplayPort cables come with a one-year-long warranty, meaning that you get free replacements if any of the cables are damaged or rendered unusable under normal circumstances during the first year from purchase. You can also find DP cables with three years and even lifetime warranties in the market.
FAQ:
What’s the Difference Between DisplayPort 1.4 and 1.2?
DisplayPort 1.4 was officially introduced in March 2016 and is now the new standard for video transfer on high-performance PCs. It boasts a considerable bandwidth increase over the previous DisplayPort 1.2 version, making it a great option for higher resolutions, higher refresh rates (144Hz or 240Hz), and immersive audio transmission, like Atmos and DTS:X.
The main difference between Display Port version 1.2 and version 1.4 is that version 1.4 supports up to 32.40 Gbps total bandwidth and 25.92 Gbps total data rate, a higher potential than version 1.2’s 21.6 Gbps total bandwidth and 17.28 Gbps data rate over its four lanes.
For 4K monitors or 4K projectors, you will need DP 1.2 to support a single data stream at a high enough framerate, but when it comes to multistream displays such as 5K monitors or 8K projectors, DP 1.4 will offer higher throughput and fast enough data for all the streams required for the monitor to operate at its peak capabilities.
How much FPS can DisplayPort handle?
While DisplayPort 1.2 can comfortably handle 4K UHD resolution at 60 FPS, DisplayPort 1.4 can run 8K at 60 FPS. The newest DisplayPort 2.0 supports 8K at a whopping 120 FPS.
What is the maximum resolution of DisplayPort?
The max resolution is 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) for DisplayPort 1.2 standard and 8K (7680 x 4320) for DisplayPort 1.4 standard.
How to check the DisplayPort cable version?
Unfortunately, you can never find the version simply by looking at the cable itself. Please consult the product document you have received with the cable or contact the original manufacture to know more about its version.
Final words
When you are looking to purchase a new DisplayPort cable for gaming, remember that you have to choose the right one depending on important factors like your computer, graphics card, and of course, the display. The many options on the market today may leave you perplexed, and making the wrong choice will mean you end up with a non-compatible product and even more expenses.
Therefore, we talked about some of the very best DisplayPort cables that you can choose from. We have also compiled some of the most critical things that make an excellent DisplayPort cable to make your buying experience as straightforward as possible. If you have any more questions, feel free to shoot a comment below, and we will try to reply at the earliest.