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DisplayPort

DisplayPort

Standard: VESA Last updated: 2025-01-21

DisplayPort is technically superior to HDMI for computer use, with higher bandwidth, daisy-chaining support, and royalty-free licensing. However, HDMI dominates consumer electronics. DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C is increasingly common, making USB-C the de facto DisplayPort connector on modern laptops. DisplayPort 2.1 with UHBR 20 mode offers nearly 4x the bandwidth of HDMI 2.1.

Quick Specifications

Max Speed

77.4 Gbps

Max Power

1.65W

Pins

20

Reversible

No

⚠️ Common Confusion Points

  • DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort have identical capabilities - only the connector size differs
  • DP++ (Dual-Mode DisplayPort) ports support passive HDMI/DVI adapters, but not all DP ports are DP++
  • DisplayPort cables are not versioned - look for DP8K, DP40, or DP80 certification
  • HDMI adapters may be passive (DP++ only) or active (works with any DP port) - check before buying
  • DisplayPort 2.0 and 2.1 have the same bandwidth - 2.1 is a cable/feature update
  • USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode output native DisplayPort signal
  • DSC (Display Stream Compression) is lossy - native bandwidth is better when available
  • Daisy-chaining monitors requires MST support on both the GPU and monitors

Protocols & Versions

Protocol Data Rate Power Max Length
DisplayPort 1.2 (1.2) 21.6 Gbps (17.28 Gbps effective) — 3m at full bandwidth
DisplayPort 1.3 (1.3) 32.4 Gbps (25.92 Gbps effective) — 2m at HBR3
DisplayPort 1.4 (1.4) 32.4 Gbps (25.92 Gbps effective) — 2m at HBR3
DisplayPort 2.0 (2.0) 77.4 Gbps (80 Gbps raw) — 2m for UHBR 20
DisplayPort 2.1 (2.1) 77.4 Gbps (80 Gbps raw) — 3m for DP40, 1m for DP80

DisplayPort 1.2 Features

Multi-Stream Transport (MST) Audio 3D
Video support: 4K@60Hz, 1080p@240Hz, Multi-stream (daisy-chain)

Cable requirements: DisplayPort certified cable

DisplayPort 1.3 Features

HBR3 mode MST Dual-mode DP++ for HDMI/DVI adapters
Video support: 5K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, 8K@30Hz

Cable requirements: DP 1.3+ certified cable

DisplayPort 1.4 Features

Display Stream Compression (DSC) HDR metadata transport Forward Error Correction
Video support: 8K@60Hz (with DSC), 4K@120Hz HDR, HDR10

Cable requirements: DP 1.4 certified cable (DP8K)

DisplayPort 2.0 Features

UHBR modes (10, 13.5, 20 Gbps per lane) USB-C Alt Mode 2.0 Improved DSC
Video support: 16K@60Hz (with DSC), 10K@60Hz, 4K@240Hz

Cable requirements: DP40 or DP80 certified cable

DisplayPort 2.1 Features

Improved cable specs Panel Replay Adaptive Sync Tunneling over USB4
Video support: 16K@60Hz (with DSC), 4K@240Hz, 8K@120Hz (with DSC)

Cable requirements: DP40 or DP80 certified cable

Connector Specifications

Shape
rectangular with corner notch
Pins
20 (2 rows)
Width × Height
16.1 × 4.76 mm
Depth
8.88 mm
Reversible
No

Electrical Specifications

Max Voltage
3.3V
Max Current
0.5A
Max Power
1.65W

Compatibility

Backwards Compatible With

  • DisplayPort 1.0
  • 1.1

Forward Compatible With

  • DisplayPort 2.1

Can Adapt To

  • HDMI (passive for DP++, active for all features)
  • DVI (passive)
  • VGA (active)
  • USB-C

Can Adapt From

  • USB-C/Thunderbolt
  • HDMI (active only)

Common Uses

  • Computer monitors
  • Graphics cards
  • Laptops (business/professional)
  • Workstations
  • Docking stations
  • Some high-end TVs
  • VR headsets

Buying Guide

For 4K@144Hz or higher, get a DP 1.4 (DP8K) certified cable. For DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 features, look for DP40 or DP80 cables. If using HDMI adapters, check if your port supports DP++ for passive adapters, otherwise get an active adapter. Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cables work fine - no adapter needed, just different connector.

Also Known As

DisplayPort DP

Data Sources