There are a lot of considerations to make when purchasing a DisplayPort cable.
You have thus purchased a new monitor. It includes a ton of fascinating features, like a 240Hz display, 4K resolution, and compatibility with your GPU's variable refresh rate technology. One little issue, though. While you may still utilize your old HDMI cable to get the most out of it, it's time to go the extra mile and get a new DisplayPort cable.
When purchasing a DisplayPort cable, there are several considerations to make. You can't just buy the first one you see, after all. Now that you know this, you may be asking how to pick a DisplayPort.
Consider Your DisplayPort Cables' Specifications
You must first determine what specifications you can work with before choosing a cable. Verify whatever version of the DisplayPort standard—DisplayPort 1.4a, 1.4, or an earlier one—your new monitor supports. Although DisplayPort 2.0 was just introduced in 2019 and is still relatively new, as of this writing there are no DisplayPort 2.0 monitors on the market. Although there are DisplayPort 2.0 cables on the market, it is not necessary to purchase one right now unless you want to use it with a new monitor in the future.
Check which DisplayPort version your display output supports while you're at it. You'll have to conduct an online search for your exact monitor and GPU to find what version each supports as you can't verify it on CPU-Z or similar tools. However, if it's a recently launched monitor, chances are that it supports DisplayPort 1.4a or 1.4, so you should definitely seek for them.
One thing to keep in mind is that DisplayPort versions are cross-compatible, so it's not the end of the world if you purchase a cable with the incorrect version or if the DisplayPort versions between your output and your display differ. Your display will function, but the signal will only be sent at the lowest compatible version. Even so, since it will carry a 1.4a/1.4 signal, using a DisplayPort 2.0 connection on your display is probably not a smart idea right now.
Additionally, while you're examining both, look at the port itself. Is that a genuine DisplayPort or a more compact USB-C connector? Some more recent products, especially high-end ones, may actually include a USB-C port in addition to or in instead of a DisplayPort. Don't be misled by this, though; a visual signal is still transmitted across it.
What Is Thunderbolt? Is It Better Than DisplayPort?
The term "Thunderbolt" may occasionally appear in your cable search results. But should you give it any thought? Thunderbolt is a technology that supports both DisplayPort and PCI Express, as we've already detailed in detail. The answer is probably not, therefore you shouldn't worry about it.
Although Thunderbolt supports DisplayPort, it also enables the connection of devices like docking stations and hard drive enclosures.
It resembles a USB-C cable on steroids in essence. Thunderbolt aims to be the final cable you'll ever need for anything, which is helpful for certain individuals who carry a lot of peripherals. But for a display connection? All of stuff is not necessary. You won't be unplugging it from your computer very often, and the cord will probably hang off your desk for a very long time.
Even if you set it aside, you most likely can't even utilize it. Nvidia and AMD graphics cards don't support Thunderbolt, and if your PC is AMD (or a low-end Intel), chances are good that your system doesn't even support Thunderbolt in the first place. Although the great majority of PCs lack a back Thunderbolt connector, some Intel motherboards do.
Otherwise, Thunderbolt is fantastic. However, in your particular use scenario, you should avoid using a Thunderbolt cable.
How to Choose a DisplayPort Cable
It's time to start looking now that you are aware of the DisplayPort version that is supported by both your GPU and monitor, the real connector, and the fact that Thunderbolt isn't worthwhile (and neither is DisplayPort 2.0). In addition to the cable specification, there are a few additional factors you should take into account while purchasing the cable.
One thing you should do is make sure the cable you're getting is of high quality. You should get a cable that is compatible with your intended application rather than one that is premium and has braided sleeves and a copper connection. Generally speaking, you should avoid no-name companies and read reviews before making a purchase. Verify the ratio of negative to good reviews, the number of complaints in the negative reviews, and if the favorable ones appear to have been purchased or otherwise fabricated.
Also, be sure you get a VESA-certified cable. The DisplayPort standard is developed by VESA, or the Video Electronics Standards Association, and using a certified cable assures that your signal is being carried in accordance with the necessary parameters and that you won't have a poor user experience. All DisplayPort connections that have received certification must, among other things, enable HBR2 (High Bit Rate 2), which can handle up to four 1080p displays utilizing multi-stream or 4K at 60 Hz. If a cable isn't certified, it's definitely low-quality, and if that isn't a problem, other issues will most likely be. You shouldn't buy a non-certified cable just to save money.
Also, be careful to measure the cable's length. The average cable length is 10 feet, however you may get DisplayPort cables in virtually any desired length. However, it's generally a good idea to determine how much slack you require before purchasing your cable. In light of this, what is the ideal DisplayPort cable?
Make a Smart Purchase
When purchasing a cable, there are several things to take into account. Amazon is strewn with cables from both name-brand and knockoff manufacturers, but sometimes one or two of the latter may appear.
Hopefully, after reading this guidance, you can now choose a high-quality DisplayPort cable with greater knowledge.
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