DisplayPort versions — 1.2, 1.4, 2.0 specs
DisplayPort is primarily a PC monitor standard. It supports higher refresh rates and multi-monitor daisy-chaining that HDMI cannot match at the same bandwidth level. All DisplayPort versions use the same 20-pin connector shape.
Version comparison
| Version | Max bandwidth | 4K 60 Hz | 4K 120 Hz | 4K 144 Hz | 8K 60 Hz | MST (daisy-chain) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP 1.2 | 17.28 Gbps | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| DP 1.2a | 17.28 Gbps | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| DP 1.4 | 25.92 Gbps | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (with DSC) | ✅ (with DSC) | ✅ |
| DP 2.0 | 77.37 Gbps | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
DSC = Display Stream Compression, a visually lossless compression codec. DP 1.4 achieves many high-end resolutions only with DSC enabled.
Mini-DisplayPort
Mini-DisplayPort (mini-DP) carries the same signals as full-size DP but uses a smaller 20-pin connector (7.5 × 4.6 mm). Common on older MacBooks, Surface devices, and some desktop GPUs. Adapters and cables that convert between full-size DP and mini-DP are passive and lossless.
DisplayPort vs HDMI for gaming monitors
- DP 1.4 supports 4K at 144 Hz with DSC; HDMI 2.0 tops out at 4K 60 Hz.
- DP 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 both support 4K 120+ Hz natively on monitors that have both ports.
- G-Sync (Nvidia) works exclusively over DisplayPort. FreeSync works over both but is more commonly implemented on DP.
- HDMI 2.1 is the better choice for game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X ship with HDMI cables). DisplayPort is typically the better choice for PC gaming monitors.
MST — daisy-chaining monitors
Multi-Stream Transport (MST) lets you chain multiple monitors together using a single DisplayPort output on your GPU, with a DP cable running monitor-to-monitor. Requirements:
- A GPU that supports MST (most AMD and Nvidia GPUs since 2013)
- Monitors that have a DP output (not just input) for passing the signal through
- DP 1.2 or later cables between each monitor
Total bandwidth is shared between all monitors in the chain. Two 1080p 60 Hz monitors share comfortably on DP 1.2; two 4K monitors at high refresh rates need DP 1.4 or DP 2.0.
Physical dimensions
| Type | Width | Height | Pins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-size DisplayPort | 16.1 mm | 4.8 mm | 20 |
| Mini-DisplayPort | 7.5 mm | 4.6 mm | 20 |