How to Choose the Standard DisplayPort Cable?

Posted by Jennifer Truong on February 4th, 2019

DisplayPort cables make it easier to connect a video source and a display device with each other. These cables are designed to support devices such as a PC, laptop, and monitors. DisplayPorts provide an ultimate display interface for computers. They also carry audio, USB, and other forms of data. These cables are capable of 3,840x2,160-pixel resolution at 60fps. This means that a standard DisplayPort cable will support new systems with the same quality results, possibly supporting systems up to 4k at 60Hz.

However, while you look for buying options, you need to make a note that there are a few RBR (Reduced Bit Rate) cables. They support only up to 1080p. Therefore, unless the cable is identified as RBR, it is a standard DisplayPort cable.

Here are some points to consider:

• A standard DisplayPort cable (1.1, 1.2) supports any system, including 4K and multi-stream capabilities.

• A standard DisplayPort support RBR, HBR (High Bit Rate), and HBR2 (High Bit Rate 2), which can support 4K at 60hz or up to 1080p using multi-stream.

• Myth: If you will buy an expensive cable, it will provide better quality. It is explained in detail below.

Debunking the above myth, these cables use packetized data similar to USB and Ethernet cables. Therefore, you will get all of the data or you don’t. It is not that you get a better picture only with expensive DisplayPort cables. Although, a poor-quality cable can lead to data errors in video or audio data. So, it is important that you make a choice for standard quality cables. To avoid end up buying bad quality cables, you can consider below things:

1 Connector Type:

Before you opt for buying, you need to be clear about connector type according to your requirement. This is the most important thing to consider during the purchase of these cables. For DisplayPort cables, there two types of connectors available:

• Standard DisplayPort Connector: It is about the size of a USB connector. Mainly, it is used for DisplayPort enabled PC monitors.

• The Mini DisplayPort Connector: It’s majorly used for the DisplayPort output on notebook PCs.

The Mini DP connector is in use for Thunderbolt source as well. You can also connect any DisplayPort monitor to Thunderbolt source with a standard DisplayPort. (Thunderbolt is compatible with DisplayPort. It even includes support for dual-mode-DP-to-HDMI and DP-to-DVI adaptors, and DP-to-VGA adaptors.)

2. Avoid Non-DisplayPort Certified Cables:

We love to shop from our beloved clothing brands like H&M, Forever 21, Asos for good quality products. Then why not to do the same for DisplayPort cables? Just like there are duplicates for every industry brand in the market, the same scenario is there for cables.

According to reports from VESA, they received a few complaints regarding the DisplayPort operations. As a result, many users’ systems were affected by improperly made DisplayPort cables. These types of cables are generally non-DisplayPort or off-brand cables.

Further, VESA itself purchased a number of non-certified, off-brands cables. They found that a big number of these cables were configured improperly. They were not compatible with all system configurations. Even they wouldn’t pass the DisplayPort certification test. Moreover, these bad quality cables have the tendency of damaging your PC, laptop or monitor. Therefore, whenever you buy cables with a DisplayPort certification, you won’t face such problems.

3. Cable Length

An important thing while choosing a DisplayPort cable is to know that which type of DisplayPort connector you will need at each end. Have you finalized the cable length? As it is a vital need. For example, the length of your cable depends upon its use case.

When you are looking to connect two monitors together, you won’t need the cable of the same length you need while connecting a monitor to CPU. The standard length of these cables is available of 1 to 3 meters (roughly about 10 feet).

Concluding

DisplayPort cables are important components when you want a precise connection between your devices. But when buying them, if you opt for a cheaper option, a non-branded cable, it might be vulnerable to your systems. That’s why the very first thing you will need is to avoid low quality and non-branded DisplayPort cables. It may put your system through unexpected visual issues, system power-up problems. It is necessary to remember that, those issues would cost you more than a standard DisplayPort cable price. Hence, consider buying cables from a reputed online shop, and brands with DisplayPort certifications.

Read Some more Ides About Displayport cables:

• DisplayPort or HDMI: Which Cable Should Gamers Choose?