To make the most of your setup, you may need to check which DisplayPort version you have. Once you know this, you can determine exactly what video resolution and refresh rate it supports. But it isn't as straightforward as looking at the port to see a handy little number next to it.
There is no direct way of checking your DisplayPort version. It will need a little bit of detective work. So read this article, and we'll tell you precisely what you can do to identify your DisplayPort version.
How to Check DisplayPort Version
First, here is a quick explanation of how DisplayPort cables work. They are designed to be completely interchangeable. So, where an HDMI cable may be HDMI 1.4 or 2.0, a DisplayPort cable is just that. As they say on their website:
The implication is that the cable itself isn't critical to determining what version of DisplayPort you are using. You'll need to check the DisplayPort output of whatever device you are plugging your cable into.
As we said above, checking your DisplayPort version isn't the most straightforward task you will ever do. But by following our steps, you can at least complete it quickly.
- Start by finding out what processor you are using. To do this:
- Go to Control Panel> System and Security > System
- Under Device Specifications, it will tell you your processor model.
- Once you have this information, go to the website of your processor manufacturer (usually AMD or Intel).
- Find the value under Max Resolution (DP). This will tell you the maximum resolution supported through the DisplayPort output.
I checked my processor version, which was an "11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-11400H @ 2.70GHz (2.69 GHz)." After searching it on the Intel website, I found that the maximum supported resolution is "7680x4320@60Hz." This indicates that the version is at least DisplayPort 1.4.
What is DisplayPort?
But what exactly is DisplayPort? Well, by now you've probably realised that it is an alternative to HDMI to transfer high-definition video. The most common 'versions' are as follows:
- DisplayPort 1.2: Supports up to 4K at 60Hz
- Next is DisplayPort 1.3: This supports up to 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 30Hz
- Then, DisplayPort 1.4: Supports up to 8K at 60Hz and HDR
- Finally, DisplayPort 2.0: Supports 16K with HDR at 60Hz and 10K without HDR at 80Hz
DisplayPort is a standard administered by VESA, the Video Electronics Standards Association.
Summary
As we mentioned earlier, a DisplayPort cable has a lot of interchangeability. In other words, any DisplayPort cable will work with any DisplayPort output. However, the performance you get will be limited by the resolution and refresh rate offered by your device.
By following the steps we outlined above, you'll be able to determine those limitations and decide whether your current set-up is enough to meet your needs or if it's time to consider an upgrade.
What's the Difference between DisplayPort and HDMI?
We've covered this in-depth here. But there are some general principles we can quickly cover.
Depending on your version of each, HDMI and DisplayPort tend to be broadly equal in terms of performance. DisplayPort offers slightly superior bandwidth, while HDMI is the more widely available format, commonly found in consumer electronics such as the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and most major television brands.