In order to make the most of your setup, you may need to check which DisplayPort version you have. Once you know this, you will be able to figure out exactly what video resolution and frame rate it supports. But it isn't as straightforward as just taking a quick look at the port itself, to see a handy little number next to it.
In actual fact, there is no direct way of checking your DisplayPort version. It will need a little bit of detective work. So don your favourite deerstalker hat, and then read this article, to make life easier for yourself. We'll let you know exactly what you can do in order to identify your DisplayPort version.
How To Check Displayport Version
First, a quick explainer on how DisplayPort cables work. They are actually designed to be completely interchangeable. So whereas, for example, an HDMI cable may be HDMI 1.4 or 2.0, a DisplayPort cable is literally just that. As they say on their website:
A standard DisplayPort cable is designed to work with any DisplayPort source device, such as a PC or laptop, and any DisplayPort monitor. This means that a standard DisplayPort cable will work with the very first DisplayPort systems and displays introduced over ten years ago, and they will continue to work with the newest and future systems and displays that support multi-stream and display resolutions up to 5K at 60Hz
https://www.displayport.org/how-to-choose-a-displayport-cable-and-not-get-a-bad-one/
The implication of this is that the cable itself isn't the critical part of finding out what version of DisplayPort you are using. For that, 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 in your life. But, by following our steps, you can at least complete this task 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.
Read More: DisplayPort vs HDMI: Which is better for PC gaming on your monitor?
What Is DisplayPort?
But what exactly is DisplayPort? Well, by now you've probably realised that it is an alternative to HDMI as a way of transferring 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.
Read More: Does PS5 have DisplayPort? How to connect PlayStation 5 to monitor/TV
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. But the performance you get will be limited by the resolution and refresh rate offered by the device you are using.
By following the steps we outlined above, you'll be able to find out what those limitations are, 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 what version of each you are using, HDMI and DisplayPort tend to be broadly equal in terms of performance. DisplayPort tends to offer slightly superior bandwidth, while HDMI is the more widely available format, more commonly found in consumer electronics such as the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and most major television brands.