Your monitor and graphics card probably have both HDMI and DisplayPort connectors, and it is tempting to grab whichever cable is in the box. But for high-refresh gaming the choice can decide whether you actually hit your monitor’s advertised numbers. Here is a clear, no-jargon guide to which cable to plug in and when it matters.
The short version
For a gaming PC driving a high-refresh monitor, DisplayPort is usually the better choice. It generally offers more bandwidth per version and fuller support for PC gaming features like variable refresh rate. HDMI is essential for TVs and consoles and has caught up a lot with HDMI 2.1, but on a desktop-to-monitor connection, DisplayPort is the default recommendation.
Why bandwidth matters
Higher resolution and refresh rate need more bandwidth. If a cable standard cannot carry enough, the monitor falls back to a lower refresh rate or resolution, and you silently lose the performance you paid for. This is the most common reason someone buys a 144Hz monitor but sees only 60Hz: wrong cable or wrong port.
Version-by-version capability
| Standard | Max bandwidth | Handles |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.0 | ~18 Gbps | 4K 60Hz, 1440p 144Hz |
| HDMI 2.1 | ~48 Gbps | 4K 120Hz+, 1440p 240Hz |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | ~26 Gbps | 4K 120Hz (with DSC), 1440p 165Hz |
| DisplayPort 2.1 | ~77 Gbps | 4K 240Hz, 8K, multiple high-refresh |
Notice it is the version, not just the connector type, that determines capability. An HDMI 2.1 port can outperform an older DisplayPort 1.2 port. Always check which version your monitor and GPU support, and use a certified cable rated for it, an uncertified or old cable can cap your bandwidth regardless of the ports.
Feature differences that matter for gaming
Variable refresh rate
Both standards now support adaptive sync (which reduces screen tearing), but DisplayPort has historically had the smoothest, most universal support on PC. If you use a variable-refresh monitor, DisplayPort is the safe path, though HDMI 2.1 also handles it well on modern hardware.
When to use HDMI instead
Use HDMI when connecting a console (which is HDMI-only), a TV, or when your monitor’s best port is HDMI 2.1 and your DisplayPort is an older version. For a PS5 or Xbox on a monitor, HDMI is your only option, and HDMI 2.1 is what unlocks 4K 120Hz on those consoles.
FAQ
Why is my 144Hz monitor stuck at 60Hz?
Almost always a cable or port issue: an old cable that cannot carry the bandwidth, plugging into a low-version port, or forgetting to select the higher refresh rate in your OS display settings. Swap to a certified DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 cable, use the highest-version port, and set the refresh rate manually in settings.
Does a more expensive cable improve image quality?
No. Digital signals either arrive intact or they do not, so a pricey cable will not look “sharper” than a correctly rated cheaper one. What matters is that the cable is certified for the bandwidth you need. Buy the right specification, not the most expensive option.
Does the cable length affect the signal?
For short desk runs under about 2 meters, quality is not an issue with any certified cable. Over longer distances, passive cables can start dropping high-bandwidth signals, causing flicker or a forced lower refresh rate. For runs beyond 3 meters at high resolution and refresh, use a certified active or fiber-optic cable rated for your target.
Bottom line
For a PC gaming monitor, default to DisplayPort for its bandwidth and variable-refresh support, but check versions, HDMI 2.1 can beat older DisplayPort. Use HDMI for consoles and TVs. Above all, use a certified cable rated for your target resolution and refresh rate, and set the refresh rate in your display settings so you actually get what your monitor can do.
