DisplayPort Cable Types
DisplayPort cables are rated by bandwidth, not version number. VESA certifies three grades: DP8K (HBR3, 32.4 Gbps — covers 4K @ 144 Hz and 8K @ 60 Hz with compression), DP40 (UHBR10, 40 Gbps), and DP80 (UHBR20, 80 Gbps) for DisplayPort 2.1. For almost all current monitors a DP8K cable is enough; choose DP40/DP80 only for the newest ultra-high-refresh or 8K+ displays.
Just like HDMI, there is no such thing as a “DisplayPort 2.1 cable” by version. The cable only needs enough bandwidth (the DisplayPort link rate) to carry the signal your devices negotiate. See DisplayPort technology for the full version history.
DisplayPort cable certifications
| Certification | Link rate | Bandwidth | Handles up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard / RBR–HBR2 | up to HBR2 | 21.6 Gbps | 4K @ 60 Hz |
| DP8K | HBR3 | 32.4 Gbps | 4K @ 144 Hz / 8K @ 60 Hz (with DSC) |
| DP40 | UHBR10 | 40 Gbps | 4K @ 240 Hz / 8K (DisplayPort 2.1) |
| DP80 | UHBR20 | 80 Gbps | up to 16K @ 60 Hz with DSC (DisplayPort 2.1) |
Which DisplayPort cable do I need?
- 1080p or 1440p high-refresh, or 4K @ 60 Hz: any HBR2/HBR3 cable is fine; a DP8K cable guarantees it.
- 4K @ 120–144 Hz or 8K @ 60 Hz: use a DP8K-certified cable.
- DisplayPort 2.1 (UHBR) displays: use DP40 or DP80 to match the monitor's link rate.
- Long runs: see cable length limits — use an active or optical DisplayPort cable.
Mini DisplayPort carries the same signal in a smaller plug, so a Mini DP cable is equivalent. Comparing connectors? See HDMI vs DisplayPort. Shop DisplayPort cables.
DisplayPort cables: frequently asked questions
Do DisplayPort cables have versions?
No. Like HDMI, DisplayPort cables are rated by bandwidth, not version number. VESA certifies cables as DP8K (32.4 Gbps, HBR3), DP40 (40 Gbps, UHBR10), and DP80 (80 Gbps, UHBR20). A DP8K cable carries any DisplayPort 1.4 signal; DP40/DP80 are for DisplayPort 2.1.
Which DisplayPort cable do I need for 4K 144 Hz or 8K?
A DP8K-certified (HBR3, 32.4 Gbps) cable handles 4K at 120–144 Hz and 8K at 60 Hz with Display Stream Compression — enough for almost all current monitors. For DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR speeds, step up to a DP40 or DP80 cable.
What are HBR, HBR2, HBR3, and UHBR?
They are DisplayPort link rates. HBR = 10.8 Gbps, HBR2 = 21.6 Gbps, HBR3 = 32.4 Gbps (DisplayPort 1.4), and the UHBR rates (UHBR10, UHBR13.5, UHBR20) belong to DisplayPort 2.0/2.1, reaching up to 80 Gbps. Higher link rates allow higher resolution and refresh rate.
Is Mini DisplayPort different from DisplayPort?
Only the connector size differs. Mini DisplayPort carries the same signal as full-size DisplayPort, so a Mini DP to DisplayPort cable connects the two directly with no conversion. Mini DP is common on older laptops and some graphics cards.
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